SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
(like those offered by Sibille) can open
the door to better communication in a
low-stress environment where interpersonal
connection feels more organic.
At a location like The Murieta Inn
& Spa, about 25 minutes along Jackson
Road from Sacramento, a diversity of
activities means retreat attendees have
a variety of ways in which to connect.
Indoors, the venue offers traditional
meeting spaces like state-of-the-art
boardrooms and breakout rooms, as
well as The Cupola Spa & Salon, farmto-fork
restaurant The Gate, and accommodations
that feel more like a boutique
private residence than a hotel.
The Murieta Inn & Spa features
plenty of open-air space to accommodate
team-building exercises and views
of the surrounding foothills. Thanks
to a relationship with Rancho Murieta
Country Club, guests have priority
access to two golf courses as well as
equestrian events. Myriad wineries in
El Dorado and Amador counties are
quick jaunts away to wind down after a
day of meetings to learn about winemaking
with coworkers-cum-friends or
even incorporate into retreat programming
— wineries Via Romano Vineyards
in Placerville and Mediterranean
Vineyards in Somerset both cater to
corporate clientele. There are also
activities nearby — including hot-air
balloon rides and flight lessons, boating,
fishing, and skiing — that can add
to any retreat.
“Managers are always looking to
blow their team away,” says London
Hine Kristovich, The Murieta Inn &
Spa’s director of sales and marketing.
“They want something unique where
they can accomplish their business
goals but also something to show their
appreciation for their employees and
create memories. ... We’re only a hop,
skip and a jump away from Sacramento
and yet we feel like a world away.”
Which is what retreat should feel
like, after all.
Jessica Laskey is a freelance writer based in
Sacramento and Dallas. Her work has been
published in Inside Publications, Sacramento
Magazine, Sactown magazine and The
Sacramento Bee. She’s also the founding
co-publisher of Indomita Press, an independent
publishing company she runs with her
husband. Online at www.jessicalaskey.com.
SAMPLE 5-DAY CORPORATE RETREAT
Retreats often last from three to five business days, which allows time for
both business and bonding. For businesses in Northern California, Rancho
Murieta provides a beautiful location that is accessible from nearby metro
areas and serves as a gateway to Gold Country. The Murieta Inn & Spa has
corporate meeting spaces, activities and nearby access to Gold Country.
Here is an example itinerary business leaders can use to build an experience
of their own.
DAY ONE
DAY TWO
DAY THREE
DAY FOUR
DAY FIVE
Staggered arrivals.
Afternoon exploration activities including golf, sport
shooting and spa services.
Reception dinner.
Daytime meetings and conferences.
Outdoor picnic lunch.
Afternoon hot-air balloon rides or outdoor laser tag.
Wine tasting, dinner and s’more making.
Daytime meetings and conferences.
Afternoon games such as Jenga or team trivia.
Dinner.
Field trip to nearby Gold Country to visit historic
landmarks, gold mines and hiking trails, play golf, and
take agricultural tours.
Closing reception dinner.
Breakfast.
Staggered departures.
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