Corporate retreats are designed for boards, executives, leadership teams and/or staff to designate time to reflect upon what happened the year before and to find a direction and vision for the year/s ahead. They are such a powerful tool and an increasingly crucial part of the business for developing and/or confirming strategy and culture as well as improving teamwork, cohesiveness and efficiency.
Given the disruption COVID-19 has had on many businesses, once the government has lifted the isolation restrictions, how will you reenergise and redevelop these working relationships?
Getting away from the office environment to refocus on business priorities and goals, distance themselves from the realities and challenges of their day-to-day working life is essential to sustain increased productivity. Typically held on an annual basis for a 2-5 day duration, the right destination, venue and experiences for your audience is critical for stimulation and inspiration.
With so much to consider, where do you start? We’ve handpicked a collection of the key corporate retreat destinations in Australia and New Zealand, in this four-part series we will explore the very best of what New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and New Zealand have to offer.
Let’s Explore Corporate Retreats in New South Wales
New South Wales is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and spectacular scenery. With just under two-thirds of the state's population living in Sydney, there is a vast selection of coastal, country and wine destinations within a few hours drive of Sydney’s CBD. Here’s our recommendations for New South Wales.
BLUE MOUNTAINS REGION
REGION IS KNOWN FOR // One of the State’s most spectacular natural wonder which sits on the edge of Sydney. The World Heritage listed destination has an abundant natural beauty ad offer a range of outdoor activities. Featuring the Three Sisters rock formation and an amazing geological landmark on the north escarpment of the Jamison Valley which is covered in rich Australian bushland.
LOCATION // 1.5 hours’ drive from the Sydney CBD
HOW TO GET THERE // Car, coach, or helicopter from Sydney
KEY ACTIVITIES // Wellness experiences, guided walks & trail runs through the bushland, golf, tree planting team building activities, rock climbing & abseiling, Scenic World and explore the natural beauty of the Jenolan Caves, Three Sisters, Leura and Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens.
KEY VENUES WITH ONSITE ACCOMMODATION //
Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley
Wolgan Valley, Greater Blue Mountains. 2.5 hours’ drive North West of Sydney
Part of the Luxury Lodges of Australia
Ideal for up to 40 guests
An ultra-luxury conservation-led 5 star resort located on 7,000 acres of nature reserve and is the ultimate retreat experience. This stunning property features 40 freestanding private villas each with its own swimming pool, double sided fireplace, and private verandah. The resort has an onsite fine dining restaurant, day spa, Wolgan Wine Cellar and experience onsite 4WD wildlife safaris, horse riding, archery, bushwalking, mountain biking, whip Cracking and ‘Stockman’s Welcome’ Style experience. With 3 meeting rooms with the capacity up to 40 guests cabaret style or up to 24 guests boardroom style.
Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel
Leura, Blue Mountains
Ideal for small to large guest numbers
A 4 star retreat featuring 222 guest rooms with a contemporary design style & elegantly appointed interior with either panoramic views of the Jamison Valley or the manicured gardens and grounds. Boasting a selection of 5 onsite restaurants, Ubika Day Spa with 16 treatment rooms, indoor & outdoor pools, billiards room, basketball and tennis courts. Team building group activities include tree planting, wellness & spa journeys, Segway tours and climbing adventure experience. With 18 function and meeting rooms, with the largest capacity catering for up to 416 guests cabaret style within the Grand Ballroom, a cinema style auditorium for up to 128 guests and a boardroom, catering for up to 42 guests.
Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
Katoomba, Blue Mountains
Ideal for small to medium guest numbers
A multi award winning 5 star luxury resort situated within the grounds of the historic homestead and original summer residence of Sir Frederick Darley, the sixth Chief Justice of NSW. The 85 rooms and suites are uniquely themed with sumptuous silk and organza fabrics along with hand crafted wallpaper. Boasting a 13 metre heated outdoor infinity pool with views overlooking Jamison Valley and a 10 metre indoor heated pool, sauna and spa. The resort has a selection of 5 onsite restaurants including multi-award winning Hatted Darley’s Restaurant & Bar and a private dining room for 15 guests, also featuring a floodlit tennis court, mountain bike hire, day spa with 4 treatment rooms. Together with 4 function and meeting rooms, with the largest capacity catering for up to 72 guests cabaret style within the Banksia Room and a boardroom, catering for up to 39 guests.
