Celebrating Teams Of All Kinds
First Published:Â 23rd July 2024
All eyes will be on Paris this week as teams from around the world come together to compete in the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Even those who avoid sports for the rest of the year will undoubtedly be inclined to watch as the most outstanding athletes put their bodies to the test.Â
There is something compelling about watching people at their pinnacle of fitness strive to outdo the competition and achieve new records. Of course, it takes a massive team of people to get an athlete ready to compete at this level. Coaches, trainers, nutritionists and physiotherapists will have worked over the last four years to ensure everything comes together at the right moment.Â
Then there are team sports, where every member has to perform at their best, knowing that if they fail, they don’t let themselves down but jeopardise the team’s chances of a medal. The Olympic Games serve as an exemplary model of the power and importance of teamwork. And that teamwork is just as important in a corporate setting.Â
Team building activities play a crucial role in enhancing the productivity and cohesion of corporate teams. These activities are designed to improve interpersonal relationships, foster better communication, and boost morale. By engaging in structured team-building exercises, employees can break down barriers, understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and work together more effectively towards common goals. Whether solving complex problems, participating in physical challenges, or simply spending time together in a non-work environment, these activities help create a more collaborative and positive workplace culture.
In this edition, we look at some exciting venues worldwide that offer team-building activities.Â
The Crystal Maze, London
The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience is located in London and offers a unique and interactive team-building venue inspired by the popular 1990s TV show The Crystal Maze.
A Maze Master guides participants through four themed adventure zones: Aztec, Industrial, Futuristic, and Medieval. Each zone features a series of physical and mental challenges teams must solve to earn crystals. The experience culminates in the iconic Crystal Dome, where teams collect gold and silver tokens.
This venue is particularly well-suited for corporate events and team-building activities. The challenges require teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and quick thinking, making it an excellent environment for strengthening team dynamics and enhancing employee engagement.
The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience includes spaces for pre-and post-game meetings or events, providing a comprehensive package for corporate groups. It can accommodate various group sizes, ensuring an inclusive and engaging experience for all participants.
If you want somewhere outside the UK that offers everything from outdoor activities to cooking and crafts, look at the Event House Waterloo in Belgium.Â
Event House Waterloo, Belgium
Event House Waterloo provides a broad spectrum of team-building activities tailored to different group sizes and objectives. These activities are designed to enhance team cohesion, improve communication, and boost morale. Options include obstacle courses and treasure hunts around the grounds, arts and crafts sessions from painting to sculpture, cookery classes, team sports, fitness challenges and strategic games such as business simulations.Â
This huge venue offers hire spaces, meeting rooms, and activities to suit every type of team member, from the adventurous to the more introverted. You will not be short of options.Â
Situated in the historic town of Waterloo, the venue offers easy access to cultural landmarks and natural attractions, adding an element of exploration and learning to the team-building experience. The location is easily reached from Brussels and other major cities, making it convenient for attendees.
Alternatively, check out the Chateau de Nointel in northern France.Â
Chateau de Nointel, France
Château de Nointel, located in the picturesque commune of Nointel in the Île-de-France region of northern France, is a historic and elegant venue that perfectly blends classical charm and modern amenities. This stunning 17th-century château is an exceptional choice for event organisers looking to host unforgettable team-building activities, corporate events and private gatherings in a unique and sophisticated setting.
The château offers versatile spaces suitable for different types of events. The grand reception rooms, with their high ceilings, large windows, and exquisite decor, provide an impressive backdrop for formal dinners, conferences, and ceremonies. The chateau’s extensive grounds, including manicured gardens, courtyards, and parkland, offer numerous outdoor settings ideal for team-building activities, cocktail receptions, and open-air meetings.
For event organisers focused on team-building, Château de Nointel provides various engaging and memorable activities. The expansive outdoor areas are perfect for physical challenges, such as obstacle courses, treasure hunts, and sporting events, encouraging teamwork and strategic thinking. Indoors, the château can host workshops, creative sessions, and interactive games in its elegant salons, fostering a collaborative and inspiring atmosphere.
If your team needs more sun to get them in the mood for bonding, how about Turkey?Â
Rixos Belek, Turkey
Rixos Belek, located in the stunning Belek region of Turkey, is a luxurious resort renowned for its opulent accommodations, world-class amenities, and exceptional service. This five-star property is nestled along the Mediterranean coast and offers relaxation, adventure, and indulgence.Â
Whether taking the C-suite away to discuss business strategy or looking for new ways to enthuse your managers, this is the ideal location to target body and mind.Â
Rixos Belek is renowned for its comprehensive activities and amenities, which are designed to cater to all ages and interests. For relaxation, guests can visit the Anjana Spa, which offers various treatments, including massages, facials, and traditional Turkish baths. The spa features serene treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, and a well-equipped fitness centre.
The resort provides numerous sports facilities for those seeking adventure and recreation, including tennis courts, a football field, and water sports options such as windsurfing, kayaking, and diving.
Rixos Belek is an excellent venue for meetings, conferences, and special events. The resort features state-of-the-art meeting rooms and ballrooms with the latest audiovisual technology, high-speed internet, and customisable seating arrangements.
In the States, the Ranch at Rock Creek takes team-building to a new level with a mind-blowing array of rooms, features, and activities.Â
The Ranch at Rock Creek, USA
The Ranch at Rock Creek, nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Philipsburg, Montana, is an extraordinary destination for event organisers seeking to host team-building activities in a unique and inspiring setting. This luxury ranch combines the rustic charm of the American West with modern amenities and top-notch services, providing an unparalleled environment for fostering teamwork, communication, and camaraderie among participants.
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Teams can engage in horseback riding, guided hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing in the pristine Rock Creek. These activities promote physical fitness and encourage collaboration and strategic thinking as participants navigate trails, cast lines in the river, or work together on horseback riding trails.
For more adventurous team-building exercises, the ranch provides activities like zip-lining, clay shooting, archery, and ropes courses. These challenges push teams out of their comfort zones, enhancing trust and communication skills. The ropes course is popular with those looking to foster cooperation and problem-solving as teams work together to overcome obstacles.
In addition to its extensive outdoor offerings, the ranch boasts well-appointed indoor facilities that can accommodate various team-building activities. The Buckle Barn, a rustic yet elegant event space, is perfect for workshops, strategy sessions, and interactive games. The Silver Dollar Saloon offers a more relaxed setting with a bowling alley, billiards, and a movie theatre, ideal for informal gatherings and social bonding.
This is ideal for companies looking to indulge employees whilst honing skills and encouraging bonding.Â
Whether you are catering to a small team or the whole company, team-building no longer means building a raft or abseiling. You can certainly build these into your itinerary, but as we have shown, there is no limit to what you can offer, from the physical to the more cerebral. You can also choose from budget options that last a couple of hours to indulgent five-star accommodations that are a treat for all the senses.
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