Corporate
How to Plan a Corporate Retreat in New Orleans
Plan a company offsite that people actually want to attend. Where to stay, what to do, and how to run a productive retreat for teams of 10-30.
Most corporate retreats are forgettable. Fluorescent conference rooms. Catered sandwiches. The same “team building” exercises everyone dreads.
New Orleans offers something different: a city with actual culture, world-class food, and energy that makes people want to be there. Done right, your offsite becomes something people talk about for years.
Why New Orleans for Your Offsite
Direct flights from everywhere. Most major US cities have nonstop service to MSY.
Memorable, not generic. Austin, Denver, Miami—they’re fine. But New Orleans is genuinely unique. Your team will remember this trip.
World-class food scene. Every meal can be an experience. Team dinners become highlights, not obligations.
Walkable entertainment. When work ends, the evening is easy. Walk to dinner, walk to a bar, no logistics needed.
Value outside peak times. Avoid Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, and you’ll find reasonable pricing.
Best Time to Visit
Ideal: March-May (spring) or October-November (fall)
Avoid:
- Mardi Gras: Distracting. Hard to get work done.
- July-August: Too hot. You’ll drain your team’s energy.
Consider:
- January: Quiet, affordable. Good for focused retreats.
- Mid-week any time: Better rates, less competition for reservations.
Where to Stay
The venue shapes your retreat more than any other decision.
For Teams of 11-30: Private Villas
The best corporate retreats happen when everyone stays together—not in adjacent hotel rooms, but actually together in one space.
Our recommendation: Castleday Retreats
Three private villas in the Bywater neighborhood, each sleeping up to 30:
- The Herald – Largest common areas. Best for all-hands + breakouts.
- The Cocodrie – Best outdoor space. Pool for informal conversations.
- The Florentine – Most refined design. Good for hosting clients.
Why villas work better than hotels:
| Factor | Private Villa | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Evening bonding | Everyone together | People retreat to rooms |
| Meeting flexibility | Any space, any time | Booked conference rooms |
| Meals | Cook together or cater | Expensive hotel dining |
| Atmosphere | Home base | Transactional |
Check Castleday availability →
Structuring Your Retreat
The Golden Ratio: 60% Work, 40% Experience
Build the New Orleans experience into the schedule—don’t leave it to the margins.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:30 | Breakfast together |
| 9:30-12:30 | Morning work session |
| 12:30-2:00 | Lunch at a great restaurant |
| 2:00-4:30 | Afternoon work session |
| 4:30-6:00 | Free time |
| 6:00+ | Team dinner + evening activity |
Sample 3-Day Agenda
Day 1: Arrive + Connect
- Arrivals throughout day
- 4 PM: Welcome at the house
- 6 PM: Team dinner (Compère Lapin, Cochon)
- Evening: Optional drinks at Bacchanal Wine
Day 2: Work Day
- 9 AM: Morning session (strategy, big topics)
- 12:30 PM: Lunch out (Pêche, Herbsaint)
- 2 PM: Afternoon session (working groups)
- 5 PM: Wrap up
- 6:30 PM: Group activity (cooking class, jazz cruise)
- 8:30 PM: Dinner at Commander’s Palace
Day 3: Close + Depart
- 9 AM: Final session (commitments, next steps)
- 11:30 AM: Brunch together
- Afternoon: Departures
Team Activities
Classic NOLA Experiences
Cooking class – New Orleans School of Cooking or private chef. Make gumbo together.
Food tour – Guided walk through the French Quarter or Bywater.
Jazz cruise – Steamboat Natchez evening cruise. Dinner + live jazz on the river.
Active Options
Kayak Bayou St. John – Easy paddling, beautiful scenery
Bike tour – See multiple neighborhoods
Swamp tour – Alligators. Airboats. More fun than expected.
High-End Experiences
Private dinner at a historic home
Second line parade – Hire a brass band to lead your group through the streets
Where to Eat (Group-Friendly)
Dinner
| Restaurant | Vibe | Group size |
|---|---|---|
| Commander’s Palace | Classic NOLA | 15-25 |
| Cochon | Southern/Cajun | 20+ |
| Compère Lapin | Caribbean-influenced | 15-20 |
| Pêche | Seafood | 20+ |
| Herbsaint | Wine-focused | 12-15 |
At the House
- Hire a private chef
- Cater from local restaurants
- Cook together (team activity + meal in one)
Budget Planning
Per-Person Estimates (3 days, 2 nights)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodations | $150-200 | $200-300 | $300-400 |
| Meals | $150-200 | $250-350 | $400-500 |
| Activities | $0-50 | $75-150 | $200-300 |
| Total | $330-500 | $575-875 | $1,000-1,300 |
Excludes flights
Cost Savings Tips
- Stay at a villa vs. hotel. Often 20-30% cheaper for groups of 15+.
- Cook 1-2 meals at the house. Saves $30-50/person.
- Go mid-week. Better rates on everything.
- Walk to dinner. Bywater restaurants eliminate transport costs.
Logistics Checklist
- Book accommodations 2-3 months ahead
- Make dinner reservations 3-4 weeks ahead
- Confirm WiFi speed at venue
- Arrange airport transfers
- Send pre-trip email with packing list and agenda
- Bring backup chargers, cables, extension cords
- Plan for dietary restrictions
For Teams of 11-30
If your team is 11-30 people, your options narrow significantly. Most rentals cap at 10 guests.
Castleday Retreats is purpose-built for this exact range:
- Three villas, each sleeping up to 30
- Private pools for informal time
- Full kitchens for team meals
- Single invoice, W-9 available
Check availability and get a quote →
Make It Happen
Next steps:
- Lock in dates
- Book accommodations
- Make dinner reservations
- Design your agenda
- Run the best offsite your company’s ever had