PROTIP: Invest in a good facilitator. A great facilitator can ensure the attendees time is utilised more efficiently and effectively. The facilitator which can be internal or external to the company, guides a discussion of the topics laid out in the agenda and more importantly, will make sure it’s an open platform and everyone’s voice is heard equally.
HUNTER VALLEY
REGION IS KNOWN FOR // Australia’s best known and oldest wine region, where they’ve been producing world-famous wine for more than 180 years. With 120 wineries in the region, known for varietals such as Semillon and Shiraz including world-renowned brands and family-run boutique operations.
LOCATION // 2.5 hours drive north of Sydney
HOW TO GET THERE // Car, coach or helicopter transfer from Sydney or flight option to Newcastle airport then 1 hour transfer to Hunter Valley.
KEY ACTIVITIES // Small group winery and distillery tours, wine and cheese tastings, fine dining, chefs table and degustation experiences, golf, aqua golf and putt-putt, bushwalks, horse riding, helicopter and hot air balloon rides, visit the Hunter Valley Garden or the Hunter Valley Zoo and enjoy a hands-on interactive animal experience.
KEY VENUES WITH ONSITE ACCOMMODATION //
Chateau Elan at The Vintage
Rothbury, Hunter Valley
Ideal for small to medium guest numbers
A 5 star stunning golf and spa resort this property is truly something special, featuring 100 guest rooms overlooking “The Vintage” fairways, Greg Norman-designed golf 18 hole golf course. Onsite features include award-winning day spa with 20 treatment rooms, Hydrotherapy lounge and two hot salt water 'thalassotherapy' outdoor hot tubs, a swimming pool, outdoor lawn areas for team building activities. The onsite a modern Australia, la carte style restaurant serves locally sourced produce & wines, also offering a wine lounge bar with an extensive, wine list and a private dining room for up to 14 guests. With 5 event and meeting rooms catering for up to 90 guests cabaret style for larger retreats or 27 guests within the Barrington Room, boardroom style.
The Convent Hunter Valley
Pokolbin, Hunter Valley
Ideal for up to 19 guests
A former home to the Brigidine Order of Nuns, the 4.5 star boutique guest house has 19 guestrooms and suites in the comforts of a grand manor house with an award winning onsite hatted restaurant – Circa 1879 or alternatively dine in Restaurant Eighty Eight located in the Convent. Team building group activities include onsite Pepper Tree Winery and cellar door, tennis courts, lawn bowls, bike hire and outdoor swimming pool for relaxation. With 3 meeting rooms, with the largest capacity catering for up to 104 guests cabaret style in the Grand Marquee and a purpose-built Brigidine room catering for 20 guests boardroom style.
Spicers Guesthouse
Pokolbin, Hunter Valley
Ideal for up to 45 guests
A 5 star luxury retreat featuring 45 guest rooms, a 4 bedroom cottage and 12 suites with spa facilities in neighbouring Spicers Vineyards Estate offing a real a sense of relaxed luxury. The property spans across 40 acres of grounds overlooking the surrounding mountain ranges and neighbouring vineyards. Featuring an onsite contemporary Italian style menu, private dining room, Spa Anise day spa, swimming pool and heated spa. With a combined 5 meeting rooms across the two properties catering for up to 80 guests cabaret style and a boardroom catering for up to 50 guests.
SOUTH COAST
REGION IS KNOWN FOR // The NSW south coast starts from the south of Sydney's Royal National Park to Eden near the Victorian border. It has an abundance of spectacular coastline and wilderness, dotted with little seaside and hinterland townships, known for their fine food and wines, golf and markets.
LOCATION // 2-3 hours drive south of Sydney
HOW TO GET THERE // Car, coach, or helicopter from Sydney
KEY ACTIVITIES // Freshly shucked oysters on Australia’s Oyster Coast, coastal and trail walks, surf lessons, dolphin watch cruises, kayaking & cruising, horse riding and Jamberoo action park and adventure tours.
