The Perfect Corporate Retreat Location in New York

The Berkshire Retreat Center Is the Perfect Location for your Corporate Getaway

When your team needs to step away from the office and reconnect, refresh, or refocus, the venue you choose plays a crucial role in the success of your corporate retreat, whether that be a boardroom at your offices, hotel, or a retreat center. Located in the beautiful Capital Region of New York, the Berkshire Retreat Center offers the perfect combination of tranquility, amazing facilities, and accessibility. Whether you’re planning a leadership summit, company-wide strategy session, or a team getaway, here are 6 reasons why the Berkshire Retreat Center at Camp Schodack should be at the top of your list.

Burden Lake - Berkshire Retreat Center

1. Inspiring Natural Surroundings

Tucked away on 150 private acres of privately owned land for 4 generations, the Berkshire Retreat Center provides a peaceful, natural setting that helps groups escape from the daily grind. Surrounded by rolling fields, woodlands, and tranquil walking trails, our retreat environment is designed to reduce stress and inspire creativity, while keeping you active and engaged. Nature becomes part of the agenda and is ideal for outdoor meetings, casual team walks between events or evening fireside brainstorming sessions - with s’mores of course!

2. Flexible Spaces for Meetings and Breakout Sessions

One of the challenges of planning a corporate retreat is finding a venue that can adapt to your agenda. The Berkshire Retreat Center offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for both group meetings and informal gatherings. Large multipurpose rooms can be set up for presentations or training workshops, while smaller spaces are perfect for breakout sessions or department-specific strategy meetings.

Outdoor meeting spaces, including picnic areas, a huge outdoor patio, covered gazebos and verandas, create relaxed alternatives to traditional conference rooms, which are ideal for fostering open discussion and team bonding.

Cabins on the main lawn - Berkshire Retreat Center

3. Comfortable Lodging and Customizable Meals

You want your staff to feel comfortable and well cared for, and with our accommodation options ranging from beautifully renovated, dorm-style camp cabins to more private accommodations, we can give your team flexibility based on group size and preference. All cabins are clean, well maintained, and located just steps away from meeting and recreational areas, simplifying logistics for your retreat planners - You’ll often hear our staff say, that you are never too far from your next activity!

Our on-site catering team offers meal packages that can be tailored to your group’s dietary preferences and schedules. Healthy meals made with fresh ingredients ensure your team stays energized throughout your stay, and there are menu choices to cater to every dietary need - If we can cater to 500 campers and staff all summer, we are confident we can take care of whatever your group needs!

Yoga on the lawn - Berkshire Retreat Center

4. Built-In Recreation and Team-Building Activities

Corporate retreats should strike a balance between work and play, and the Berkshire Retreat Center makes it easy to incorporate both. As a private summer camp for 8 weeks each year, the venue includes access to sports fields, challenge courses for team-building exercises, ATVs, and firepits for evening gatherings. Whether you schedule structured team-building events led by our team or leave room for your team to choose their own recreation, we have plenty of options to encourage collaboration and camaraderie, as well as some friendly competition.

Need ideas for off-site activities? How about white wafter rafting at nearby CrabApple Rafting in Deerfield MA. However, if leaving the venue is not in your plans, then simply head down the road to our shared 400 acre lake for canoeing, kayaking and paddle-boarding.

Guests engaging in some friendly competition - Berkshire Retreat Center

6. Proven Experience Hosting Corporate Groups

With a repeated 5-star track record of successful retreats, the Berkshire Retreat Center team understands what companies need to create a memorable and productive experience. From initial planning and on-site coordination with our experienced events team, to catering and equipment setup, our staff is committed to helping you execute your retreat seamlessly from inception to completion.

Our testimonials from past guests highlight the professionalism, flexibility, and hospitality that set our venue apart.

Plan Your Team Getaway Today

Whether your goal is to launch a new initiative, build team trust, or simply give your staff a well-earned break, the Berkshire Retreat Center has everything you need to make your corporate retreat a success. Discover how our natural surroundings, incredible on-site activities, and thoughtful and attentive staff can elevate your next corporate retreat.

Visit the Berkshire Retreat Center website to learn more and start planning your next corporate getaway today.

Best Group Retreat Locations Near Albany

Check Out The Best Group Retreat Locations Near Albany, NY

Searching for a great group retreat location can be a real challenge. That is why we have put together a list of 5 of the best available in the Capital Region. Below you will find venues that are all unique in what they offer, but they are all venues that know how to host a great event, no matter what you are looking for.

So if you want to go glamping for a weekend, hire an entire summer camp to yourselves, stay in a spacious country lodge, or relax and kick back in a spa, you will find something in our list below that will tick those boxes.

We hope that no matter what you are looking for, you will find ideas and inspiration from the venues below to help you with your search for the perfect retreat center for your group.

