Remote, hybrid, spread across countries and time zones – today’s teams work very differently than just a few years ago. That’s why it’s more important than ever to consciously create space for real connection. But what suits your team better: a workation or a retreat?
In this article, we explain the differences, offer guidance for choosing the right format and show how to combine both in a smart way.
Workation – Where Productivity Meets a Change of Scenery
During a workation, your laptop stays open but the setting is far from ordinary. You work as usual, but with a sea view, mountain air or urban flair. Co-working in the morning, shared experiences in the afternoon.
Ideal for:
- Remote teams that want to meet in person during regular work phases
- Startups and tech teams with flexible, location-independent workflows
- Project-based teams needing focused time with team bonding
Goal: Enhance day-to-day collaboration, strengthen team spirit in a productive context
Duration: typically 5 to 10 days
Bonus: Many workations also serve as a light form of incentive trip
Retreat – When It’s Time to Zoom Out
A retreat is more than a time-out. It’s a dedicated space to reflect on how you work together. You work on your team dynamics, values, roles, strategies or shared vision.
Best for:
- Teams going through change (new leadership, growth, reorganization)
- Groups looking to realign or reconnect
- Teams needing clarity, inspiration, or emotional reset
Goal: Build trust, find focus, create alignment
Structure: Reflection, guided workshops, shared experiences, time in nature
Setting: calm, distraction-free and inspiring
When to Choose What – and How to Combine Both
Not sure what format suits your team right now? Here’s a simple guide:
- New team constellation – Retreat
- Intense project phase – Workation
- Realignment on values or strategy – Retreat
- Reconnecting in day-to-day work – Workation
- Fostering creativity and innovation – Workation with retreat elements
Hybrid Formats: Workshop + Off-Day + Experience
The best retreats are often the ones that blend formats smartly. Here are a few real examples:
- Morning workshop, afternoon outdoor activity
- Two focused workdays followed by a free exploration day
- Strategy sessions combined with a slow food cooking experience
These setups don’t just deliver content, they create emotion and memory.
Why Many Teams Choose the Wrong Format
When planning their first offsite, many teams jump into the decision: Workation or retreat? Often, they just book something nice with Wi-Fi but without clear goals, the impact falls short.
- A workation overloaded with workshops becomes an exhausting work trip
- A retreat without structure feels like unproductive downtime
Our tip: Start with your real team needs, then build the format around them. Yes, plans can adapt along the way but clarity from the beginning is key.
Real-Life Examples from Our Clients
Here are a few retreat and workation formats we’ve created at Team Retreats:
“Vision Reset” Retreat for a startup after Series A funding
→ 3 days in Portugal with coaching, evening fireside talks, and a private retreat house by the ocean
“Deep Work & Teamflow” Workation for a distributed development team
→ 5 days on Mallorca with productive mornings, tapas tours in the afternoon, and optional journaling evenings
“Purpose & Process” Retreat for an NGO
→ 4 slow-paced days in Southern France with value alignment, a cooking class and time to reflect
“Culture & Cuisine” Retreat for an international communications team
→ 5-day retreat in Tuscany with facilitated future vision workshops, olive harvesting, a pasta-making session with an Italian nonna, and sunset wine tastings among the vineyards
The takeaway: There’s no one-size-fits-all. But there is a perfect fit for your team and we’re here to help you find it.
Why Plan with Team Retreats
A truly effective retreat doesn’t happen by accident. It takes experience, empathy, and the right local partners.
What we offer:
- Personal consultation instead of off-the-shelf offers
- Handpicked locations
- Flexible concepts for small teams, large groups, or rotating attendance – On-site support if needed – or a full-service experience
Want your retreat to make a real impact? Let’s talk.👉 Book your free consultation today!
