In an era of relentless change, the C-suite retreat has evolved from a simple off-site meeting into a critical strategic tool. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind, realign on a shared vision, and set the course for the future. But the most transformative retreats don’t happen in a generic boardroom. They unfold in places that resonate with a company’s core mission—its fundamental “why.” The right environment doesn’t just host your team; it amplifies your purpose.
For 2026, consider moving beyond the conventional and choosing a destination that embodies your company’s ethos. Whether you’re inventing the future, protecting the planet, empowering wellness, telling powerful stories, or building a lasting empire, there is a place that can serve as both a sanctuary and a catalyst. This guide matches your mission to a destination designed to inspire your next chapter.
The Carmel Valley Ranch in Carmel, California
FOR THE DISRUPTOR: IF YOUR MISSION IS TO INVENT THE FUTURE
Disruption requires a break from the status quo. To invent what’s next, leadership teams need environments that eliminate noise, foster creativity, and provide a blank canvas for groundbreaking thought.
Imagine your team’s next big idea emerging not in a boardroom, but in the quiet expanse of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Horse Shoe Farm is an 85-acre sanctuary outside Asheville dedicated to helping leaders reconnect with their vision. This former cattle farm invites teams into restored cottages filled with unique art. Strategic breakthroughs are cultivated through grounding experiences inspired by Appalachian and Cherokee culture, from farm-to-table meals and meditations in a converted silo to powerful sweat-lodge ceremonies. By trading digital noise for the farm’s soulful energy, leadership teams discover the deep focus needed to cultivate groundbreaking ideas.
True disruption requires a complete break from the known. Canouan Island, a jewel in the Grenadines, offers pristine isolation where the blueprint for the future can come into focus. The journey is frictionless, with private jet access to the island. A C-suite team can rent a private villa at Canouan Estate Resort & Villas as a secluded command center for strategic thought. From here, an “invisible key” grants the entire team access to every facility across the island’s three luxury hotels, including Soho Beach House and Mandarin Oriental, Canouan. This transforms the island into a private campus, allowing brainstorming to flow seamlessly from a villa to a mountain hike to an exquisite sea-to-table dinner.
For innovators in the Bay Area, the next big idea is a picturesque drive away. Carmel Valley Ranch offers a 500-acre “sophisticated playground” that inspires creativity and connection. Leaders can trade the urban grind for hands-on experiences like beekeeping and guided hikes, allowing them to fully disconnect and gain a fresh perspective. It’s the perfect retreat for companies whose mission is to invent the future by stepping away from the noise and into nature.
The Prince Waikiki Resort in Honolulu, Hawaii
FOR THE STEWARD: IF YOUR MISSION IS TO PROTECT THE PLANET
For leadership teams committed to environmental responsibility, a retreat should reflect their values. These destinations lead by example, integrating sustainability into every facet of the experience.
Set in the rolling hills of Tennessee, Southall is a luxury resort and working farm with a deep reverence for the land. Its philosophy of stewardship is integrated into every aspect of the guest experience, from its biodynamic farm and regenerative agricultural practices to its advanced water reclamation and geothermal energy systems. A retreat here allows leaders to connect with the land through orchard tours and beekeeping, while a “seed-to-fork” culinary program highlights the resort’s commitment to sustainability. Southall’s dedication to leaving the land better than it was found makes it an inspiring backdrop for any team looking to make a positive impact.
Located steps from Looking Glass Arch, ULUM immerses leaders in Utah’s red rock landscape with elevated accommodations that balance luxury with a deep connection to the outdoors. The property was developed with a mindful approach to sustainability and a design that flows naturally with the topography. It features EV chargers, furnishings made from recycled materials, and International Dark Sky standards to preserve the breathtaking night sky. Through a partnership with The Nature Conservancy, ULUM also supports conservation initiatives, offering companies a way to integrate purpose-driven action into their retreat.
Prince Waikiki offers a retreat where modern luxury and a mission to protect the planet converge. As Waikiki’s only all-ocean-view hotel, every room provides an inspiring Pacific backdrop. The experience is underpinned by a profound commitment to place: Through The Prince Commitment, a portion of each stay directly funds local environmental and community nonprofits. This holistic ethos extends to mentoring local youth and a full-circle food sustainability program, ensuring leadership teams can recharge while actively supporting a partner that embodies deep social and environmental responsibility.
The Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill, New York
FOR THE WELLNESS ADVOCATE: IF YOUR MISSION IS TO EMPOWER HEALTHIER LIVES
When your company’s purpose is to improve well-being, your leadership retreat should be a sanctuary of rejuvenation. These destinations are designed to restore body and mind, allowing your team to lead from a place of balance.
La Samanna offers a sanctuary for rejuvenation in the Caribbean. Its Mediterranean-inspired spa features open-air treatment rooms with access to a tranquil Zen garden. Wellness offerings here embrace both cutting-edge practices like magnetic bioresonance and time-honored techniques such as Kundalini meditation. For ultimate privacy, groups can book luxurious three- and four-bedroom Signature Villas with private pools. With daily yoga, Pilates, and ocean excursions, La Samanna creates an environment where guests can nurture body and mind.
This 12-room wellness destination in the Hamptons offers a holistic, educational setting for intimate groups. Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi—the beauty of impermanence and simplicity—Shou Sugi Ban House is a sanctuary for quiet transformation. The architecture and landscape design create a harmonious and restorative environment. The property also offers hands-on workshops on topics like fermented foods and juicing, encouraging guests to better understand their bodies and reshape their approach to wellness.
Situated in Sedona’s iconic Boynton Canyon, Mii amo is the ultimate zen retreat. This acclaimed destination spa reopened in 2023 after a $40 million renewal. For 20 years, Mii amo has inspired guests to journey within and find a connection with nature. The all-inclusive spa offers three-, fou-r, seven-, and 10-night “Journeys” that include one-of-a-kind services, from massages based on celestial cycles to “Energy and Spirit” programming like astrology readings and past-life regression.
27 North in Healdsburg, California
FOR THE STORYTELLER: IF YOUR MISSION IS TO CREATE AND INSPIRE
Companies built on creativity and narrative need a backdrop with a story of its own. These venues are rich in character and culture, providing the perfect setting to craft your company’s next chapter.
Just steps from the Healdsburg Plaza, 27 North is a 16-room boutique hotel with spirited energy and experience-driven design. Reborn in July 2025, the property is anchored by Arandas, a stylish Mexican restaurant, and features immersive music and culinary programming. For exclusive retreats, The Studio boardroom can be paired with a buyout of the 16 guest rooms. The walnut-paneled library is ideal for intimate gatherings, while Arandas provides a vibrant backdrop for larger company celebrations.
Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel
Authentic and intimate, this Belmond hotel is arrayed across six restored heritage mansions in the heart of San Miguel de Allende. Mexican heritage is woven into every detail, from stucco walls to sublime cuisine. Shaded courtyards, trickling fountains, and wood-beamed ceilings create a magical sanctuary. A haven of color and culture, guests can experience artist residencies, pioneering gastronomy, and botanical wellness. Here, corridors echo with history, offering endless inspiration.
For an intimate leadership team, the 12-room Washington School House offers a luxury retreat that feels like a beautiful private home. A full buyout accommodates up to 34 people, providing unparalleled privacy and personalized service from a 24-hour concierge and private chef. The hotel team can tailor off-site activities like fly-fishing, skiing, or hiking to inspire team bonding. Located just 25 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, it’s an effortless and deeply connective escape.
Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California
FOR THE EMPIRE BUILDER: IF YOUR MISSION IS TO FORGE A LEGACY
Building an empire requires thinking in decades, not quarters. A C-suite dedicated to an enduring legacy needs a setting that echoes that ambition—a place steeped in history, defined by grand vision, and built to last.
A National Historic Landmark from 1888, “The Del” recently completed a transformative, $550 million reimagination. This San Diego-area icon is a living testament to grand vision and permanence. While its Victorian ballrooms are legendary, the true work of an empire can be forged in the Power Plant. This historic brick building, which once powered all of Coronado, is now an exclusive venue with exposed brick and soaring ceilings—the ultimate “engine room” for a C-suite to craft its own legacy.
Known as the “White Castle in the Hills,” the Claremont has been an iconic landmark perched above the East Bay since 1915. With restored guest rooms, an award-winning spa, and breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay, the resort is a picturesque representation of California luxury. The legendary private members club and versatile event spaces have made it a vibrant social hub for over a century, offering a setting with a legacy as expansive as your own ambitions.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is an icon of Florida’s Paradise Coast. A premier meeting destination, it features over 78,000 square feet of event space, including a ballroom that seats 1,000 guests. The resort’s legacy of excellence, combined with unique Impact Experiences that benefit the local community, ensures every corporate getaway is a meaningful contribution to a rich history—a fitting place for a team focused on building its own.