Camp Schodack / Berkshire Retreat Center

Camp Schodack is a beautiful countryside venue in Nassau, New York. This retreat was founded in 1957 and has been family owned and operated for four generations. It’s rich history and beautiful landscape make Camp Schodack a perfect venue for groups looking for privacy and plenty of activities for their group.

There are over 40 acres of open fields and 60 acres of private forest for you to plan your retreat, and spacious indoor venue space for anyone needing additional space. No matter what your plans may be, Camp Schodack will make it spectacular. This secluded getaway offers spacious open fields as well as wooded trails for a nature-seeking guests. The venue also offers an outdoor amphitheater with seating for up to 500 guests as well as dining facilities with thew same capacity.

Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/

Emerson Resort & Spa

Designed with the splendor of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley in mind, open spaces and oversized windows expose stunning views and bring the beauty of the outside in. Enjoy spacious accommodations in the contemporary Inn or Adirondack-style Lodge, nature-inspired treatments at our award-winning spa, our signature restaurant, Woodnotes Grille, The Shops at Emerson, and the not-to-be-missed World’s Largest Kaleidoscope. Skiing, hiking, biking, tubing, fishing and outdoor concerts are just a few of the numerous nearby activities. Or, explore the eclectic and historical towns of Phoenicia, Woodstock and Saugerties. We can’t wait to welcome you back to the Catskills.

Find out more: https://emersonresort.com/

Handsome Hollow

This silvery-grey fox is 240 years old and once a working dairy barn. Not only will you have 4000 sq. ft of sweet space to soiree, a restored 18th century farmhouse to hang your hat in but Handsome Hollow sits on 93 acres of pristine wilderness. Explore endless trails, creeks, hemlock groves, maple forests, blueberry fields, springs, an old bluestone quarry and Big Fork Mountain.

Handsome Hollow is a truly rare place. The stunning, 93-acre property with fields, meadows, forests and mountain views, is the location of a restored 18th century barn. Also on the property, is a chic, stylishly designed, 120-year old farmhouse. Handsome Hollow is an idyllic, unforgettable wedding destination in the Catskills.

Find out more: http://www.handsomehollow.com/

Spillian

We welcome groups of friends, colleagues, family members for an all-inclusive weekend or a week at Spillian. Our chef and staff are on hand to make your stay utterly effortless! Relax, challenge yourselves and your imaginations, and revel in being together. Whether your dream is slow-paced porch-sitting punctuated with feasting and silly games in the library or an expansive weekend exploring the Catskills or a project together, Spillian embraces its visitors as family. Remarkable things happen at these gatherings!

We can host up to 18 overnight guests onsite, and can accommodate more daytime guests who are staying elsewhere for meals and any activities you’re dreaming. (We’re happy, by the way, to help you find additional lodging.)

And we offer virtually limitless choices  of special experiences, from spa services to guided adventures throughout the Catskills, informal workshops and cooking classes, wine and spirit tastings, and more, or simply the chance to read that great book you’ve been wanting to get to as you sit in front of the fire.

Find out more: https://spillian.com/

The Arnold House

If you are looking for a rustic country backdrop but don't want to compromise on great local food for your private event, The Arnold House on Shandelee may be just what you are looking for! We offer weddings & events year-round and can comfortably accommodate up to 200 guests. Located 2 hours north of New York City in the western Catskills, the Arnold House is a country retreat set on seven acres and nestled into the forest of Shandelee Mountain.

We specialize in rustic barn and outdoor weddings on our beautiful grounds, including ceremonies in our meadows and near our pond, but also offer cozy cold weather affairs with our roaring wood stoves and comfortable indoor seating. These events can be held in our Tavern, 1960’s Dining Room, Sun Room, BBQ Barn or outside in the meadows. Our goal is to work with each individual party to make sure we customize to taste, style and budget.  

Find out more: http://www.thearnoldhouse.com/weddings

Best Conference Centers in Albany

Albany’s Best Conference Centers

We have put together a list of 5 of the best conference centers and retreat venues in the Albany area. The Capital Region is fortunate to have many incredible venues for groups of all sizes, no matter what the occasion. We have scoured the internet to find 5 venues that stand apart from the others because of their facilities, their location or both. They are all totally unique and have years of experience delivering top quality events and experiences.

Whether you are planning a high school retreat, corporate getaway or a team-building weekend, we hope that you will take inspiration from the locations below and get ideas about how to plan your next event.

Hire An Entire Summer Camp - Camp Schodack

Camp Schodack is a beautiful countryside venue in Nassau, New York. This retreat was founded in 1957 and has been family owned and operated for four generations. It’s rich history and beautiful landscape make Camp Schodack a perfect venue for couples looking for privacy and elegance on their wedding day. There are over 40 acres of open fields and 60 acres of private forest for you to take advantage of. This secluded getaway offers spacious open fields as well as wooded trails to help you escape the noise of the city. The retreat also offers an outdoor amphitheater with seating for up to 500 guests.

