While traditional event spaces like hotels and banquet halls offer convenience, they often lack the exclusivity, charm, and natural beauty that can make an event truly special. A private mountain estate, like Mountain Shadows in Foresthill, CA, offers a unique blend of privacy, customization, and breathtaking scenery that you won’t find in more conventional venues.

Bringing your team together for a retreat is more than just a change of scenery—it’s an investment in the health and future of your organization. At Mountain Shadows, we’ve seen firsthand how the right environment and approach can inspire alignment, spark creativity, and deepen connections. To help you make the most of your time away, we’ve compiled five tips for planning a group retreat that delivers tangible results and unexpected moments of connection.