Designing Rental Properties That Attract Corporate Retreats and Executive Stays

Corporate retreats are huge right now.

Companies of all types are renting out properties for team building exercises, leadership meetings and executive vacations. There's an opportunity here for rental property owners to really capitalize if they design their properties correctly.

But here's the issue…

Most properties aren't designed with corporations in mind. Vacation homes are what they were created for. If you want to start catering to the rental market of company retreats you need to start thinking outside the box.

Luckily for you…

• It's not as difficult as you think

• The payout is exponentially more than regular rentals

• Companies tend to book for longer periods of time

…and they aren't going anywhere.

In this article:

1. Why You Should Be Targeting Corporate Retreats

2. The Kitchen and Bathroom Amenities Companies Expect

3. Outdoor Space and How to Make It Unforgettable

4. Standing Out to Corporate Clients

Why You Should Be Targeting Corporate Retreats

Corporate retreats are big business.

The market was valued at $31.8 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 73.7 billion by 2034.

That's a lot of cash flowing into the industry each year.

With offices transitioning to hybrid workplaces companies need a place to gather their employees. Hotels and conference centres have always been used. However, there is a growing trend of companies using private rental properties.

Privacy, flexibility of space and a relaxed environment are why companies are seeking out rentals. Hotel rooms are great but they aren't private. Rentals allow companies to kick back, have a few drinks and focus on what matters without distractions from other travellers.

Here's the best part:

Companies are willing to pay top dollar for the perfect space. A rental home that would normally rent for $250 a night could potentially rent for double that if a company books for a weekend retreat. Not only that, but companies book for longer periods of time and they take better care of the property.

It's a win-win as a property owner.

Kitchen and Bathroom Amenities Companies Expect

In order for a property to be attractive to companies it needs to have the proper amenities.

Companies aren't looking to rent a property if it doesn't feel like a professional environment. That includes having the proper spaces and equipment.

Some things companies will need and want:

• High-speed internet (with backup)

• A meeting or conference room

• Comfortable workspace with proper seating

• Projectors or screens to present data

• Plenty of plugs to charge laptops and phones

Notice there's no mention of white paint or granite countertops? Yes, the property needs to look nice but if the Wifi doesn't work the property won't be considered. If the team can't connect for a video conference call or share the company's quarterly goals then why bother with the retreat?

If all of the boxes above are checked then that will set the property apart. But companies also expect luxury office environments.

Think high-end furniture, full kitchens to provide catered meals, and plenty of bedrooms so each person has their own private space. Companies want that hotel feeling without being around strangers.

One amenity that is often overlooked is a focus on health and wellness. Not only are companies focusing on team building, but they are looking to keep their employees healthy. Properties that offer a fitness centre or area, spa style bathrooms with bath tubs and even space to meditate or do yoga will exceed expectations.

Outdoor Space and How to Make It Unforgettable

This is where a lot of rental property owners go wrong…

Companies care about the outdoor space. If a property has a space for people to relax outdoors chances are they will book that property over someone else that doesn't. Pool construction should be at the top of the list when designing an outdoor space. Adding a professionally built pool is a huge selling point but it's important to do research when hiring a company. No one wants to come home from their vacation to find out their new pool doesn't meet the town's standards or was built incorrectly. Learn more about commercial pool construction to ensure the pool is built to the highest standard.

Outdoor space isn't all about the pool either.

Property owners should consider:

• Outdoor kitchens or BBQ areas to cook team meals.

• Fire pit to chill by after a long day of meetings.

• Plenty of shaded areas to sit and talk.

• Spruced up gardens to make it look like a resort.

Over 70% of medium to large companies host annual meetings or company retreats.

That is an enormous amount of companies that are looking for places to host these retreats. Those that have mastered the outdoor entertaining space are what will get booked first.

Isn't that amazing?

Companies want their employees to feel like they're getting away from it all. Including natural environments and open air activities will help market the property to those looking for a corporate getaway.

Standing Out to Corporate Clients

There are thousands of properties on booking sites. How will a property owner ever compete with that?

Well, start by listing the property correctly.

When companies browse listings they are looking for certain things. Photos of the property should include the meeting spaces, outdoor entertaining areas and anything else that would make them want to stay there. Highlight that the property has HIGH SPEED INTERNET (capitals needed) or that the previous guest said the fire pit was "insta-worthy".

Offering "Packages" is another great way to stand out.

Companies love packages. Including bonuses like catering recommendations, activity planning and even transportation to and from airports can really help book that next retreat. Offer them everything they need to plan their next trip in one place.

Getting the property name out to company "event planners" is another great tactic.

Companies usually don't fly down to a vacation rental hub and book a property. They hire someone to find them the perfect place. Get the property name familiar with these planners and the bookings will follow.

Last but not least, use social proof to your advantage.

Once a company is finally booked, make sure to ask for a testimonial. Companies listen to other companies. If a previous client had the best time at the property and showcased that on the listing, future companies are more likely to book as well.

Let's Recap

Designing a property to attract corporate and executive stays is a sure fire way to increase profits. Every year the amount of companies holding retreats is growing.

Here are the main points covered:

• Corporate retreats are big business

• Companies want luxury office spaces

• Don't forget about the outdoor pool area

• Listing the space correctly can make or break a booking

• Corporate Event Planners are a property owner's best friend

Property owners who take the time to focus on these areas are going to leave all of the other rental property owners in the dust. Companies will start flying to the property rather than anywhere else.

It's time to shine.

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