Corporate retreats are a fantastic way for companies to reward dedicated employees after a long year. They can also aid with team building and social cohesion to strengthen the company dynamic even further. Planning a retreat requires some careful consideration.
Where do you want to go, and what team building activities should you offer? California is always a popular choice, specifically Santa Barbara. Why do so many people choose this location, and what can it offer?
Why Do So Many Companies Choose Retreats In California?
California is one of those states that people immediately want to escape to when planning corporate retreats – unless you’re already based in Pasadena or San Jose and want something else. It’s similar to Florida in the way it feels like another world compared to other regions. The long distance and change in time zone help.
There is an atmosphere and attitude you don’t see on the East Coast. It is that escapism that’s so important when choosing a corporate retreat. You can have team building activities during the year in the local woods or a social event downtown, but you’re not getting that far away from the office, the town, and all the clients and contacts within.
Flying out to California means you can draw a massive line between your team and the responsibilities back home. You can block out dates that provide an essential celebratory break after a big project and show your appreciation for all they’ve done.
Another reason that California gets the green light over other states is that it’s so diverse in terms of locations. No matter what sort of retreat you’re looking for, there’s somewhere in California that matches. Naturally, beach-themed corporate retreats are easy because of the vast California coastline. You can enjoy the scenery and fun team building activities from North to South, with many loving the chance to visit the Bay Area and Monterey. City breaks are also easy with different cities with vastly different identities.
Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco couldn’t be more different in their vibe and opportunities for activities. They’re all pretty easy to fly to, as well. Away from the cities and coasts, there are also desert retreats, lakeside adventures, and trips to California’s wine country. Palm Springs, Lake Tahoe, and Napa all have their individual charms.
Why Santa Barbara?
So why Santa Barbara specifically? What makes this destination so much more appealing than all the others? Well, many will do so because it offers such a strong blend of all those different sides of California. There is a little bit of something for everyone, making it more likely to appease a large group of employees.
It has the laid-back Californian atmosphere that is essential after a long business quarter, but there is still a vibrancy that gives it that extra spark. The beautiful urban center of Santa Barbara is the ideal central point for activities and social get-togethers between the countryside and the coast. It feels like a little paradise retreat away from the hectic world but is still easily accessible from Los Angeles for those traveling from out of state.
Those beautiful contrasting landscapes on either side of Santa Barbara are home to a wide range of team building activities. Your corporate retreat planners can help you find options that suit your team’s needs and help bring them together. Up in the wilder side of California, there are plenty of opportunities for nature hikes and guided expeditions on the trails. Some are more laid back, with guests enjoying the scenery at their own pace, and others more challenging, with rope trails.
Companies that book a Santa Barbara retreat further inland will have this close to their accommodation to immerse themselves in nature. There’s also the chance to venture a little further into wine country for a tour.
Down on the coastline, there is no shortage of additional activities for your team. This part of the coastline is stunning with its natural landscape and beautiful beaches. It has that undeniable Californian charm without the overwhelming feel of somewhere like Venice Beach. Those clean sands are perfect for some team sports, and you can create a little company sports day with races, volleyball, and anything else that comes to mind.
You can also give employees the chance to go onto the water with guided activities they might not have tried before. Paddle Boarding and windsurfing can be exhilarating new experiences for successful leaders who don’t get out of the Midwest that often. Also, retreat planners can set you up with boat tours that explore the area further and allow for wildlife-watching opportunities. This coastline is beloved by migrating whales, so you might get lucky.
Finally, don’t forget about all of the cultural team building activities in Santa Barbara. For some, this might mean little more than group drinks in a local bar listening to local music. That’s a great way to unwind after a long day of team challenges. However, there are more activities you can book to help them make even more memories.
Look at some of the various workshops where employees can get hands-on with local crafts or cooking experiences. Don’t forget that Santa Barbara still has a strong Spanish influence, so why not take advantage of this and learn something at the same time?
Plan The Perfect Santa Barbara Retreat With A Corporate Retreat Planner
Santa Barbara really does have it all with its fantastic scenery, culture, atmosphere, and brilliant team building activities. Still, it can be overwhelming trying to plan the best itinerary for these Californian adventures on your own. That’s why it’s so important to bring in a skilled corporate retreat planner.
They can help you find interesting group activities, tours, and workshops to build a diverse and exciting program for your team. With their help, this trip will be something every member of your team can use as an incentive to complete their projects and targets. They will be counting down the days anticipating their well-earned break on the Santa Barbara shore.
