Jonathan

A brush moving across hanji. Rice worked by hand before fermentation to be turned into makgeolli. A conversation at a seafood stall that continues in the kitchen and around a shared table. These were some of the moments that stayed with us after our Korea scouting trip. Each offered a way into the culture: through a skill, a story, a flavor, or the knowledge of someone who had spent years learning their craft. They also helped clarify what we want to create at Five Senses Retreats in 2027....

Our retreat in the Sintra–Ericeira coast region of Portugal in May 2027 will be shaped by culture, landscape, food, music, and craft. A formal announcement will be shared soon. For now, imagine Portugal at a slower pace in good company, something made by hand, Atlantic air, mindful mornings, and enough open space to truly exhale. Not just a trip to Portugal, but a chance to taste it, hear it, touch it, see it, breathe it in, and return home revitalized.

What makes a team offsite actually worth the time away from work? A look at how thoughtful pacing, local culture, shared sensory experiences, and the right amount of space can create stronger connection than simply filling the agenda.