7 New England Team Building Retreats Your Employees Will Actually Enjoy

Time to put an office theory to bed — team building retreats aren’t always made up of dull presentations and eye rolls. Don’t believe it? Set aside the trust falls and icebreaker games and put your team-wide confidence in one of these New England team building destinations.

                                                    Work Retreat Stay Options

7 New England Destinations Perfect for Team Building Retreats

Race Brook Lodge in Sheffield, Massachusetts 

An environment that invites you to relax in nature can do wonders for those brainstorm meetings — just ask the folks at Race Brook Lodge. In collaboration with Berkshire Corporate Retreats, the lodge hosts custom-curated corporate retreats that balance fun activities with facilitated discussions and workshops in a far-from-stuffy setting. Themed retreat itineraries can range from activity-focused “Team Building and Fun” to program-based “Diversity and Inclusion.”

York Harbor Inn in York Harbor, Maine

Breathe in that brisk ocean air on a retreat to Maine’s York Harbor Inn. Inn experts are at-the-ready to help groups wade through (and personalize) team activities like group fishing, boating, and seaside sightseeing. Bonding time extends past the pre-planned itinerary, though, as this unique escape gives groups the chance to take over an entire inn. Instead of reserving a block of rooms, how ‘bout bringing the crew to one of two on-site properties with seven rooms apiece, plus meeting spaces?

Basin Harbor in Vergennes, Vermont

Does your company have what it takes to stand the test of time? Bring everyone out for a visit to Basin Harbor and get some pointers — this historic family owned and operated hotel has been going strong for over a century. Its location on 700 acres along Lake Champlain offers an opportune spot to hone those teamwork skills during a boat race, or to simply unwind with some yoga on the docks. No matter what goals you set for your outing, Basin Harbor has professional team building and event services staff standing by to help you reach them.

Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa in Stowe, Vermont

All the ingredients to the perfect team building retreat can be found in northern Vermont’s Stoweflake Mountain Resort — whether your group enrolls in local cooking classes or not. Stoweflake’s professional team coordinators always aim to give your group an unforgettable experience, with options ranging from meditation sessions to thrilling dog sledding excursions. It doesn’t hurt that some of the state’s most noteworthy tastemakers are all within easy reach, either. Between visiting a local glassblowing studio and trying Ben & Jerry’s samples straight from the source, steering your team toward Stowe is a surefire way to head home feeling inspired.

Mirbeau Inn & Spa at The Pinehills in Plymouth, Massachusetts

The options are endless for team building retreats at Plymouth’s Mirbeau Inn & Spa. The 50-room French chateau sparks inspiration as is, and the property partners with a handful of local businesses to bring forth experiences like no other. Teach the team how to craft the perfect cocktail with Mirbeau's on-site mixologists or enter a bake-off with a cupcake war led by the in-house pastry chef. For the artistic group, an evening of cocktail glasses and paint canvases may do the trick, while an outdoorsy bunch can set off on a deep sea fishing trip or a mountain biking excursion. By the time you return home, every colleague will describe the retreat as a crowd pleaser.

Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport, Maine

For the hardworking group that needs some much-deserved R&R, Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport is the spot for serenity. Set among 60 acres of birch forest, the property features beautifully decorated cottages and bungalows alongside a grand, light-filled Event Barn and an on-site farm-to-table restaurant. Activity options include morning yoga, cruiser bike tours of nearby Goose Rocks Beach, and even watercolor lessons and mixology classes. Teams can get their hands dirty with a gardening workshop, take to the water on a kayaking excursion, or set off on a trolley tour of Kennebunkport. At the end of the day, unwind and reflect on the day’s lessons with nightcaps around a crackling bonfire.

The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts

Meeting the needs of both traditional and non-traditional team building retreats, the folks at the Porches Inn in North Adams provide plenty of space for the serious and the silly. The property works with a handful of local professionals to plan constructive group getaways, and companies even have the option of bringing their own coordinator along. To take advantage of the Berkshire’s adventurous side, consider a day at Ramblewild, a tree-to-tree adventure obstacle course that puts critical thinking and teamwork at the forefront. Spending a day exploring the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) is also as tempting as it is convenient, considering the massive museum is just across the street. From meditative musings to adventurous outings, use theseNew England team building retreats as the starting point for your next big company getaway. For even more ways to dazzle your dynamic group, use our meetings page to plan corporate to casual events (with the best accommodations built right into the program).