Team building, away days, workshops and conferences are increasingly popular in businesses these days as a way to bring colleagues together, make employees feel they have a say and to train staff whilst offering a few days away. Companies look for a one stop venue where they can stay, have access to multimedia, be catered for and have the use of multiple spaces. Villa Kalyana, due to its size, location, service and reputation has hosted many corporate retreats and it ticks all the boxes as a venue.
On arrival
There’s a lot of organisation and logistics that goes into arranging a corporate retreat, especially dealing with a variety of people and tastes, as well as the schedule, activities and trips. The Kalyana team take on the responsibility, working with the team leader to create or work towards a working schedule, offer ideas and advice from the initial enquiry through to the final check out. On arrival at the villa, everyone is met with a smile and a welcome drink and the workings of the villa are explained and presented. Rooms are allocated in advance and, thanks to smartphone technology, the staff have access to all the room designations and everyone is taken off to their accommodation seamlessly. Everyone receives a printout of the schedule with detailed information regarding timings and events.
Work Spaces
At Kalyana there are a range of rooms at the disposal of the team whether it’s a full group meeting, small group workshops or intimate brainstorming sessions. The large dining room with its open sided reception is perfect for less formal gatherings with oversized sofas and comfy armchairs. Both lounge spaces have gorgeous views over the garden to the sea ensuring relaxation with work.
The TV area, games room and yoga room work well for small group activities and tasks. The garden and beach work perfectly for those team building exercises, with more fun to be had outdoors. There’s plenty of space to run around collaborating on tasks. Team building exercises like scavenger hunts and sports day activities can be set up and run with the help of the villa staff too. Flip charts, projectors, whiteboards and a multimedia system are available (on request) for the use of the group and can be placed and moved around as requested.
Activities at Kalyana
For those looking for a little more mindfulness type pursuits, a private yoga teacher can be organised, in advance, for either one to one or large groups from beginner to advance. Professional masseuses can be brought in for those who’d like to indulge in a rejuvenating massage. Sports to aromatherapy massages are on the menu and are conducted in the beach side.
In house, there are plenty of things to help unwind after a busy session. As part of a retreat it’s important for colleagues to spend some down time together to bond and get to know each other. Chilling around the pool, strolling along the beach or swimming in the sea are the perfect antidote to a busy life. However, for the more active, there are kayaks available and jet skis and paddle boards can be arranged to be brought to the villa.
Eat
A healthy breakfast means everyone is ready for the day. With a private chef on hand, guests certainly won’t go hungry and will have the opportunity to sample some of the most delicious Thai food. There’s food for the brain like Steamed Salmon Fillet with Caper-Garlic Sauce and Basil-Potato Puree and food for the brawn like Masamum Curry with chicken and coconut rice. Fresh juices and fruit plates keep the vitamin levels up and of course chilli to stimulate the happy hormones! In discussion with the villa manager and the chef, lunches and dinners can be pre ordered and all dietary needs catered for. Dining is based on a family sharing concept where the dishes are placed on the table for everyone to help themselves.
Pool party
For a welcome party, a wrap up ceremony or just for fun, a pool party can be organised. A selection of cocktails, mock tails and fresh juices and canapes can be served on the lawn. A DJ can be arranged to play chilled music to accompany the cocktails, stepping it up later to find out who has the best dance moves. Entertainment can also be arranged from fire dancers to dazzle and amaze the guests, a live band or a sparkling private firework display as the finale.
Koh Samui Experience
There are plenty of things to do in Koh Samui for guests to do in their free time or as a group. A visit to Ang Thong National Marine Park by private boat charter, a jeep tour of the island, zip lining, a fishing tour or a shopping trip to neighbouring Lamai or Nathon. The Kalyana team provide a comprehensive and efficient concierge service so all tours, car and driver hire and trips can be booked at the villa or in advance of the retreat. A couple of the most popular options for corporate retreats are:
The Thai Experience:
This is an entertaining evening to explore all things Thai while learning how to make cocktails, drinking them and then eating together. Guests learn about the do’s and don’ts of Thai etiquette to help avoid causing offence in Thailand. Chef hats and Thai aprons are provided. It’s a great opportunity to sample a range of Thai dishes, learn how to mix and blend Thai condiments and have the chance to quiz the team on any aspects of Thai dining or culture.
For more information see http://www.thethaiexp.com
Escape Break Samui:
This is a great team building activity where groups of two to six work together to search for clues, solve puzzles, unlock locks to escape from a themed room within 60 minutes. The rooms have enticing names such as Kowloon Captive, Ghost Ship and Relic Rush and vary in difficulty. With friendly staff on hand to help and provide the odd hint here and there, it makes for a fun and rewarding hour for group bonding and problem solving. There’s a free drink at the end of it at The Beach Republic bar to congratulate yourselves or commiserate depending whether you escaped or got trapped!
See their website for details: http://www.escapebreak.com/samui
The wrap up
The private chef at Villa Kalyana can organise an amazing beach BBQ to conclude the retreat. The villa team can turn the beach or lawn space into a dining room setting chef Seri can prepares the freshest meat, prawns, fish, sausages, salads and vegetarian options to your requirements. Guests can relax by the pool and enjoy informal feedback and the final night of sitting on the beach stargazing before even considering having to pack and return to work.
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