Anyone travels for longer stays or is considering relocation and values top-notch hospitality, value for money, and a business-friendly environment: Look no further than the Philippines. 

In recent years, the country has emerged as a vibrant hub for a variety of travelers, including digital nomads, business executives, and career-oriented parents in particular. It offers a unique blend of opportunities that appeal to a diverse range of tastes and preferences among those seeking growth and opportunity in a wellness-centric destination where work-life balance is easily attainable. 

The Philippines are strategically located in Southeast Asia, serving as a gateway to both the ASEAN markets and the broader Asia-Pacific region. This geographical advantage makes it an ideal base for companies or entrepreneurs looking to expand their operations across Asia, or work on Asia-friendly timezones.

Despite global uncertainties, the Philippines has demonstrated remarkable economic resilience and growth. As of the time of writing in late 2024, it continues to benefit from strong domestic consumption, a growing middle class, and increased foreign direct investment, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the region.

• Government Initiatives: The Philippine government has rolled out various initiatives to attract foreign investment, including tax incentives, investment-friendly policies, and special economic zones. These measures have been designed to simplify doing business in the country, reducing barriers and enhancing profitability for foreign enterprises.

• Human Capital: The Philippines boasts a large, young, and well-educated workforce ready to meet the demands of new businesses. The emphasis on education, particularly in English language proficiency and technical skills, makes it an attractive labor market for international companies.

• Cultural Richness & Recreational Activities: Many find the Philippines appealing not just for its business opportunities but also for its vibrant culture, friendly people, and a high quality of life. The country offers a rich tapestry of history, traditions, and festivals, coupled with modern amenities and entertainment options.

The Farm at San Benito, nestled in the heart of the Philippines, remains a pioneer in integrating wellness into the corporate lifestyle. Renowned for its tranquil environment and comprehensive wellness programs, it offers entrepreneurs and executives a unique opportunity to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. 

Here are three illustrative programs, emphasizing stress reduction, mindful leadership, and heart health, respectively. They’re easily tailored to short or long term stays; solo, family, or group travel; and individual preferences (e.g., desire for cultural exchange, outdoor exploration, fitness regimen maintenance, dietary accommodation). In short, guests can truly feel that The Farm becomes their home away from home.

Jim is a C-level executive at a scale up tech company in San Francisco. His company was interested in opening an offshore office in a lower-cost geography. He was tapped to spend time in the Philippines evaluating the business opportunity there. At the same time, he was suffering from burnout and early markers for stress-related illness. 

He opted for a temporary relocation to the Philippines including a long-term stay at The Farm, where he could work in close proximity to Manila while also addressing his goals of stress reduction, dietary detoxification, and improved overall wellness. 

Through a program designed by MGL, The Farm delivered a combination of medical assessments, naturopathy interventions, dietary modifications, and movement practices. 

Following his time at the Farm, Jim reported boosted productivity and more effective stress management. And, as a result of the on-site evaluations he was able to perform while in the Philippines, his company confidently and successfully set-up offshore operations there.

Following her time at the Farm, Sara reported feeling “more comfortable in her skin” as a corporate leader. Mindfulness practices helped alleviate her anxiety with public speaking, which ultimately helped her raise additional funding for her company to scale. 

She also identified a wonderful call center partner who has been consistently delivering outstanding customer satisfaction, making this a true differentiator in terms of her company’s value proposition. At Sara’s recommendation, her core executive team opted to make the Philippines the destination for an important strategy retreat just a year after her initial stay there.

Carl is a middle-aged CEO of a real estate investment firm with two middle-schooler daughters. In recent years, he’s been tracking the opportunity around expat-friendly condominium developments in Manila.

A self-professed “work-a-holic,” Carlos spent the majority of his working life with a decidedly poor work-life balance and limited quality time spent with his family. As a result of stress and frequent business travel (entailing lack of exercise and poor eating habits), he was suffering from early stage heart disease.

Initially, he decided to travel to the Philippines purely for a short-term stay at the Farm to “get serious” about addressing some of the lifestyle factors contributing to his heart condition. He loved that The Farm was ideally set up to accommodate his wife and daughter joining him at the property while he underwent treatment.

He received care from a team of well-educated, experienced doctors and nurses (a portion of his care was even covered by his medical insurance carrier). They were supported by therapists who performed stress-alleviating wellness treatments, taught him mindfulness practices, and recommended a long-term dietary and fitness regimen to keep him tracking toward his goals even after his program’s conclusion.

Two years later, nearly all of Carl’s heart disease-related biomarkers have stabilized at normal, healthy levels. And, the time he spent in the Philippines gave him greater conviction around the real estate investment opportunities there. 

He’s traveled back and forth several times since his initial stay, and two Philippine properties are now part of his firm’s portfolio. His family loved their time at the Farm and are now planning a return trip focused exclusively on family bonding and wellness at all ages.

The Farm is just one of many Philippine retreats that make an ideal backdrop for wellness-centric stays incorporating remote work, the evaluation of regional business opportunities, or simply the opportunity to vacation and unwind.

Philippine hotels, resorts, and short-term rental complexes are leading the way by offering environments where professionals can recharge without stepping away from their corporate and familial responsibilities. The government is supporting this trend with foreign investment-friendly policies, and strong economic growth in the country is providing tailwinds for all of the above.

Due to the country’s business-friendly climate, tradition of top-notch hospitality, value for money, picturesque scenery, and opportunities for cultural exchange, it’s little wonder that the Philippines has become Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret for travelers who want to blend personal wellness and professional growth. 

Don’t wait too long to explore this hidden gem of a destination! Learn more about The Philippines as well as our local partner properties and upcoming travel opportunities here.

