Nadia Kentera, Director, KE Creative Events
Now I’m not talking going back to homes, bunkering down for another lock-down. We’ve all been there, done that!
The year of the pandemic is behind us and finally we are starting to see brighter signs for the coming year. Business confidence is now on the rise, work-places are slowly coming back together and trying to navigate their way successfully once more in what is labelled the new normal world in which we live in.
It’s more important than ever to bring your teams together, to re-acquaint themselves, understand where the business is currently at, where it needs to be and how you will all work towards achieving those objectives in the coming year and in doing so give them that much-needed boost!
One of the best forms of this is at a retreat. Re-grouping off-site for a strategy retreat, over two days to solely focus on the business, and direction to plan the way forward is exactly what businesses need.
By taking staff out of their comfort zone, provides them with a fresh perspective, enables them to exercise their minds by being more creative and stimulate new ideas and engagement for the business.
There is also a big emphasis on building stronger ties with your colleagues, opportunities for team building within the local region, not to mention easy access to great local produce to enhance the offering.Â
Associations should also think about Retreats as a way of bringing members together that want to engage solely on the issues at hand facing their industry with a Chatham House Rules approach.  There’s also the financial gain to be had.  Think about bringing on board a few exclusive sponsors so that they have exposure to the decision makers, to form new connections and  strengthen existing relationships in a relaxed social setting.
Our KE Creators are working with some Association clients and have introduced this new concept to their membership offering.  We have pulled together Retreat Programs, by locating the right venue, whether it is luxurious or more practical, and found the perfect balance between learning, networking, wellness and exclusive time for partners to engage and form meaningful relationships with the attendees.
Now more than ever, our hotel partners are providing flexible terms, and with smaller groups at a local level, it makes it even less of a risk to manage and commit to.
Contact us if you would like us to provide you with a Retreat Program for your corporate team or Association offering.Â
Some of our favourites include:
The Anchorage – Port Stephens, NSW
The Anchorage offers luxurious absolute waterfront accommodation, 5 star meeting, event and conference facilities, along with world-class Spa Lucca, heated adult only pool, and decadent dining options with its recently named Best Seafood Restaurant in Regional NSW.
The Mansion at Werribee Park, VIC
Quite literally one of the grandest hotels in Australia. Featuring the choice of 9 meeting spaces,  quality service and luxurious guest rooms.Â
From the moment you arrive you’ll sense this place is special – almost spiritual. It is a world apart from anywhere else, where you are spoilt for choice and free to indulge. Relax over a delicious meal and fine wine; enjoy the spa area or explore the 10 acres of formal English gardents.Â
The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
QLD is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, sparkling saltwater lagoons, and an 18-hole golf course. Situated between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, the latter is an extraordinary wonderland dating tens of millions of years older than the Amazon waiting to be explored.Â
Wolgan Valley, NSW
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is a luxurious secluded haven, nestled in the Greater Blue Mountains. Where you can return to life’s original pleasures – relaxing, exploring, celebrating, and playing – all in the vast Wolgan Valley where unrivalled space, privacy, and comfort await.
Lancemore Lindenderry at Red Hill, VIC
in the very heart of Red Hill amongst 34 stunning acres of gardens and vines, the luxury 40-room boutique hotel is ideally positioned to soak up the spectacular Mornington Peninsula: pure-sand beaches, soul-enriching nature, artisan produce and mere minutes from the region’s most revered cool climate wineries.
The Tasman, TAS
Opening just in time for summer 2021, The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart, is the epitome of elegance and sophistication. Set in the heart of Tasmania’s capital, inspiration surrounds the destination with its breath-taking scenery and culture and reimagined hotel interiors.