KEY VENUES WITH ONSITE ACCOMMODATION //
Bangalay Luxury Villas
Shoalhaven Heads
Ideal for up to 16 guests
Located on the footsteps of Seven Mile Beach, this 4 star modern and stylishly appointed retreat has 16 private luxury villas all with golf course or garden views, a fireplace and a sun filled north facing deck. The location is a short 40-metre stroll from Seven Mile Beach at Shoalhaven Heads and includes an on-site fine dining restaurant, swimming pool, golf course next door, on site yoga sessions, in room massage, spa and beauty treatments, foraging and scenic winery tours, farm gate trails and local horse riding school. With a stunning dining/ meeting room catering for up to 16 guests, boardroom style.
Bannisters By the Sea
Mollymook Beach, Shoalhaven. 3 hours drive south of Sydney.
Ideal for up to 32 guests
A ultra-luxury 5 star hotel perched clifftop with uninterrupted ocean views, Bannisters by the Sea has 34 luxurious suites, each featuring a private balcony to take in superb coastal vistas. Featuring onsite Award-winning dining venues, including the iconic Australian fine dining seafood restaurant Rick Stein at Bannisters Restaurant, casual dining at the pool bar, day spa included a hammam steam room, swimming pool. With 2 meeting rooms catering for up to 32 guests cabaret style and a Boardroom catering for up to 24 guests.
Willinga Park
Bawley Point, Shoalhaven.
3.5 hours drive from the Sydney CBD
Ideal for up to 16 guests
Opened in November 2019, this property is Australia's newest equine facility set on 2000 acres and has 16 freestanding self-contained pavilions. Key features include a heated swimming pool, an alfresco dining and barbeque area for a more relaxing experience. Utilising the facilities within the equestrian centre, guests can enjoy dressage or camp draft demonstrations within the show ring or experience onsite horse riding. With a purpose built, 350 sqm conference hall catering up to 160 guests cabaret style and a boardroom, catering for up to 20 guests with superior AV facilities, this location is truly something special.
RETREAT A LITTLE CLOSER TO THE OFFICE
The William Inglis Hotel - MGallery by Sofitel
The Riverside Stables, Warwick Farm.
40 minutes drive south-west from the Sydney CBD
Ideal for up to small to large guests numbers
Celebrating Australia’s rich thoroughbred racing history, The William Inglis is a boutique equine themed 5 star hotel located in the south-west of Sydney. The 144 uniquely themed rooms and suites, offering rural charm, refined luxury and modern convenience. Key features include all day dining options within the Newmarket Room Restaurant, whisky and wine lounge bar and alfresco dining, also includes a rooftop infinity pool and bar overlooking the Warwick Farm race track. The property also boasts a Talisa day spa with five treatment rooms. Maximise your time there and watch the horses train at dawn from the rooftop pool deck or take a tour of the onsite Inglis stables – bookings essential. With 23 function and meeting rooms in total, the largest capacity caters for up to 480 cabaret style within the Inglis Arena and 25 guests within the boardroom.
Planning a corporate retreat can be overwhelming. It’s not just about selecting the right destination for your audience, it’s also all those touch points that make it memorable experience. Key Society is continually exploring new concepts and interesting corporate retreat destinations and experiences that are both unique and offer something special for our clients. We will work with you to explore, curate, and confirm the most suitable destination for your corporate retreat.
States and territories have individual quarantine arrangements, social distancing and safety practices in place to stop the spread of covid-19. We are working together with resorts, retreats and other accommodation providers to find solutions as we navigate our way through this time and prepare for the different stages of government restrictions. It is essential to take this into account when planning a corporate retreat. The NSW government has continued to ease the state's social distancing restrictions, announcing that NSW residents will be able to travel within the state for a holiday, getaway or trip As of 1 June 2020.
ABOUT KEY SOCIETY
Key Society offers customised venue sourcing and event management solutions to accommodate a vast range of corporate events. By providing complete planning and service coordination from conception to delivery. Your vision is at the very heart of everything we do. Through open dialog and collaboration, we can ensure that your audience understands your brand story and the bespoke and authentic event will leave your delegates with an unforgettable experience.
Natalie Young – Key Society
0410 419 904