How to choose a corporate retreat location
The right location depends on what the retreat is for. A few questions narrow it down fast: how long can people travel, what time zone does the rest of the company work in, what season are you going in, and do you want downtime at a resort or the energy of a city?
- Travel time: under 5 hours keeps a short retreat worthwhile; longer trips need at least 4 nights.
- Time zone: close to your office's hours means people can still reach the team.
- Entry requirements: check passports and visas for every attendee, not only US citizens.
- Season and weather: avoid the rainy or hurricane season where it applies.
- The goal: rest and bonding favour a resort; learning and inspiration favour a city.
The Caribbean vs Buenos Aires at a glance
| The Caribbean (Punta Cana) | Buenos Aires | |
|---|---|---|
| Flights from the US | About 2 h 20 min from Miami, around 4 h from the East Coast; 31 US airports fly nonstop | About 9 h from Miami, 10 h 45 min from New York (nonstop) |
| Time zone | UTC-4 all year (same as US Eastern in summer) | UTC-3 all year (1-2 h ahead of US Eastern) |
| Entry for US citizens | No visa; passport valid 6+ months; free e-Ticket form | No visa for tourism; passport valid 6+ months |
| Best season | December to April (dry); hurricane season June-November | March to May and September to November |
| Setting | Beach resorts built for groups | A big city with culture, food and nightlife |
| Best for | Rest, bonding and short trips | Inspiration, culture and meeting LATAM teams |
When to choose the Caribbean
A Caribbean beach is the easiest retreat to get to from the US: short nonstop flights from many cities and resorts that handle groups, meals and activities in one place. It suits teams who want to recharge together, and shorter 3-night retreats. Plan around the weather: December to April is the dry season, and the hurricane season runs from June to November, with most of the risk in August to October.
When to choose Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a longer trip but a very different experience: a big, walkable city with great food, tango, wine, football and a lively culture, at a lower cost than most US cities. Its time zone is close to US Eastern, so the team stays reachable. It's also a natural choice for companies with people in Latin America: many team members can fly in from the region, and it's a good place to meet Latin American colleagues or candidates in person.
Retreats for teams with people in Latin America
More US companies now work with remote professionals across Latin America, and many have never met them in person. A retreat in Buenos Aires brings everyone together where part of the team already is: US colleagues fly down, and Latin American team members make a shorter regional trip.
Company retreat ideas: activities, agenda and checklist →
Nexus plans and runs company retreats in the Caribbean and Buenos Aires, and helps US companies hire pre-vetted talent from Latin America.
See retreat optionsFrequently asked questions
What is a good corporate retreat location for a US remote team?
For short trips, a Caribbean beach such as Punta Cana (2-4 hours nonstop from much of the US). For a city experience, or teams with people in Latin America, Buenos Aires (about 9 hours from Miami).
Do US employees need a visa for Punta Cana or Buenos Aires?
No visa is needed for US citizens for tourism in either place. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months, and the Dominican Republic also requires a free e-Ticket form before arrival and departure.
When is the best time for a Caribbean retreat?
December to April, the dry season. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with most of the risk in August to October.
When is the best time for a Buenos Aires retreat?
Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November), when the weather is mildest.