Redefining the Corporate Retreat Centre (UK and London)
Elsewhere: On a mission to redefine the corporate retreat centre
The traditional concept of corporate retreats is undergoing a significant transformation. Nobody books in a corporate hotel for their family holiday, so why should your team get excited about the prospect of one?
Gone are the days of monotonous conference rooms and predictable team-building exercises. Modern organisations are seeking innovative, engaging, and meaningful experiences that foster genuine connections, creativity, and collaboration among team members. At the forefront of this evolution is Elsewhere, a company dedicated to redefining what a corporate retreat centre can be by offering unique, immersive experiences tailored to the needs of contemporary teams.
The Shift from Conventional to Inspirational Corporate Retreat Centre
Traditional corporate retreats often conjure images of sterile hotel ballrooms, generic catering, and uninspired activities. While these settings may have served their purpose in the past, they no longer align with the dynamic and diverse nature of today’s workforce. Employees crave environments that not only break the monotony of the office but also inspire and invigorate them. Recognising this shift, Elsewhere Offsites has pioneered a new approach to corporate retreats, focusing on creating experiences that are both memorable and impactful.
Unique Venues with Character and Charm
A key element that sets Elsewhere apart is our selection of distinctive venues, each chosen for its unique character and ability to facilitate both relaxation and productive collaboration. These venues are strategically located within two hours of London, ensuring accessibility without sacrificing the sense of escape.
The Olde Bell, Hurley: an historic building established in 1135 as the hostelry for Hurley Priory, making it one of the oldest inns in the world. Over the centuries, it expanded to include a tithe barn and dovecote. The inn is reputed to have a secret tunnel connecting it to the priory, allegedly used by John Lovelace during the Glorious Revolution in the 17th century. During World War II, it served as a meeting point for Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Its proximity to Pinewood Studios, attracted back in the day numerous film legends, including Mae West, Greta Garbo, Cary Grant, Errol Flynn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton.
Hill House Norfolk: Nestled in Norfolk, Hill House is a Tudor manor set within three acres of private grounds. This venue offers flexible accommodations, including rooms within the manor and additional en-suite rooms at a nearby country club. The setting is perfect for teams seeking a blend of historic charm and modern amenities.
By moving away from conventional hotel settings, Elsewhere provides environments that are not only functional but also rich in history and ambiance, fostering a deeper sense of connection and inspiration among team members.
Elsewhere: Redefining team building
Tailored Activities for Meaningful Team Building
Understanding that every team has its own dynamics and objectives, Elsewhere Offsites designs bespoke activities that go beyond traditional team-building exercises. These activities are crafted to strengthen bonds, enhance problem-solving skills, and inject an element of fun into the retreat experience.
Master Chef: Farmyard Edition: Teams engage in tasks such as milking cows, churning butter, driving tractors, collecting eggs, and even participating in goat yoga. This hands-on experience not only fosters teamwork but also provides a refreshing break from the norm.
Survive Amersham: Participants are equipped with CB radios and challenged to crack Morse code, build shelters, find and prepare food, light fires without matches, and create flags from bed sheets. This survival-themed activity encourages collaboration and strategic thinking in a fun and engaging environment.
Murder at Hill House: Teams don crime scene overalls and work together to solve a staged murder mystery. They must follow trails of evidence, analyse fingerprints, and interrogate suspects to uncover the culprit. This immersive experience enhances critical thinking and teamwork.
These innovative activities are designed to move beyond superficial team-building, offering experiences that are both enjoyable and beneficial for team cohesion and morale.
Seamless Planning and Execution
Organizing a corporate retreat can be a complex endeavor, but Elsewhere simplifies the process with a comprehensive, turnkey approach. From the initial consultation to the final farewell, a dedicated event manager collaborates closely with clients to ensure every detail aligns with the company’s goals and culture. This includes selecting the appropriate venue, coordinating transportation (including complimentary Land Rover pickups from nearby stations), arranging accommodations, and planning customized activities and dining experiences. This meticulous attention to detail allows organizations to focus on their retreat’s objectives without being burdened by logistical concerns.
Prioritising Wellness and Sustainability
In response to the growing emphasis on employee well-being and environmental responsibility, Elsewhere Offsites integrates wellness-focused activities and sustainable practices into their retreats. Options such as yoga sessions, mindfulness workshops, and nutritious dining choices are available to promote holistic health. Additionally, by selecting venues within two hours of London, Elsewhere minimises travel-related stress and environmental impact, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.
Proven Impact and Client Satisfaction
The effectiveness of Elsewhere’s approach is evident in the positive feedback from clients. For instance, a testimonial from Cochlear highlights the seamless organisation and engaging activities that characterised their retreat:
“Elsewhere doesn’t settle for mediocrity; they infuse corporate events with excitement and excellence. We have just returned from our second offsite team meeting which Darren and his team organised. Our first meeting took place at the charming Hill House incorporating glamping, the second unfolded in the picturesque town of Old Amersham. Darren and his team orchestrated fantastic team-building activities, integrating fresh ideas breaking away from an ordinary agenda.”
Such testimonials underscore the company’s dedication to delivering exceptional experiences that resonate with clients and their teams.
Time to go Elsewhere
Elsewhere Offsites is redefining the corporate retreat centre by moving beyond traditional models and crafting experiences that are immersive, personalised, and impactful. By focusing on unique venues, tailored activities, seamless planning, and a commitment to wellness and sustainability, Elsewhere creates retreats that not only meet but exceed the evolving expectations of modern organizations. For companies seeking to inspire their teams and foster meaningful growth, Elsewhere Offsites offers an unparalleled approach to corporate retreats.