Five Day Caribbean Corporate Retreat Itinerary “All-Inclusive and Active Deep-Dive Divi Strategy Session” (10-40 pax)
Why do organizers of Caribbean meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions frequently choose St. Maarten? There is way more to that than just the attractive Caribbean weather year round that adds to creativity for innovation and brainstorm purposes. The St. Maarten airport is a unique hub connecting two of Europe’s largest airports Charles de Gaulle and Schiphol with northamerican cities like New York, Atlanta, Miami, Minneapolis, Montreal and Toronto amongst many others. Panama connects the island to the whole of South America. The hub function makes it a well connected, easily traveled to spot for a remote team meet-up with global departments. Recent renovations of the airport have made it the most modern in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, making use of technology for as seamless as travel as possible.
And then there is the inviting Caribbean sea and island landscapes, praised for its many things to do. The island’s safety level is also attractive for business summit delegates.
Divi Little Bay Resort is excellently suited for a multi-day corporate retreat mixing all above elements. At only 20 minutes drive from the airport, an inspiring setting at one of the most beautiful and historic coves of the Caribbean. With a compact but well equipped convention center it is well suited to host an executive summit. If you are an executive assistant tasked with crafting a great Caribbean corporate retreat for a group of about 20 to 40 people, see below a draft day by day plan what a “Deep-Dive Strategy Session” at Divi could look like.
Some planning tips in advance:
- A monday to friday stay avoids the busier weekends when leisure guests come and leave the island.
- Locally experienced DMC’s or taxi companies can help you plan arrival and departure logistics from A to Z.
- Divi can either be booked as “European plan” or All-Inclusive package. Consider what fits best based on below itinerary.
- The draft program below is based on active itinerary planning for four nights. If you envision a more laid back strategy session for a shorter or longer period, choose other excursion ideas instead.
- consider to fill in the St. Maarten ED cards on behalf of your group in advance.
Day 1: Arrival At Great Heights (Monday)
On your day of arrival, enjoy some leisure time at Little Bay Beach in front of your resort, the gorgeous sandy shore often used for pictures of Caribbean getaway St. Maarten.
Divi’s scenic rooftop bar Mix is not open to the public on Mondays, but it will for your private group. It is a great location to meet up with your fellow business travelers in an exclusive, panoramic setting while the sun sets over Philipsburg on the horizon.
Day 2 (Tuesday) Bike Tour Team-building Boost
As you have your entire team together, start with a moment of team-building by bike. Have an early breakfast as you will start a tour shortly after 8am. Trisport does great introductory tours by bike in capital Philipsburg only a ten minute ride from Divi. The tour will show the highlights of the town, its history and landmarks.
Seaside Aziana on the Marina near the end of the tour is a great, quaint place to enjoy a sumptuous lunch at 11.30. The locally famed Wong family will be delighted to serve your choice within their wide array of Asian dishes. Their “Babi Pangang” is famous. Their walls are like a museum, with pictures of the olden days.
In the afternoon, it is time to get serious. Your brainstorm room will be prepared for a workshop setting, innovation brainstorm, strategic alignment or leadership session depending on your preferences.
In the evening, dine at Divi’s Pure Ocean seafood restaurant while the sun sets over Little Bay. Next door beach club Gizmo’s offers an opportunity to discuss your adventures and food for thought provided during the day after dinner.
Day 3 (Wednesday): Conference room & Corporate Sunset Sailing Trip
At 8.30, bring your group together at the Divi convention space. This day should be the focal point of your corporate retreat.
At 10.30, take a short hike. Fort Amsterdam is only a 5 minutes walk from your resort. This monument defended the first Dutch settlement in the Little Bay area, and later guarded the salt trade to Philipsburg.
Return by 11am. After another two hours of retreat, try Gizmo’s for lunch to enjoy a bit of sea breeze at 1pm.
From 2 to 5pm, delve into company matters once more. As the hot Caribbean sun has now set in, interrupt your busy work between 3.30 and 4pm for a swim at the beach within crawling distance of your conference venue. Keep your comfortable beach outfit on for the evening part.
At 5pm, have Aquamania pick you up at its mooring at the beach for a sunset cruise along the coasts. This comes all-inclusive with snacks, drinks and even food depending on your corporate desires. It is recommended to book their larger ship Tango as a private catamaran charter for this purpose.
Day 4 (Thursday): Wrap-up, Snorkel & Simpson Bay
The fourth day of your St. Maarten business retreat is the final conference day. Use the morning as of 8.30 to draw conclusions of what was said over the previous days, lay out plans and/or new strategic concepts.
After a lunch at a restaurant of choice at your all-inclusive resort, head for the beach. You have by now been swimming, laying down and dining at Little Bay Beach, but you did not dive under yet. Now, the “deep dive” of your sessions really starts! Right off the beach, you find underwater sculpture park UnderSXM. Boats depart from the Aquamania pier and includes snorkel sets for your group. Make sure to book this trip in advance; a private Tango charter might once again be a great option.
If you are a sportsman or sportswoman, an alternative or additional option to spend your afternoon is to lob a ball at St. Maartens international Padel Court right across the road from Divi.
In the evening, head for the lively Simpson Bay area for your final business retreat night (you could consider to have the charter drop you, as it will make its way back here regardless). This resort area is filled with great locations for a bite and known for its wide array of ethnic cuisines.
Consider cosmopolitan Balls & Wine for a stylish and befitting ending of your mid-week meet-up. After, head for Buccaneer for a beach club evening cocktail and possibly even Club Lotus for a grand, late-night finale.
Day 5 (Friday): Shopping Souvenirs
Shopping paradise Philipsburg is only 10 minutes from your Caribbean business retreat. Pop by for some great local souvenirs before heading to the airport!
Depending on group size and preferences, also take a look at the Philipsburg business retreat plan, a Maho Conference itinerary, French Side Corporate Retreat or Simpson Bay Small Business Summit day-by-day plans. For further ideas for alternative elements for above five day business retreat plan, be inspired by island information, excursion index and possible other St. Maarten itineraries!