Today, a corporate retreat is more than just a break from the day-to-day—it’s a robust tool for cultivating innovation, collaboration, and sustainable productivity. Done right, it’s also a strategic investment in the health and well-being of employees, which has positive implications for hiring, retention, and workplace morale.

Incorporating wellness-promoting programming into your destination-based corporate retreat isn’t just our opinion of best practice. Recent studies highlight the growing trend toward incorporating wellness into corporate culture and support its measurable impact on employee satisfaction and overall company performance.

It’s no secret that Zoom meetings are “the new normal” in the post-pandemic world. However, whatever they deliver in convenience and cost savings, they fall drastically short in terms of driving the engagement and connection facilitated by physical presence.  

Relative to meeting on-screen, convening in person boosts focus, deepens perspective, promotes active contribution, inspires innovation, and fosters teamwork.

Here are just a few of the ways periodic destination-based retreats will benefit your company and help you justify your investment:

The intangible benefits of retreats, in particular those with a wellness dimension, are vast. They forge deep, meaningful connections within teams, providing a rare opportunity for employees to disconnect from their daily routines and engage with colleagues in a setting that nurtures both personal growth and collective well-being.

Participation in shared activities like team-building exercises, yoga classes, or group hikes fosters camaraderie. These experiences are pivotal in building trust and can lead to more effective teamwork and a shared sense of purpose.

Retreats create a relaxed atmosphere where team members feel comfortable opening up, sharing ideas, and engaging in constructive dialogue, significantly boosting collaboration and productivity. The ripple effects extend well beyond the time spent on-site, following employees back into the workplace (whether physical or virtual).

By emphasizing employee well-being through well-organized wellness retreats, companies reinforce their commitment to their values and enhance overall workplace engagement. It’s no secret that employees perform their best when they feel “seen” and cared for by their employers as a whole person, not simply as a contributor in their area of expertise.

Corporate retreats serve as an essential break from the demands of work, helping to alleviate stress and prevent burnout, thus promoting better overall mental health and job satisfaction. This is key in boosting employee morale, reducing turnover, and promoting sustainable professional growth and development.

We’ve established that the benefits of on-site corporate retreats are both broad and deep. But what can we do to ensure that the retreat experience is truly transformative, for the company as well as for all individuals involved?

It all starts with choosing the right venue and designing the best retreat program possible, one that includes activities that support employee wellness. Here are a few things to look for in evaluating a prospective venue and setting a schedule:

Integrate options for a variety of activities that cater to both physical and mental health, including yoga, meditation, and mindfulness exercises. Make it clear that you support employees’ personal health and wellness to the same degree that you care about their professional development and performance.

Opt for locations that offer a variety of different facilities, including modern gyms, swimming pools, and full-service spas. You want employees to feel as comfortable and cared-for as possible, with access to a variety of facilities that they can use to support their own personal health and wellness according to their individual preferences.

Ensure accommodations provide a luxurious and comfortable experience, allowing team members to feel pampered and rejuvenated. This is especially important for those who identify as introverts and need a comfortable space to re-energize in private spaces.

Verify that the venue can support you in designing unique, inclusive activities that promote effective collaboration and communication, crucial for enhancing team dynamics. Bonus points if they have an events team on staff.

Effective team bonding doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some cost-effective activities that are both enjoyable and beneficial for team cohesion.

• DIY Workshops: Conduct skill-sharing sessions where team members teach each other something new, from cooking to coding to crochet.

• Group Challenges: Organize a scavenger hunt, “escape room,” relay race, or other collaborative activity to encourage collaboration and problem-solving. Bonus points if you can stage it outdoors to give people a break from meeting rooms.

• Community Service Projects: Engage the team in a local community service project, which can provide a sense of accomplishment and team unity.

• Local Currency Bundles: Equip each attendee with a small amount of local currency prior to departure, easing minor initial expenses and bypassing the need for immediate currency exchange.

• Recommended Apps & Reading Materials: Provide a list of recommended phone apps (e.g., Google Translate, Citymapper, Uber or the local equivalent, and WhatsApp with a dedicated group for those traveling). Consider suggesting some reading material to set the tone for the retreat, whether it’s a fun novel set in the destination country, a wellness-inspired book, or a collection of inspirational essays).

We asked a handful of executives we’ve worked with to weigh in on what they think makes a great corporate retreat. Their insights reveal some common themes and valuable lessons.

Not surprisingly, several executives noted that retreats with clear objectives and well-planned logistics tended to produce the best outcomes. Do your best to stick to timetables, ensure people show up on time, and arrive prepared to tackle the task at hand. Having a dedicated logistics coordinator on-site, even for a relatively small group, can be a very worthwhile investment. 

One former client recalled a retreat that included a surprise guest speaker who profoundly impacted his team, highlighting the importance of inspiring and unexpected elements. Having an agenda and letting people know what to expect makes everyone comfortable and aids in productive sessions; however, don’t be hesitant to throw a curveball or two into your agenda to shake things up!

Another executive recalled a poorly-timed team-building exercise, one that directly followed a heated debate where emotions were running high. When designing an agenda, it’s great to push people outside of their “comfort zone,” but important to do so when the mood and energy of the group is receptive and positive. Keep in mind, for example, people tend to be more cranky and distracted right before meal times or at the end of a long day.

A last common refrain: Don’t shy away from scheduling downtime! It’s tempting to pack as much into your agenda as possible; however, providing enough time for low-key, relaxation-centric, wellness-promoting activities (individually or as a group) is crucial. Without this needed respite, employees won’t be able to show up mindfully during the more stressful parts of the trip.

Inspired to start planning your corporate retreat? Get in touch with us today!