Think about two seemingly opposite surroundings for a second. One is a typical conference room with a phone, an area for presentations and a whiteboard for brainstorming. The other is a magnificent beach house with a view to die for and clear blue skies. Impossibly intertwined environments? Not when you take your executive team on a corporate retreat. Ah yes, a summons to executives to head out of the office, take their team to refocus the company, create cohesion and come up with the ideas which will stimulate business. So why not do it in style? Let's put it this way, if you're thinking about taking your team to a log cabin or a hotel - think again. Beach Resort Forget about a day in the park. The only way to retreat in a corporate sense is with style, class and an abundance of comfort. If you're lucky enough to work for Virgin Group and have gone on one of CEO Sir Richard Branson's famed retreats, then you know what we're talking about. Branson takes his executive team to Necker Island, his private isle, located in the British Virgin Islands representing the highest end of a corporate retreat. Surrounded by turquoise waters and unspoiled reefs, Necker is not just for Virgin Group employees. The isle itself can be rented out at the price of around £30,000 per night for up to 28 guests. While on Necker, your executives will get the services of a 50-person wait staff, as well as all the amenities of the island. However, being there is an amenity in itself. This kind of relaxing, beach resort corporate retreat can be found in all corners of the globe. Located on the North Shore of Kauai in the Island of Hawaii, Hala Mana is a three-acre private estate dripping with luxury. With a luxury spa in the resort itself and within minutes from sandy beaches, beautiful golf courses and vibrant forest reserves, Hala Mana typifies the beach retreat experience. Of course, if you didn't get some work done this trip would be a holiday, not a retreat. It'd be easy to lie out on the beach all day like a cast member from Baywatch, but work must be done. No problem. Hala Mana has conference and work rooms available as well as computer, fax machine and media equipment. "The Retreat" What if you are not a beach person? Think something a little more rugged - like say, an African safari to get the business ideas going. Now there are many options for taking a faux African safari, which is kind of like riding a simulated roller coaster - fun, but not as cool as the real thing. For those who want the true experience, there is a choice. Simply known as "The Retreat", Selous Game Reserve is the largest protected wetlands safari in Africa. Located in Tanzania, "The Retreat" has all kinds of exotic activities for executives with a bit of a wild side. This includes full and half day game drives, fishing trips, boat cruises and to unwind, a fully functioning spa. Let me guess, deep in the heart of Africa, you're wondering how you'll be able to connect with the outside world and get work done. Good question, and "The Retreat" has the answer. Selous Retreat is connected to the outside world through satellite communication and HF radio. Hunting is another good way to experience the rugged side of corporate retreats. If you and your team like wildlife adventures take them to The Clinton House in Clinton, SC. Regardless of whether it's your first time holding a gun or if you have an ace shot, The Clinton House offers the complete experience. So feel free to hammer out a long-term sales plan, and then go kill a quail to celebrate. The next time you choose a corporate retreat destination, remember to think outside the box. By taking your executive team to a non-traditional location with interesting experiences, you can expect them to produce results and not yawns. View the full article in the July issue of Exec Digital magazine