Back in August of 2022, I found myself googling ‘business retreats for entrepreneurs’ and ‘coworking retreats.’ I wasn’t quite sure what would pop up in the searches, or if such retreat was even a ‘thing.’
Fast forward to now and I have completed the application process for one company and I’m ready to meet with other remote workers and entrepreneurs in a beautiful new country.
In my extensive searches, I found various companies who offer this type of ‘working holiday.’
Let’s check out the top six business retreats for entrepreneurs.
What are business retreats for entrepreneurs?
Now this definition seems to differ between places, but for most, this is a trip where a group of remote workers or entrepreneurs come together to work, learn, and network.
This provides a change of scenery, which is often well-needed after staring at the same four walls constantly.
And besides – as an entrepreneur, you likely have a lot more flexibility than others, so it’s a good way to make use of this and step out of your comfort zone.
Being around a like-minded community is a great way to re-light that fire for your motivation and for re-assessing goals.
Many of these trips are tax deductible too – a major plus!
Business retreats for entrepreneurs:
The six below are the larger business retreats for entrepreneurs and remote workers, but there are other smaller ones set up more spontaneously.
I’ve found several within Facebook groups, just check the safety before signing up to any of the independent ones then you’re good to go!
Hackers Paradise
From Europe and South America to Asia and Africa, Hackers Paradise curates global tips for ‘remote workers with an adventurous spirit.’
They host a variety of trips – some of the 2023 ones include Medellin, Gran Canaria, and Antigua.
The team takes care of all the logistics and provides a ‘hand selected community’, full-time facilitators, a packed program, modern coworking space, and a private room with cleaning.
There is an application form to sign up to Hackers Paradise but it’s very simple. It includes a video call with a team before you can select your dream destination.
Unlike remote year schemes, the itineraries are flexible. You can visit for two weeks, a month, or 3-12 months.
Two weeks is roughly $1650, a month is $2290, and 3-12 months is $1890. It does not include flights.
To check out more about Hackers Paradise, visit their site here.
Wifly Nomads
This scheme is described as ‘a professional development training program showing you how to go remote.’
Not only will you learn how to land or work a remote job, but you’ll also join a community of like-minded people with a variety of engaging and interactive workshops available to attend.
You’ll also be able to learn from industry experts and get personalized support for your future career.
The programs are short in length at five days, but they’re packed full of knowledge and expertise.
It’s based in Bali and costs roughly $3,997.
To check out more from Wifly Nomads, visit their site here.
Unsettled
Home to a community of solo travelers who can work from anywhere, Unsettled has been curating coworking retreats since 2014.
There’s two-week trips and month-long ones too. 2023 trips include visiting Argentina, Bali, Thailand, and Tuscany.
Over 2500 people have joined Unsettled on their retreats in over 80+ countries. The community involves entrepreneurs, creatives, freelancers, artists, solopreneurs, and professionals of all backgrounds who are starting new ventures or growing new projects.
This has included CEOs, CMOs, CFOs, designers, coaches, illustrators, lawyers, architects, captains, scientists, marketers, painters, poets, and more.
For the adventurous amongst us, they do cool sailing trips too!
Check out Unsettled, here.
Outsite
Founded in 2015, Outsite focuses on helping flexible professionals to live and work in beautiful locations amongst interesting people.
They have 2,000+ members worldwide and rather than being tailored retreats they offer various locations to stay in across the USA, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
These coliving spaces include cozy bedrooms, reliable wifi, a work space with supplies, well-equipped kitchens, fresh towels, coffee and tea, contactless check-in, and 24/7 support.
For those who have already built a team, Outsite can help bring everyone together in a bespoke company retreat.
To check out what Outsite has to offer, click through to their website here.
Selina
With unique destinations around the world, Selina is open to digital nomads, travel-addicts, adventurous backpackers, or just those looking for paradise.
Similar to Outsite, they have various destinations for you to visit around the clock. It’s not specific retreats, but Selina provides you with incredible places to stay, travel, and work abroad.
With everything from being in the heart of urban cities to the depth of the Amazon Jungle, the possibilities are endless.
Prices depend on times and locations. If you’re looking for some inspo, some of the most popular Selina locations include St Kilda Melbourne, Tulum, Cancun Downtown, and Medellin.
Learn more here.
WiFi Tribe
Since 2016, WiFi Tribe has grown to a community of 1,000 remote professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs from 62 nationalities.
Each adventure is called a ‘chapter’ and you can choose between 4,6 and 8 week chapters based on what fits your schedule best.
Beyond the chosen date, there’s no specific set route so the journey is up to you. This means each trip is unique to that cohort, with activities planned as a community.
While the aim is to stay productive with work, they do recommend to live every free moment to the fullest. Work hard, play harder!
2023 destinations include Colombia, Oman, Cape Town, Brazil, and Mexia. They’ve also got a ski week.
To be a member of this curated community you must undergo an interview process. Their values include respect, humility, camaraderie, curiosity, passion, and inclusion.
Check out more from WiFi Tribe here.
Why working away on a business retreat can be beneficial
It’s easy to get stuck in a routine of working from your small home office and not speaking to a single human all day, or is that just me?
But working away means you’re more likely to interact with similar-minded people who you can bounce ideas off, network with, or simply exchange the typical water-cooler chat with.
As entrepreneurs work an average of 50.5 hours a week, higher than most full-time corporate workers, maintaining a good balance of work and relaxation is key. And what better way to do that than to be in a lush new destination that you’re itching to explore.
This mix-up in your working day could provide the much-needed inspiration you’ve been seeking.