Catering with Camp Schodack offers buffet options, barbecue, food carts, and plated meals for every style wedding. Overnight accommodations are also available through Camp Schodack. You can host your retreat at Camp Schodack, and celebrate the whole weekend through in their luxury cabins for the whole family. The retreat can accommodate up to 500 guests in a mix of family and couple’s cabins. All cabins have master bathrooms and showers. If you choose to stay for the weekend at Camp Schodack, you and your guests will have access to sports facilities and activities. The retreat as multiple heated swimming pools, sports courts and fields, a go-kart track, and private hiking trails to enjoy.

Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/

Pick The Performing Arts Center - The Egg

“The Egg” itself is owned by the State of New York and managed by the not-for-profit Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center Corporation. This entity was established to present quality performances, accessible to all citizens of New York State, highlighting the unique and extraordinary artists from New York State, across the country, and around the globe. Through partnerships and collaborations, the Corporation presents performances, spotlights emerging artists, fosters relationships with resident companies, and enhances activities in cultural and arts education.

The theatres and lounges at The Egg are available to rent for performances and related activities as well as receptions, educational and corporate events. Pick between a number of different theaters and conference rooms that you can make use of, whether it is fifteen comfortable tiered seating rows wrap around a dual hydraulic lift stage in the Kitty Carlisle Hart Theatre, or the more intimate Lewis A. Swyer Theatre which seats a maximum of 450 in only nine rows, including six seats in the special needs section. Every seat offers exceptional sightlines and comfort, and the small stage is perfect for all performance types. There are also lounges, perfect for smaller gatherings and cocktail parties

Find out more: http://www.theegg.org/

Albany’s Best Hotel - The Desmond

If you are planning meetings or a conference in the Albany area, The Desmond offers over 28,000 square feet of flexible space throughout our facility for groups of all sizes. Hold a meeting for 10 in one of our Executive Meeting Suites, conference with thousands in our Town Hall amphitheater, or present your next business proposal in High Street Conference Center. Our indoor courtyards are the perfect location for trade shows and exhibits, with 30′ and 36′ high ceilings and large atrium skylights in an open setting with natural light.

Our unique Albany hotel features 322 non-smoking guest room and suite options, including king-size four-poster beds, spiral staircase duplexes, suites with private entrances and patios, and ADA accessible rooms.  We combine rich Americana design and charm with modern amenities for the seasoned business traveler.  Modeled after a colonial village square, our two indoor courtyards feature 30′ and 36′ high ceilings with large atrium skylights, mock storefronts, a koi pond, beautiful fountains, and guest room balconies that overlook year-round landscaping.  Exceptional dining is available in Simpson’s restaurant and in our English pub The Tavern.

Find out more: https://www.desmondhotelsalbany.com/

Stay In Town - The Capital Center

Located in the heart of downtown Albany, the Albany Capital Center is within walking distance of restaurants, hotels, shops, art galleries, night clubs, museums and more! Operated by ASM Global, the Albany Capital Center is a beautiful glass structure that can accommodate 10 to 5,000 people. Housing 22,500 square feet of ballroom/exhibit space, 6 meeting rooms with 9,200 square feet of space, and 13,500 square feet of pre-function space. The Albany Capital Center provides all of the top-notch amenities needed for your successful meeting or event. 

The Albany Capital Center is directly connected to the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, The Egg Performing Arts Center, and the Times Union Center arena via an enclosed walkway. Together, these spaces create the Capital Complex, the largest meeting space in Upstate New York at more than 159,000 square feet.

Find out more: http://albanycapitalcenter.com/

Escape To The Countryside - Menla Center

With its magical valley setting deep in the Catskills and just two hours from NYC, Menla is uniquely suited to host your group retreat or conference. Able to host residential groups of up to 108 individuals across a wide range of comfortable accommodations from deluxe private rooms to small group cabins, our spacious 325-acre facility also offers supplemental dorm-style options & numerous camping sites. Enjoy delicious healthy cuisine and the caring support you need from our production team.

Facilities include the biggest conference space in the Catskills, spacious yoga studio, meditation sanctuary, a world-class destination spa, hiking trails, swimming pool, fitness room, tennis courts, fire pits, and sweat lodge. Menla’s tailored nature experiences, private classes, and optional retreat add-ons let you add a new dimension to your offerings by combining elements that are just the right fit for your group retreat. Set off on a range of guided treks and learn about our flora & fauna, add a meditation, yoga or sound healing session lead by local experts, or experience the magic of a traditional sweat lodge or a bonfire beneath the stars.

Find out more: https://menla.us/