The first quarter of the working year is a key time for our clients to get out of the city; and to bring together the leadership team together to strategise the short term and long range goals for the business year. When kicking off the planning discussion and establishing the goals of the retreats, we have seen a common thread of the desire to take teams to locations that will open their minds to learning and connecting with colleagues.
Here is our top picks for your Corporate Retreats in 2024.
THE LOUISE, BAROSSA VALLEY
Set amongst the undulating vineyards of the Barossa Valley, The Louise offers a luxury retreat complete with private villa-style suites, world-class dining at Appellation and access to a backstage pass to the best of the Barossa. The Louise is a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, a collection of 19 independent luxury lodges and camps in some of Australia’s most inspiring and extraordinary locations.
The property features 15 private suites that open onto picturesque courtyards and provide luxury accommodation for up to 32 guests. Each villa-style suite features generous, high ceilings, lounge spaces, king bed with ensuite bathrooms; an intimate workspace and in-suite bar lead to French doors which open to the Barossa’s fields and vineyards.
Accommodation Tariff inclusions:
- Full a la carte gourmet breakfast served in Appellation each day
- Pre-dinner sunset drinks and snacks served on the terrace
- 4 course set menu dinner with regional paired wines in Appellation Restaurant or a private dining space
- Shared style “feed me” menu with paired wines in Contour for the second evening
- In-suite mini bar replenished each day
- Use of the lodges facilities – gym, pool & sauna
The Louise offers 6 unique spaces for business meetings, dining and celebrations.
Hermitage Room: This light-filled space comfortably seats 24 guests in boardroom or U-shape seating. A lounge area offers retreat for breaks and French doors open to an outdoor courtyard with views of the Barossa.
Hermitage Courtyard: Leading from the Hermitage Room, the space is an open air courtyard, with a pergola and stone walls providing a cool space for lunch or post meeting drinks.
Contour: An exclusive-use space for lunch, team building or dinner for up to 60 guests.
Appellation: With large windows looking over the vineyards, Appellation restaurant offers exclusive use dining for up to 40 guests with a degustation menu tailored to the seasons and featuring fresh local produce.
Private Dining Room: Appellation’s satellite Private Dining Room provides an intimate space for dining for up to 12 guests.
Full day package – $150 per person
Morning and Afternoon tea includes chef’s selection of sweet or savoury delights and a fruit platter, served in the Hermitage Room. A two-course lunch of seasonal sides and main dish to be shared and enjoyed on the Terrace of the meeting room. Continuous barista coffee, tea, still and sparkling water. Room hire and AV is included.
Half day package – $110 per person
Morning or Afternoon tea includes chef’s selection of sweet or savoury delights and a fruit platter, served in the Hermitage Room. A two-course lunch comprises of seasonal sides and a main dish to be shared and enjoyed on the Terrace of the meeting room. Continuous barista coffee, tea, still and sparkling water is served throughout the meeting. Room hire and AV is included.
Enquire with the ES Concierge & Co team for bookings between April – October 2024 for special rates.
The Barossa Valley is recognised around the world as one of Australia’s premier wine regions, made famous by its old-vine shiraz vintages. Today, the Barossa is a culinary destination, with The Louise as a stylish base from which to explore the region’s wineries and cellar doors, restaurants and producers, art galleries and nature walks.
MONA FARM, BRAIDWOOD
Set on a 124 acre estate in Braidwood in Regional New South Wales, Mona Farm is a luxury estate with award winning gardens and grand buildings for a bespoke retreat or celebration. Where Art, Nature and Luxury Collide! Braidwood is a heritage listed town with charming cafes, antique shops and artistic hubs. Located halfway between Canberra and Bateman’s Bay and just 3 hours drive from Sydney.
By Air: From Sydney – 70 minute helicopter, from Canberra – 20 minute helicopter, 1 hour – aeroplane from Melbourne.
