Stepping away from the “daily grind” and spending real, face-to-face time with your team creates more value than many employers could ever expect.
Sometimes, you just have to step away from those stuffy conference rooms with fluorescent lighting and stale coffee and go somewhere fresh. Somewhere inspiring. Because that’s where you get to discover the authentic energy of each team member and reshape your teamwork strategies accordingly.
We’re talking about workations – those immersive, purpose-driven getaways where work and play blur just enough to spark real connection, creativity, and collaboration. For modern businesses, these trips can be perceived either just as another perk on the list or a strategic investment in team culture and productivity. No matter the attitude towards them, the benefits are hard to deny.
Remember the days when a “retreat” meant cramming everyone into a hotel ballroom for trust falls and icebreakers? Bye-bye to them! Today, forward-thinking companies are chartering private aircraft and heading out to beautiful, remote destinations where teams can reconnect and reset the proper way. Without the hassle and limitations of commercial travel.
So, in this article, we’ll show you how group air charters are affecting the businesses’ approach to offsite retreats and team-building trips. Key points for the discussion you’re about to join:
If you’re still in the early stages of planning a summer reset as a way to reward your team and have doubts about luxury corporate retreat travel, continue reading, and we’ll help you get there.
Reflecting on the pandemic and the recovery period that came after, we can all agree that remote work has completely changed the way people do business. Of course, it’s brought undeniable benefits, such as flexibility, access to global talent, and often, increased individual productivity. However… It’s not the case with team dynamics.
According to Gallup, 68% of remote teams report weaker interpersonal bonds compared to their in-office counterparts. That’s not a small number, and the challenge it highlights shouldn’t be ignored. When you have a team that is spread across cities or even coasts, building trust and nurturing that 5* company culture might take more than just Teams calls and Slack chats.
Luckily, there is a solution. And that’s, you’ve guessed it, reuniting your team in person. But with one rule in mind – only do it if you can do it efficiently. For example, instead of wrangling dozens of individual flight itineraries, dealing with delays, or losing precious hours in airport terminals, your team boards a direct, private flight together. It’s stress-free and surprisingly cost-effective when you factor in the full picture.
Let’s say, a 20-person team has to fly from New York to Aspen. With a direct charter flight, they can save 15+ hours of travel time, compared to more traditional modes of transport, which comes to around nearly two extra days for strategic planning, workshops, or simply unwinding together. Need more convincing?
So, the next time you’re pitching your idea of booking a private jet for executive retreats to your colleagues, make sure they can understand what the ticket price entails: the time gained, the relationships built, and the momentum your team will carry forward.
At Chapman Freeborn, being the global experts in air chartering, we’ve arranged hundreds (if not thousands) of private charter flights for businesses across industries. Our teams are always the first to notice which top USA corporate retreat destinations are trending right now. Therefore, we can present you with confidence – top destination recommendations that are based on where our clients are flying for strategy sessions, team-building, and executive getaways.
A perennial favorite. Aspen has always been famous for the snow-capped peaks, but not everybody knows just how much business potential there is behind it! Imagine the shift in team engagement when you can hold strategy sessions with such a backdrop, arrange daily outdoor activities, and have fireside dinners in luxury lodges.
Workshopping brand strategy between vineyard tours and sommelier-led wine tastings is another exciting option. Napa has this focus and indulgence atmosphere around it, which is perfect for creative agencies, marketing teams, or small businesses that thrive on inspiration and collaboration.
Less than an hour from NYC via private jet, the Hamptons offer relaxed beaches, upscale estates, and yacht-accessible networking. Finance and legal firms favor this spot, especially during the time of mid-year reviews and client-relationship-building retreats, hence the weather.
Choose Austin if your team is very much into tech, music, and culture in general. The city is known for innovation labs and creative sprints, so its local flair and, as many describe it, casual energy, are what appeals to remote-first or hybrid teams in desperate need of a collaborative jumpstart.
From Art Basel to ocean-view penthouses, Miami will not disappoint those who are looking energize and reimagine. Great for design firms, PR agencies, or brand teams, with plenty of different venue options and unique stays, so you can split focused work and sun-soaked downtime in equal parts.
Do you feel like your team might bond best in the wild? Then try exploring Jackson Hole and its rugged beauty. It’s an absolute hit with outdoor-loving leadership teams or companies focused on wellness and mindfulness. Make sure to check out some wildlife tours as well as authentic ranch stays.
Once you get to experience the red rock formations and spiritual energy of Sedona, you want to revisit the place time and time again. It’s a rising star for mindful retreats, leadership realignment, and wellness-focused teams.
Some destinations can’t offer the so-needed flexibility due to the changing seasons, but Tahoe delivers year-round appeal. You can go paddleboarding in summer or skiing in winter, which has proven to do wonders for mid-size companies looking to balance outdoor activity with strategic planning in high-end lodges.
