How to choose a corporate retreat location
Four questions narrow it down fast: how far can people travel, how many nights do you have, what season are you going in, and do you want a relaxed resort or more variety?
- Travel time: under 5 hours works for a long weekend; longer flights need at least 4-5 nights.
- Time zone: close to your office's hours keeps the team reachable and avoids jet lag.
- Entry rules: check passports and visas for every attendee, not only US citizens.
- Season: avoid the rainy or hurricane season where it applies.
- Goal: rest and bonding favor a resort; inspiration and variety favor a city or the mountains.
The Caribbean vs Argentina at a glance
| The Caribbean (Punta Cana) | Argentina (Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Mendoza) | |
|---|---|---|
| Flight from the US | About 2.5 h from Miami | About 9 h overnight from Miami to Buenos Aires; Patagonia and Mendoza are 2 h more |
| Time zone | Same as New York in summer, 1 h ahead in winter | 1-2 h ahead of New York, so no jet lag |
| Entry for US citizens | No visa; passport valid 6+ months; free online e-Ticket | No visa; passport valid 6+ months |
| Best season | December to April | March to May or September to November (Patagonia: December to March) |
| How long | 3-4 nights | 4-5 nights in one base, 6-8 to combine two |
| Best for | Relaxed time together, close to home | Variety: city, mountains or wine |
When to choose the Caribbean
A Caribbean beach is the easiest retreat to reach from the US: a short flight and all-inclusive resorts that handle rooms, meals and meeting space in one place. It suits teams who want to recharge together on a long weekend. Go December to April; hurricane season runs June to November.
When to choose Argentina
Argentina is a longer trip with more to offer, and the flight is overnight in nearly the same time zone, so people arrive without jet lag. Pick one base, or start in Buenos Aires and add a second:
- Buenos Aires: a big, walkable city with great food, asado, tango and football. Also the place to meet Latin American colleagues or candidates in person.
- Patagonia (Bariloche): lakes, mountains and lodges with meeting rooms. Best December to March, or July to September to ski.
- Mendoza: vineyards and wine lodges below the Andes. Best February to April, during the grape harvest.
Plan 4-5 nights for one base, or 6-8 nights for two: 2-3 nights in Buenos Aires, then Patagonia or Mendoza.
Retreats for teams with people in Latin America
Many US companies now work with professionals across Latin America and have never met them in person. In Argentina, Latin American team members make a short regional trip while US colleagues fly down.
Company retreat ideas: activities, agenda and checklist →
Nexus is a company retreat planner for remote-first teams in the Caribbean and Argentina, 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 a long weekend, a Caribbean beach such as Punta Cana (about 2.5 hours from Miami). For more variety, Argentina: Buenos Aires for city life, Patagonia for lakes and mountains, or Mendoza for wine country (about 9 hours overnight from Miami).
Do US employees need a visa for Punta Cana or Argentina?
No. US citizens need a passport valid for 6+ months. The Dominican Republic also requires a free online e-Ticket before arrival and departure.
How many nights should a retreat in Argentina be?
At least 4-5 nights in one base, or 6-8 nights to combine Buenos Aires with Patagonia or Mendoza. The flight is long but overnight, and Argentina is only 1-2 hours ahead of New York.
When is the best time for a Caribbean retreat?
December to April, the dry season. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30.
When is the best time for a retreat in Argentina?
March to May or September to November for Buenos Aires and Mendoza. December to March for Patagonia, or July to September to ski.