5 Curated Venues for Inspired Team Retreats in Monterey
Your team is asking for more than just a bonus—they want an experience. But where do you find the perfect blend of luxury, productivity, and adventure?
In this guide, we unlock the secret to high-impact company retreats and unforgettable incentives by showcasing the magic of the Monterey Peninsula. Famed for its dramatic coastline, world-class golf, and the charming towns of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach, this California gem offers a destination that truly ignites high-performance teamwork. Get our exclusive shortlist of hidden-gem venues for team retreats, offsites, and incentives that are booking up fast, starting with must-see locations for Team retreats in Monterey, California.
1. The Lodge at Pebble Beach: The Legendary Links
A legendary resort for the most exclusive incentives and executive offsites.
Home to the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links, this venue offers an unparalleled experience of tradition and luxury. It provides world-class accommodations, meeting facilities, a full-service spa, and access to three top-tier golf courses. The stunning oceanfront location overlooking the 18th hole provides an inspiring and prestigious backdrop for your most important events.
Best Suited For: Executive Offsites, Prestigious Incentives, and High-End Client Events
No. of Rooms: 161 Guestrooms & Suites (The Lodge at Pebble Beach only)
Group Highlight: Access to five world-famous golf courses, a Forbes Five-Star Spa, and over 15,000 sq. ft. of exclusive meeting space.
Price Range: $$$$ (High-end rates, typically starting at $1,100+ per night)
Website: The Lodge at Pebble Beach
2. Carmel Valley Ranch: The 500-Acre Playground
The ultimate "adult summer camp" setting for a highly engaging company retreat.
Set on 500 sprawling acres in sunny Carmel Valley, this all-suite luxury resort provides a vast playground for team-building. Amenities include a championship golf course, a vineyard and organic garden, beekeeping experiences, and hiking trails. The spacious suites feature fireplaces and private decks, making it ideal for teams seeking a blend of rustic charm and upscale amenities.
Best Suited For: Experiential Team Retreats, Team-Building Offsites, and Active Groups
No. of Rooms: 179 All-Suite Accommodations
Group Highlight: An on-site apiary and vineyard, plus unique activities like falconry and over 45,000 sq. ft. of combined function space with natural light.
Price Range: $$$ (Room rates typically start in the $550-$1,500+ per night range)
Website: Carmel Valley Ranch
3. Portola Hotel & Spa: The Waterfront Hub
The best option for convenience and access to Monterey’s top attractions for large team retreats.
This is Monterey’s only LEED® Certified hotel, offering a sustainable and sophisticated setting directly on the waterfront. It's walking distance to Fisherman’s Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. With extensive meeting space, an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and multiple on-site dining options, the Portola provides all the necessary infrastructure for a seamless and productive offsite.
Best Suited For: Large-Scale Corporate Retreats, Conferences, and Groups Needing High-Tech Infrastructure
No. of Rooms: 379 Guestrooms and Suites
Group Highlight: Directly connected to the Monterey Conference Center (over 60,000 sq. ft. of space) and features an on-site craft brewery.
Price Range: $$ (Room rates typically start in the $350-$650+ per night range)
Website: Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
4. Bernardus Lodge & Spa: The Wine Country Retreat
A wine-country oasis perfect for small, high-touch executive offsites and luxury incentives.
Tucked away among the vineyards and gardens of Carmel Valley, Bernardus offers European elegance and a focus on wellness and culinary excellence. Rooms feature two-person soaking tubs and fireplaces. The venue boasts a world-class spa, heated pools, and highly-rated dining, creating a peaceful, indulgent atmosphere designed for deep connection and strategic planning.
Best Suited For: Small Executive Offsites, Leadership Retreats, and Luxury Incentives
No. of Rooms: 73 Elegant Guest Rooms, Suites, and Villas
Group Highlight: Intimate wine-country setting with farm-to-table culinary experiences, a world-class spa, and team-building activities like wine blending and archery.
Price Range: $$$$ (Room rates typically start in the $700-$1,800+ per night range)
Website: Bernardus Lodge & Spa
5. The Sanctuary Beach Resort: The Coastal Sanctuary
A secluded, barefoot luxury option for focused team retreats and intimate experiences.
This venue is a true escape, set directly on 19 acres of Pacific shoreline within the Marina Dunes Preserve. Teams can enjoy uninterrupted panoramic ocean views from private decks and fall asleep to the sound of the surf. It offers a unique, tranquil environment ideal for creative brainstorming sessions and team bonding away from the usual city distractions.
Best Suited For: Wellness Team Retreats, Creative Brainstorming Offsites, and Groups Seeking Seclusion
No. of Rooms: 60 Contemporary Cottage Guestrooms and Suites
Group Highlight: Direct beachfront access with nightly private beach bonfires and exclusive yoga/wellness sessions on the sand and dunes.
Price Range: $$$ (Room rates typically start in the $500-$800+ per night range)
Website: thesanctuarybeachresort.com
Must-Try Team Building Activities in Monterey
A successful team retreat in Monterey, California, is all about balancing work and fun. Monterey provides activities that capitalize on its unique coastal environment:
Whale Watching Tours: A thrilling, shared experience that fosters communication and creates lasting memories.
Group Kayaking in Monterey Bay: An excellent team-building activity to encourage mutual support and enjoy the stunning marine life.
Private Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley: An excellent evening incentive for high-performing teams, exploring the region's renowned vineyards.
Ready to Plan Your Monterey Team Experience?
The Monterey Peninsula offers a dynamic canvas for achieving your business goals, whether you need the prestige of Pebble Beach for high-level incentives or the secluded tranquility of a coastal sanctuary for deep focus.
Don't wait—these world-class venues for team retreats, offsites, and incentives book up quickly, especially during California's prime season.
💡 Next Steps: Partner with Sona Events
Planning a high-impact company retreat shouldn't feel like a second full-time job. At Sona Events, we provide complimentary venue sourcing, expert contract negotiation, and full-service logistics to save you time and money. Our expertise ensures your Team retreats in Monterey, California deliver the connection and clarity your business needs.