Mona houses one of the most diverse collections of contemporary art and sculpture in the region. Here, grand sculptures live amongst the Elm trees and over 50 Australian and International artworks reside, showcasing a juxtaposition of new amongst old.
The unique property can accommodate groups as small as 10 to 200 with a refreshingly contemporary way of creating engaging experiences that foster collaboration, connection and inspiration. For larger events, the property will be exclusively yours for guests to participate in a range of unique experiences from farm tours, fly fishing lessons, team building, bespoke cooking and dining experiences led by Mona’s Executive Chef, Tristan Rebbettes.
Executive Chef, Tristan Rebbettes
With more than 11 years’ experience across several award-winning restaurants (3 hatted restaurant Sepia, 2 hatted restaurant Cafe Paci, 2 hatted restaurant EST and 2 hatted restaurant Saint Peter) 27-year-old Tristan is a name to keep an eye on. Tristan’s contemporary approach to the role of Executive Chef and his sophisticated yet simple style of cooking is what led him to trade the city for the country, joining Mona Farm team in 2021.
As for the menu, Tristan says he intends to hero seasonal ingredients, locally sourced produce and of course, highlight the fresh produce grown on the Mona Farm estate. In 2022, Tristan was one of the five finalists in Good Food’s prestigious ‘Young Chef of the Year’ Award.
Day only workshops from $85 per person
Full Day + accommodation from $650 per person, based on a minimum of 30 guests.
Corporate Retreat inclusions:
- Luggage storage prior to 2:00 pm check-in
- Exclusive use of Mona Farm’s state of the arts events building, The Woolshed
- Complimentary Wi-Fi across the estate
- Smart phone charging stations
- Complimentary onsite parking for all attendees staying onsite & offsite
- Large plasma TV with HDMI connectivity
- Access to meeting room facilities (microphones, notebooks, sound system)
- Unlimited still & sparkling water
- Artisan coffee and tea bar
- Dedicated Operations Manager to oversee your group from start to finish
- Exclusive use of estate Golf Buggy, with dedicated driver
Enquire with ES Concierge & Co team for your luxury farm retreat at Mona Farm between May – August and the special offers available to our ES Community.
| Packages | Inclusions |
|---|---|
| Half-day confernce | Seasonal chef’s snacks for morning or afternoon tea from Executive Chef, Tristan Rebbettes. From $85 per person |
| Full-day conference | Seasonal chef’s snacks for morning and afternoon tea from Executive Chef, Tristan Rebbettes. Grazing menu or buffet style lunch featuring seasonal ingredients from the Mona Farm gardens. From $140 per person |
| Overnight conference |
|
| Package inclusions |
|
| Accommodation | |
|---|---|
| The Homestead | 5 rooms | 8 beds. Built in 1853, the Homestead houses an extensive collection of contemporary art & sculpture, sleeping up to 12 guests across five king bedrooms. |
| The Coach House | 5 rooms | 8 beds. Built in 1903, retains its charming pink exterior and exudes a stylish sense of ‘laid back luxury’, sleeping up to 13 guests across five king bedrooms. |
| The New Stables | 6 rooms (including bunk room) | 18 beds. Originally horse stables for the property, the New Stables provides luxurious accommodation for up to 18 guests across five king bedrooms and a stylish bunk room. |
| The Lodge | 2 rooms | 4 beds. The Lodge features it’s own kitchen, dining and living space with two king bedrooms that open directly onto a beautifully landscaped lawn. This self contained accommodation sleeps up to six guests across two king bedrooms. |
| The Old Stables | 1 room | 1 bed. One of the oldest buildings at Mona Farm, The Old Stables dates back to 1859 and was converted to premium accommodation in 2020. Sleeps two guests. |
| The Lake House | 1 room | 1 bed. Completed in 2021, the Lake House boasts uninterrupted views of Mona Farm’s stone bridge and glistening lake. With sliding doors that open onto an alfresco deck, this Guest House sleeps two guests. |
| The Shearer’s Quarters | 1 room | 1 bed. The newest addition to Mona Farm’s accommodation portfolio. Dating back to 1873, this luxurious two person Guest House is steeped in history, featuring original brickwork, floorboards & corrugated iron – a nod to its original function as the properties Shearer’s Quarters. Boasting a generous alfresco deck uninterrupted views of Mona Creek, a Japanese bath house, two wood-burning fireplaces and a heated spa. |
MOSS MANOR, MOSS VALE
Moss Manor is arguably one of the most beautiful luxury accommodation in the Southern Highlands. It is designed for the discerning individual, group or corporate who wish to relax, work or celebrate.
