Spring is in full bloom and, as the weather grows warmer and the days stretch longer, it’s the perfect time to move your next team building activity out of the office and into the great outdoors. Not sure which outdoor adventure is right for your team? Here are four outdoor activities sure to boost motivation, promote a healthy work environment and foster deeper connections among colleagues:
Rent a hybrid mountain bike and helmet from Willows Lodge and escape to the heart of Woodinville Wine Country. The 26-mile Sammamish River/Burke-Gilman Trail borders Willows Lodge and runs all the way from Bothell to Seattle, offering breathtaking views along the way. This paved, multi-use trail is perfect for a scenic walk, run or bike ride.
Compete against your teammates and embrace the challenge of the Gorge Loop Fitness Trail. The 0.9-mile forested trail loop winds throughout the Skamania Lodge property and includes 17 total body exercise activities and five fitness stations complete with eco-friendly TimberForm fitness equipment made locally in the Pacific Northwest. Participants can choose from beginner, intermediate or advanced exercise options.
Test your strength, balance and agility by maneuvering through Skamania Lodge’s Aerial Park – all while safely carabinered in, of course! The park consists of 19 platforms and 23 elements of varying degrees of difficulty, taking roughly two hours to complete. Your team can lead themselves through the aerial park independently with the assurance that Park Monitors will move throughout the course to assist as needed.
Enjoy a scenic stroll with your team along the La Cantera Parkway. La Cantera Resort & Spa offers several fitness trails of varying lengths that wind through the property along the La Cantera Parkway. Your team can also choose to head down the resort’s natural trail, which runs along the golf course and poolside of the resort. With its range of topography, the nature course is perfect for team members of all skill levels: experienced trail runners and nature enthusiasts alike!
From vibrant cityscapes to awe-inspiring nature wonders, the Pacific Northwest offers a unique blend of work and play for the modern business traveler.
Team bonding is a critical component of workplace wellbeing, helping to build trust, foster collaboration and improve communication among employees. In today’s remote world, scheduling time for team members to connect in-person has become more important than ever – and what better way to connect than over food and drink?
Was the last palm tree your team has seen somewhere on their Windows screensaver? Then it’s time to check your bags—and check in to one of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels’ oceanside properties.
From the great outdoors, hiking, boating and beachside yoga, to wine tasting, golfing and more. There’s something for everyone. Bring your team together with a unique teambuilding experience. Here are 10 locations where companies can combine business travel with productive play.
In today’s remote world, it can often be challenging to find a time (and place) to unplug and foster meaningful connections within your company. For those looking to escape the everyday and inspire innovation, collaboration and relaxation, consider a lakeside location for your next company meeting.
For meeting planners, finding new, unique and inspiring destinations for an upcoming event can prove difficult. Here are three Benchmark Resorts & Hotels' destinations dotted around the country, which offer unique experiences for meeting guests.
If your team’s connection relies on your internet connection, it’s probably time to think about making your workplace culture a little more personal. So, move morning coffee from your home office to one of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels’ boutique properties. We’ll bring the to-go cups.
Taking a step away from traditional office spaces and heading to new places can help teams refocus on business objectives, offering a fresh, relaxed environment, free of workplace distractions.
Happy employees are more likely to have a positive attitude when it comes to their work, increasing productivity and the overall culture of a company.
Whether it’s a large corporate gathering or a small group of meeting goers, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels has several excellent locations to host impactful and productive meetings:
Over the past decade or so, sustainability has been at the forefront of workplace initiatives. But that shouldn’t just be a focus in the workplace itself – businesses should strive to ensure that they are engaging in sustainability practices even when traveling for conventions, corporate retreats and meetings alike.
Often, the best ideas come when we take a step (far) away from our usual surroundings. However, while the idea of jetting across the globe for meetings sounds inspiring, it can be a logistical challenge for meeting planners.
Whether it’s an intimate conference or gathering for a small business or a chance to reward an individual team in a large corporation, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels has some excellent locations to host impactful meetings, executive retreats and events to meet the needs of smaller groups:
For meeting planners, technology can be a friend or foe. And, in this new hybrid environment with both virtual and in-person attendees to consider, meeting organizers must rely on conferencing technology – to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
With many companies making the switch to fully remote or hybrid work, there’s added pressure on offsite meetings to make up for lost facetime and build team bonds that can benefit business.
While company retreats have long been a staple of the business world, they often take place in a busy and overstimulated location like a major city for reasons including accessibility and proximity to a large airport. Planning a retreat in a remote location not only boosts your attendees’ comfort level as they ease back into in-person meetings, but time spent in a remote setting surrounded by nature is proven to improve brain health and stimulate creative thinking as well.
Breeze cooling your skin. Sun warming your view. Arms spread wide, floating down through the mountains. Can you picture it? A paragliding escapade through the Grand Tetons is just one of many teambuilding opportunities offered at Benchmark Resorts & Hotels properties around the country, designed to heighten your senses in a way that embraces creativity.
As meeting-goers begin to convene again in person, wellness should be top of mind. Meeting planners and attendees are increasingly aware of the benefits of therapeutic services and how they play a role in the success of any meeting, conference or program.