We’re halfway through 2026, and these are the destinations teams are choosing most right now.

Every year, retreat trends shift a little.

Some years teams want:

• total escape

• nature-heavy destinations

• quiet wellness-focused experiences

Other years, they want:

• energy

• restaurants

• walkability

• easier travel

• more built-in experiences

And halfway through 2026, we’re noticing one big trend:

Places where people naturally linger longer after dinner, continue conversations outside meetings, and actually enjoy being together.

Here are the top destinations we’re seeing teams choose right now and why.

1. Austin, Texas

Why teams are loving it:

• Great flight access from almost anywhere

• Creative energy without feeling too formal

• Incredible restaurant scene

• Tons of flexible venue styles

Austin works especially well for:

• fast-growing teams

• startup culture

• leadership offsites

• teams wanting a little personality in the experience

And honestly?

If your team are foodies, Austin is hard to beat right now.

From rooftop dinners to live music to late-night tacos after sessions, the city naturally creates shared moments.

2. Nashville, Tennessee

Why it’s trending:

• Easy to navigate

• Fun without needing a packed agenda

• Boutique hotels everywhere

• Built-in entertainment and energy

Nashville has become one of the easiest “yes” destinations for teams because people genuinely look forward to going.

It works especially well for:

• sales kickoffs

• culture-focused retreats

• team celebration trips

And unlike some larger cities, it still feels manageable for groups.

3. San Diego, California

Why teams keep choosing it:

• Perfect weather almost year-round

• Relaxed pace

• Coastal atmosphere without feeling overly resort-heavy

• Great mix of work and downtime

San Diego is one of those destinations where people immediately exhale when they arrive.

It’s ideal for:

• leadership retreats

• wellness-focused gatherings

• strategy sessions that need calmer energy

We’re also seeing teams prioritize outdoor meeting spaces more than ever, and San Diego delivers that naturally.

4. Scottsdale / Phoenix, Arizona

Why it continues to dominate:

• Incredible resort inventory

• Strong hospitality and service

• Beautiful outdoor gathering spaces

• Reliable weather during retreat season

Scottsdale remains one of the strongest destinations for executive retreats and elevated team experiences.

And right now, teams are especially loving:

• outdoor dinners

• wellness add-ons

• slower pacing

• resort environments that feel immersive

The desert setting creates a true “we’re away from work” feeling.

5. Charleston, South Carolina

Why we’re seeing more teams choose Charleston:

• Walkable charm

• Incredible food scene

• Boutique hospitality

• Slower, more intentional energy

Charleston feels different from a traditional corporate retreat destination, and that’s exactly why teams love it.

It’s especially strong for:

• smaller offsites

• leadership teams

• client gatherings

• relationship-focused retreats

And if your team values:

✨ meaningful dinners

✨ beautiful spaces

✨ conversation over programming

Charleston absolutely delivers.

What These Destinations All Have in Common

Interestingly, the trend this year isn’t necessarily about luxury.

It’s about:

✅ ease

✅ atmosphere

✅ connection

✅ environments that help people interact naturally

The best retreats right now feel:

• less transactional

• less over-programmed

• more human

Teams want experiences that create space for:

• conversation

• spontaneity

• relationship-building

• real connection

And the destination plays a huge role in that.

Final Thought

A retreat destination should support more than logistics.

It should support:

• the energy of the group

• the goals of the gathering

• the kind of experience your team actually wants to have together

Because where you gather shapes how people connect.

Planning a Corporate Retreat in 2026?

At li+me Gatherings, our complimentary hotel sourcing services help teams narrow down the best-fit venues based on:

▢ budget

▢ location

▢ meeting needs

▢ team size

▢ overall retreat vibe

Because we partner closely with hotels and resorts in destinations like Austin, Nashville, San Diego, Scottsdale, and Charleston, we help simplify the search process and bring you curated options that actually align with your goals, not just a long list of properties.

From shortlist creation to side-by-side comparisons and site visit support, we help make venue decisions easier, faster, and more strategic.

🍋‍🟩 Let’s chat about your options: hello@limegatherings.com

Want to learn more?

Read our Blog: How to Choose the Right Corporate Retreat Location