The beautiful Georgian building sits on a small rise overlooking the pretty village of Moss Vale. Only 1 ¾ hours from both Sydney and Canberra, Moss Manor is the perfect destination for all types of corporate and leadership retreats. It is exclusive and imbued with an energy that encourages relaxation, inspiration and cooperation, the perfect combination for productive and creative meetings.
An award-winning glass extension designed by Architect Luke Moloney, nestles into the old garden and conspires secretly with nature to create the calm but exciting energy that is unique to Moss Manor.
All the walls are enlivened by Iconic Modern Australian Art, adding a further richness to the already luxurious interiors. There are 3 levels of accommodation, comprised of 8 rooms all with ensuites. From the standout Sophia suite replete with marble bath, to the smaller but still beautiful Rose and Bea suites.
Moss Manor has quite simply redefined the concept of Boutique Luxury Accommodation.
Accommodation rates range from $350 – $650 per room per night for mid-week stays. All tariffs include afternoon tea, a welcoming evening drink and a 2-course breakfast served in the glass room overlooking the treetops.
Exclusive Whole House inclusions:
- 8 guest suites all with marble ensuites
- All day personalized concierge service
- Afternoon tea
- Evening drink on arrival
- Sensational 2 course breakfast
- Heated bathroom floors
- Wifi in all rooms
- Tea and coffee available all day
- Morning tea
- Conference day lunch
- Notepads and Pens
- Flipchart, TV Monitor on stand for presentation
- $6,250 per night
Specially curated options to consider:
- Catered in house dinner for your stay for up to 20 guests
- Cocktail party for up to 45 guests
- Private cooking masterclass at Moonacre kitchen for 8 guests
- Private gallery viewing at Ngununggula Regional Gallery
- Art classes, fly fishing on private lakes and dams, farm tours and local wine tastings
- We specialize in retreats that address stress and burn out, cooperation and productivity amongst a suite of other inspiring topics. Facilitated by Dr Louella Crawford a medical practitioner and psychotherapist, the programme can be tailored to your guests. Ensuring they will leave refreshed and inspired with a zest for life and a revitalised approach to work. From half a day to a very wonderful 5 days.
Enquire with the ES Concierge & Co team for your luxury retreat at Moss Manor.
BANGALAY LUXURY VILLAS, BANGALAY
Located on the idyllic South Coast of New South Wales, Bangalay is a scenic two hour drive from Sydney and three from Canberra. Offering 15 luxury villas to accommodate 34 guests (13 x 1 bedroom, 2 x 2 bedroom & 1 holiday house) and on-site restaurant Bangalay Dining are nestled between the Shoalhaven Heads Golf Course and Seven Mile Beach National Park.
Bangalay Dining can accommodate up to 30 people for a conference style set-up or up to 60 people in theatre style seating.
Full Day package: $170 per person
Half Day package: $110 per person
Inclusions:
- Conference furniture set up
- Basic AV equipment and whiteboard
- Complimentary WIFI
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Grazing lunch
- Sparkling water
- Snack station
- Notepad and pen
Enquire with the ES Concierge & Co team for your mid-week retreat from Sunday – Thursday. Stay 3, Pay for 2 nights.
