4 iconic executive resorts

Author: Sarah Kanish Photos: Ostov Resort

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies have begun to re-prioritize face-to-face collaboration with leadership teams and conduct high-value executive retreats. In fact, off-site bookings by corporate small leadership groups increased 35% from 2021 to 2023, primarily at non-traditional venues such as boutique resorts and nature lodges, according to American Express Meetings & Events. This momentum is only expected to continue until 2025.

Managers and team leaders book executive retreats as a way to relax, recharge and inject new energy into the workplace. The best retreats can restore calm to guests while rejuvenating them with countless activities and amenities.

There are a variety of executive retreat options available in Wisconsin. Whether a team wants to do it all or get away from it all, there are venues across the state to suit every need. Check out these four signature options designed to create unique experiences for small groups in Wisconsin’s unique setting

central wisconsin

Ostov Resort on Elkhart Lake

Osthoff Resort is a striking AAA Four Diamond resort. The hotel has 240 beautifully appointed guest rooms, multiple dining options and a range of activities, all just steps away from the beautiful lakeside. The resort’s central location is ideal for organizations in Wisconsin and northern Illinois, with easy access to Milwaukee, Appleton, Green Bay, Madison and Chicago.

facility: The venue offers 38,000 square feet of flexible function space, including the 10,000 square foot Grand Libelle Ballroom. Although perfect for large gatherings, smaller groups also find the resort perfect for their needs. “For executive retreats, our smaller spaces are the most popular,” said Tracie Toth, Director of Sales. “Some groups prefer a boardroom or a spacious U-shaped arrangement with A/V in the front; others prefer soft seating to foster creativity, which we provide in beautifully appointed living rooms,” she added. Groupings like the venue’s Crystal Lake Room are created because it can be divided into two halves – one side for meeting and the other for dining.

Activity: Collaboration is crucial for executives, and Osthoff offers a variety of team-building options, including a popular cooking school. “This is the perfect dinner event to bring your team together,” Toth said. When group members are ready to unwind, the resort’s destination spa offers a full range of services. “Your group can find their zen and then meet for dinner in our lovely lobby restaurant,” she adds.

What makes it different is: “We understand your goals and provide a relaxed, luxurious environment that promotes creativity and collaboration,” Toth said. The resort has a complete audio-visual system and on-site audio-visual professionals to assist with sound and lighting setup and execution. “Our teams tell us repeatedly that we make their plans easy and that our friendly staff who genuinely care makes a difference,” Toth said.

western wisconsin

Sandra Hotel & Spa at Wisconsin Dells

Health and well-being are the goals of Sundara Inn and Spa. This adults-only venue is ideal for an executive retreat, giving new meaning to the idea of ​​”connection.” “We’re not your typical meeting space – even when you’re connecting, you’re resetting, reconnecting and recharging through a shared experience,” said General Manager Alyssa Mullin.

facility: Mullin describes the venue as “intimate by design.” “Everything from the restaurants to the spaces can be customized.” With just 44 rooms and one off-site villa suite, Sundara’s intimate setting is perfect for brainstorming and relaxing. The resort offers pool packages for executives, and Mullin said many groups enjoy immersive dining packages. Meeting spaces include Mandala A and B, two recently added 1,500-square-foot rooms, and the Woodland Reflection Room, a more intimate, unconventional space almost entirely surrounded by pine trees.

Activity: Sundara’s strong focus on health and wellbeing is evident in existing activities and programmes. Overnight guests have unlimited access to the resort’s amenities, including the swimming pool, relaxation lounge, Oasis with beverage service, outdoor saltwater pool and hiking trails. Mullin noted, “All guests are welcome to participate in the extensive wellness classes we offer. We can completely customize these classes to their preferences or the needs of the group.”

What makes it different is: The venue’s smaller size makes it extremely versatile for programming or logistics such as room setup. “Our facility is smaller, so we’re perfect for those executive-type retreats,” Mullin said. Sundara is not the right size to host an event expected to attract thousands of attendees. The resort is a true peaceful retreat where business executives and team leaders can brainstorm and rejuvenate in a natural setting. It does have some A/V features such as a standard microphone, projector and podium as well as a full catering menu.

southern wisconsin

Monastery Resort (Fontana)

The cloister is designed as a luxurious retreat space for guests. Its unique A-frame gives it a striking appearance and is considered the tallest A-frame in North America, according to general manager Dan Dolan. The venue hosts more than 400 events, approximately 250 of which are conferences with less than 30 people. The group found that the Abbey offered the best of both worlds – business and leisure. “People want to be able to attend a meeting while they’re in it. When they’re done, they want a place where they can relax,” Dolan said.

facility: About 50% of the venue’s business mix comes from groups. “The reason people come to smaller venues is because they want to be somewhere different than an airport or a convention center in order to be in the right frame of mind to deliver the content,” Dolan said. Featuring 40,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor meeting space, a conference center with 6,000 square feet of meeting space, some with natural light, 334 lakehouse-style guest rooms including 13 suites, and customizable dining and meetings Packages available, the Abbey is ready to meet the needs of any group.

Activity: The resort has a full-time events department stocked with more than 100 team-building activities—some of which are purposeful and intentional; some of which are designed to break the ice and have fun. A scavenger hunt throughout the village of Fontana and a Lake Geneva sailing school and hands-on boat building activities are among the most popular activities.

What makes it different is: “We have a beautiful view. Groups really enjoy hosting events like wine dinners, tasting dinners or small entertainment dinners in this setting. Our building really sets us apart from other venues,” Dolan said.

eastern wisconsin

American Club, Kohler

Kohler Village was established as a model company town in 1900 when the Kohler Company built a new factory. The American Club dates back to 1918 and was originally a residence for Kohler’s immigrant workers. Today, the Club has received Five Diamond status from AAA, is a member of Historic Hotels of America, and continues the tradition of old-fashioned elegance with modern amenities.

facility: Club America offers more than 22,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, from intimate boardrooms to impressive boardrooms and lush outdoor settings. “Many meetings and corporate events incorporate unique Kohler experiences, such as golf outings at Whisling Straits or Blackwolf Run, spa treatments at Kohler Waters Spa or outdoor activities like fishing, skeet shooting or hiking,” said Robin Jensen, Director of Catering and Events said.

Activity: Activities range from relaxation (yoga, treatments at Kohler Waters Spa and meditation) to exploration (gourmet experiences and outdoor excursions). Team-building activities like group cooking classes encourage team members to learn more about each other in a fun, relaxed environment.

What makes it different is: “The charming ambience of Kohler, Wisconsin effortlessly combines luxury accommodations with world-class service and unique resort experiences, all centered around exceeding guest expectations, providing an intimate, memorable and effective setting for intimate meetings and gatherings, “Jensen said.