As the “back-to-work” season approaches, companies are replacing virtual meetings with face-to-face retreats to address remote work fatigue and strengthen organizational culture.
To identify where teams can genuinely build connections, Holafly has launched the Global Team-Building Index, ranking destinations based on group activity infrastructure, accessibility, overall experience and value.
The results identify Lisbon, Portugal as the world’s leading destination, driven by its coastal activities, flight connectivity and competitive costs.
The Rise of the Active Corporate Retreat
As hybrid and remote work become permanent, business travel is shifting toward experiential connections. Organizations are prioritizing places where employees can bond outdoors, whether that means sailing together or embarking on scavenger hunts.
The Iberian Peninsula Rules
The Iberian Peninsula leads the rankings, with Lisbon taking the top spot thanks to its combination of accessibility, coastal activities and value. The airport is close to the city center, while the river and nearby coast offer an ideal setting for group experiences ranging from sailing regattas to surfing challenges. Barcelona follows in second place, pairing the ability to accommodate large hotel room blocks with a strong lineup of high-end cultural experiences.
For teams looking to stretch their budgets without compromising on the retreat experience, Central Europe offers an appealing alternative. Prague and Budapest rank among the strongest options, with dining, accommodation and venue costs up to 30% lower than in Western Europe. At the same time, teams can choose from distinctive group experiences, including medieval castle banquets and scavenger hunts through historic old towns.
Top 10 global destinations for teambuilding in 2026
1 – Lisbon, Portugal
2 – Barcelona, Spain
3 – Prague, Czech Republic
4 – Mallorca, Spain
5 – Budapest, Hungary
6 – Antalya, Turkey
7 – Athens, Greece
8 – Milan, Italy
9 – Chamonix, France
10 – Berlin, Germany
Where should Californians go for a teambuilding retreat?
The same balance of accessibility, experience, and value applies closer to home. The California Team-Building Index evaluated destinations within a four-hour flight radius, with Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, taking the top spot. Its direct flights, luxury resorts, and premium activities make it a natural choice for companies seeking a retreat with a more upscale feel. Denver, Colorado, follows in second place, offering an appealing setting for wellness-focused retreats.
Top 10 Team-Building Destinations for Californians
1 – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
2 – Denver, United States
3 – Mexico City, Mexico
4 – Portland, United States
5 – Vancouver, Canada
6 – Scottsdale, United States
7 – Austin, United States
8 – Jackson Hole, United States
9 – Guanajuato, Mexico
10 – Kauai, United States
Where should European companies go for their next offsite?
For European companies, proximity and ease of access can be just as important as the destination itself. British companies can look to Lisbon, where sunny coastlines are paired with quick flight connections. For German teams, Prague combines convenient rail and air links with budget-friendly pricing. Spanish companies also have a strong option in Lisbon, benefiting from its proximity as well as its local value.
Top 5 teambuilding destinations for UK companies
1 – Lisbon, Portugal
2 – Barcelona, Spain
3 – Mallorca, Spain
4 – Chamonix, France
5 – Prague, Czech Republic
Top 5 teambuilding destinations for German companies
1 – Prague, Czech Republic
2 – Lisbon, Portugal
3 – Barcelona, Spain
4 – Mallorca, Spain
5 – Budapest, Hungary
Top 5 teambuilding destinations for Spanish companies
1 – Lisbon, Portugal
2 – Prague, Czech Republic
3 – Budapest, Hungary
4 – Milan, Italy
5 – Antalya, Turkey
Click here for more on Holafly’s Global Team-Building Index.
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