LAKE HOUSE, DAYLESFORD
The Lake House is one of Australia’s most idyllic hotels best known for its beautiful lakeside location in the village of Daylesford. With 33 studios and suites, a two-hatted destination restaurant with a menu of which much of the raw produce comes from Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm’s own regenerative farm, award-winning cellar, conference and private dining spaces, tree top mineral soaks, spa, and all just 80 minutes from Melbourne.
The Lake House is the product of two passionate entrepreneaurial pioneers who took a chance on Daylesford way before it was known as the destination it is today. Culinary Director and Artist, Alla and Allan Wolf-Tasker built the restaurant of their dreams in 1984 and have since been busy creating their Lake House.
All 33 rooms include a welcome drink, porterage, complimentary car parking, mini bar, movies on demand, in room Wi-Fi.
Private Dining – The Lake House has three spaces for your retreat private dining from the dinner for 10 guests in the Lake House Restaurant, 14 guests in the intimate Cellar or up to 40 guests in The Waterfront Pavilion.
The Terrace Room: this spaces offers flexible configurations from the most intimate of meetings to a larger conference for 100 people.
Signature package: $895 per person
Inclusions:
- One full day conference
- Stationery, mints & wifi
- Morning tea, working lunch, afternoon tea
- Barista continous tea & coffee for 8 hours
- Fresh fruits, juices, biscotti, mineral water and sparkling water
- Room hire including 1 x flipchart, 1 x whiteboard, 1 x data projector
- Three course dinner with shared sides
- One night’s accommodation in a Studio – single occupancy
- Full country-style breakfast in the Lake House Restaurant
- Complimentary selected mini bar
- Use of the infinity pool, sauna, jacuzzi & tennis court
Enquire with the ES Concierge & Co team for your mid-week retreat from Sunday – Thursday. Stay 2 nights, and receive a 3rd night with 50% discount on accommodation.
THE TASMAN, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, HOBART
The Tasman is a destination luxury 5-star hotel experience that embraces its rich heritage and the distinct character of its locale, integrating seamlessly with Hobart’s breathtaking scenery and local culture, captivating guests through stories of its unique history, creating evocative moments, and leaving them with an expanded perspective. Located in the heart of Hobart’s CBD in Parliament Square and flanked by Sullivans Cove, the beauty of St David’s Park, and magnificent views up to kunanyi | Mt Wellington.
The Tasman embraces its rich heritage and the distinct character of its locale, integrating seamlessly with Hobart’s breathtaking scenery and local culture, captivating guests through stories of its unique history, creating evocative moments, and leaving them with an expanded perspective. The hotel is situated in the heart of Hobart’s CBD in Parliament Square and flanked by Sullivans Cove, the beauty of St David’s Park, and magnificent views up to kunanyi / Mt Wellington. A passionate, committed, and dedicated team that personifies a culture of delivering exceptional service provides guests of The Tasman with an immersive and personalised customer experience.
The Hotel boasts 152 luxuriously appointed guests rooms and suites across a Heritage, Art Deco, and modern Pavilion Building. With a rich design palette of colour and carefully restored features including bathtubs and fireplaces, The Tasman guest room embodies elegance and the uniqueness of its destination.
The Tasman signature restaurant Peppina welcomes you with the seasons of Tasmania through a menu focussed on showcasing produce with integrity and influenced by Italy. After dinner, step into Mary Mary; a hidden cocktail bar steeped in history. It is a hub of locally inspired cocktail creations, award-winning wine and artisanal beer and cider.
The local culture and landscape is on display in the conference space design – featuring sandstone walls, timber features, and heritage fireplaces. The event spaces range from a tucked-away historic dining room and light-filled modern lounge to an executive boardroom and a duo of drawing rooms with capacity for groups as small as 10 – 64 for a meeting.
Full day package: $110 per person
Half day package: $90 per person
Enquire with the ES Concierge & Co team for your historical, luxury retreat at The Tasman.
