Energise your team with a company retreat in Portugal
There’s a transformative power to bringing your team or top performers on an international team getaway. Think of it an investment – more than having fun, it’s about building team trust, boosting morale, and cultivating loyalty.
We sat down with Rachel, Epic’s Head of Growth to find out why corporate retreats are the new power move. Let’s dive into what Portugal has to offer your team.
Why are company offsites and team retreats so important?
“You’re putting yourself out of your comfort zone, doing something adventurous or team-building – and that has a real impact on efficiency and loyalty, more than just paying someone extra at the end of the year,” says Rachel.
In her time at Epic, Rachel’s organised dozens of corporate retreats and she knows exactly what works – and what doesn’t – when it comes to organising team building trips.
“The sweet spot is three days, two nights. You get one full day of activity, some great meals, and maybe a morning meeting. Any longer, and people start looking at emails.”
Ideas for team retreats in Portugal
Portugal is where hybrid and remote teams come together reset, reconnect, and slow down. The European country is strong on historic charm, cool coastline towns, and wellness experiences that lean into the local culture of slow living. It’s the ideal escape for teams from fast-paced cities looking for something softer, more soulful, and still deeply inspiring.
When teams land in Portugal’s capital, we like to use the neighbouring small city of Cascais as the base. Why? Waking up by the sea makes it just that much easier to relax, slow down, and resync.
“It’s that contrast teams crave – Lisbon has a modern energy meets historic charm, but all with a kind of effortless calm,” says Rachel.
The group might visit the capital for a scavenger hunt, and end the day sailing along the river at sunset. Or hit off-road trails on Sintra mountain in a vintage Jeep, taking in UNESCO World Heritage sites and palaces.
Active adventure in the Algarve
Portugal’s southern Algarve coast is a natural playground for fun.
“Something that never, ever, ever fails is when you’ve got a bunch of people that have been on an early morning flight. They arrive into Portugal at noon and we take them directly to a beachfront seafood restaurant for a long, lazy Portuguese lunch. It immediately puts everyone in this relaxed setting and sets the tone for the days to follow,” says Rachel.
Groups love this destination for the relaxed rhythm and ease of access. From biking along clifftops, to kayaking into sea caves, it’s an outdoor destination. In the Algarve, days filled with salty swims and slow moments usually lead to a seafood feast with everyone gathered together. It’s active without being too intense.
Douro Valley – wine and adventure for the leadership team
Yes, there’s wine – but the Douro is about so much more. The Douro Valley is an ideal premium retreat for leadership teams and C-suite connections to do blue-sky thinking under expansive blue skies. Spend a couple of days kayaking down the river, stopping at an exclusive spot for lunch with a wine maker.
“The Douro is an adventure playground for us. It’s a fantastic destination for group retreats with directors as the high-end hotels and dining offer moments for quality time,” says Rachel.
Switch to two wheels and cycle between 5-star boutique stays and Michelin-star meals. The Douro offers a relaxed, reflective form of adventurous luxury.
Alentejo Coast – Comporta calls
Surf at sunrise, ride horses at sunset and head to the beach or take a nap in between. The Alentejo Coast – in particular the area of Comporta – is Portugal at its dreamiest. It’s a place for wellness mornings (including golf!) and coastal hikes, the sort of sun-soaked destination where modern luxury meets barefoot energy.
“Comporta is slow travel at its best. It’s a destination where everyone can breathe out, reset, and savor both meaningful connections and experiences. It doesn’t hurt that the beaches are wild and untouched, and the resorts and restaurants are beautiful – inspiration around every corner,” says Rachel.
Madeira – island adrenaline
For island energy with plenty of adventure, there’s nowhere like Madeira. Teams hike ridgelines, canyon through waterfalls, ride 4x4s into the jungle, and return to 4- or 5-star stays with sunset terraces and rooftop pools.
“If you’re looking for an island that can handle proper groups, but still feels untamed – go for Madeira,” says Rachel.
It’s modern yet wild and unpolished, and the subtropical weather is famous for being good year-round.
Considering a team retreat or off-site in Portugal or Morocco? Reach out and we can brainstorm ideas for your ultimate company getaway together – info@epic.travel
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