History, charm, and Southern hospitality. Sometimes, that’s all you need to resent your mind and make room for new big plans. Charleston is becoming one of the top destinations for client-facing retreats or cultural immersion trips.
Park City is a ski town, but it’s also a four-season destination. Perfect for retreats that mix work, wellness, and world-class scenery. Best part? Close proximity to Salt Lake City’s private jet terminals, which, considering your busy schedule, makes it super convenient.
Sure, this list of private jet retreat destinations is long, but remember, there are no wrong choices here! Each of these locations is easily reachable via cost-effective group air travel, so you can rest assured that you will access the same benefits: cutting down on logistical stress and maximizing time spent where it matters most.
Choosing where to go was only the first step. Now, you get to enjoy the process of planning how to get there, as traveling by private jet can set the tone of the whole retreat experience. We’re ready to reveal what we’ve learned works best for corporate clients, based on the requests air charter brokers get on a daily.
First off, space that works for your team. Choose an aircraft with a cabin layout that isn’t just rows of seats. You want room to move, talk, and collaborate. Whether it’s a roundtable session mid-flight or just cozy spots for side conversations, customizable cabin layouts let you make the most of the hours in the air. Some jets even have lounge-style seating that’s perfect for informal networking or kicking off the retreat with a toast.
Second, food that tastes even better in the sky. No more bland snacks and mystery meals. With premium in-flight catering, you can build a menu that fits your team’s tastes and diet preferences. Want matcha, vitamin shots, or a fresh juice bar? Easy! We’ve even seen teams request stretching kits and wellness packs to stay energized between time zones.
Third, keeping everyone plugged in. High-speed WiFi? Check. Charging stations? Check. Presentation screens and smart tech? Absolutely. Today’s best jets are full-on mobile workspaces. That means you can hold hybrid meetings, run live polls, or workshop a pitch in real time while flying. Make the best out of your time while still in the air.
Fourth, making it feel like your retreat. There’s no limit to creativity, and same applies to personalizing your private flight. Ask your service provider to arrange branded welcome kits, custom playlists, team trivia games, or even a video message from leadership. These little touches go a long way to making the experience feel tailored and thoughtful.
And fifth, asking for professional help. You have a business to take care of, so why take on the responsibility of handling all the travel logistics too? When you partner with Chapman Freeborn, your requests are forwarded to a dedicated charter manager who handles it all: scheduling, seating, special requests, and last-minute changes.
With a clear vision and expert support, your private jet flight can be turned into a moving boardroom or a team lounge – whatever you prefer!
Coordinating travel, productivity, comfort, and maybe even a little bit of luxury, all while making sure everything runs smoothly and everyone is having a good time, is a big responsibility. It’s only natural to have questions and worries about something that you don’t get to deal with every day. Below are some of the most common questions from VIP travelers, but if there’s something else on your mind, just ask. We’re here to help make this whole thing easier: pax@champanfreeborn.aero.
Yes. When you factor in the cost of multiple commercial tickets, lost productivity from layovers and delays, and the need for flexibility, private jet charter can actually be the more efficient and economical choice. Plus, you gain valuable time together in transit, which adds real ROI.
You sure can! Many of the aircraft within our network are equipped with high-speed WiFi, presentation screens, and charging ports. If running hybrid meetings or collaborating live with remote colleagues is on your agenda, please inform your air charter broker.
Everything, from seating arrangements to custom catering, branding, welcome kits, entertainment, and even wellness amenities, can be personalized.
Safety is always a number one priority. All our partner operators meet strict industry standards, and we ensure every aircraft is fully certified. All the necessary documentation can be shared upon request.
Ideally, 4 to 6 weeks in advance gives you the best aircraft options and pricing. That said, we’re pros at last-minute arrangements too, in case of urgent or short notice offsites. Just let us know your timeline and we’ll work with it.
If you’re booking a high-capacity jet or long-haul flight, we can arrange a pre-charter aircraft viewing at the departure airport (subject to location and aircraft availability). It’s a great way to ensure everything meets your expectations.
We can organize door-to-door ground transportation, including executive shuttles, SUVs, or luxury coaches, depending on your team’s needs. It’s all part of the seamless experience we aim to deliver from takeoff to touchdown.
With over 50 years of experience in private jet flights, we know what it takes to deliver seamless, impactful retreats. Whether you’re planning corporate summer getaways USA or a leadership summit abroad, we provide customized corporate travel solutions that are tailored to your exact goals.
Speak with our charter experts today for comprehensive support with your corporate private jet charter retreat: pax@cf-test-hcgueyfacgcxauaa.uksouth-01.azurewebsites.net. Available 24/7/365.
With 50 years of experience in the charter market, we will give you the information that you need to make an informed decision.