How to Design a Winter Strategic Retreat That Delivers Results

The Winter months are our favorite time for reflection, reconnection, and renewal. For many organizations, a Winter strategic retreat offers the chance to pause the daily grind, gather key decision-makers, and set a clear direction for the year ahead.At Evins Mill, nestled among the scenic bluffs and streams of Tennessee's Highland Rim and Cumberland Plateau just outside Nashville, we provide a setting that blends productivity and peace. With natural waterfalls, refined accommodations, and all-inclusive amenities, we turn corporate retreats into experiences that inspire real results.



Why a Winter Retreat Matters


By the time December arrives, many teams are running on autopilot. Deadlines pile up, inboxes overflow, and creative energy wanes. A well-timed retreat pulls focus back to the bigger picture, allowing leaders to evaluate progress, identify new goals, and celebrate wins.

More than a meeting, a Winter retreat creates space for strategic thinking, relationship building, and intentional rest—each essential for a productive start to the next quarter.

When thoughtfully planned, a retreat helps teams:
  • Reflect on the year's achievements and challenges
  • Reconnect with core company values and mission
  • Reset goals with clarity and accountability
  • Reignite creativity and collaboration


Our natural surroundings make that process effortless. With meeting spaces designed for deep focus and overnight lodging that feels more like a peaceful getaway than a corporate trip, Evins Mill is where strategy finds balance.

Choose a Setting That Sparks Strategy


The success of any retreat begins with the environment. A location that removes distractions and fosters open conversation can completely change the tone of planning sessions.

Our 40-acre property combines rustic charm with refined amenities, offering an elevated meeting experience far from the typical boardroom. From spacious meeting lodges with full A/V support to private breakout areas surrounded by trees and streams, every space encourages focus and connection.

Guests can gather in thoughtfully designed meeting spaces that blend comfort with purpose, enjoy freshly prepared meals served in welcoming communal areas, and step outside to reflect by the water's edge. The result is a natural rhythm that moves seamlessly between structured sessions and restorative moments of stillness.

Plan for Purpose and Balance


A productive retreat balances intentional work sessions with restorative downtime. We make that easy with customized meeting packages that include chef-prepared meals, coffee service, lodging, and access to outdoor amenities.

We encourage teams to start with a clear agenda that mixes goal-setting and reflection:
  • Begin with a guided discussion of annual milestones and lessons learned
  • Schedule small group sessions to brainstorm the new year's initiatives
  • Include time for leadership development and team alignment


Between sessions, guests can enjoy our scenic walking trails, waterfalls, and gathering spots—natural opportunities for informal conversation and team bonding. The property's serene setting promotes the kind of creative recharge that fuels innovation long after everyone returns to the office.

Make Reflection a Priority


Reflection is one of the most powerful tools any leadership team can use. It's what turns experiences into insights and challenges into opportunities.

During a Winter retreat, we encourage teams to dedicate time for meaningful conversation: What worked well this year? What could have been better? Which goals should evolve next year?

Our quiet, private setting supports open dialogue. Teams can gather around the fireplace, share meals together, and take stock of where they've been and where they're going. That reflection becomes the foundation for actionable, measurable goals for the year ahead.

Incorporate Local Flavor and Comfort


Great food and comfortable lodging elevate a retreat from routine to restorative. At Evins Mill, every corporate group enjoys chef-curated dining experiences prepared with local ingredients, served in a relaxed, lodge-style atmosphere.

Our overnight accommodations—ranging from cozy guest rooms to premium gathering spaces—allow attendees to unwind fully after a day of strategy and collaboration. Morning coffee on the deck, quiet evenings by the fire, and the sound of water flowing nearby make for an experience that feels far from the office, yet intentionally designed for balance and connection.

Build Connection Through Shared Experience


When teams step away from screens and into nature, connection happens naturally. Our property offers space for conversation, laughter, and relationship-building that rarely fits into a standard workday.

Evening receptions, group dinners, or morning walks through the wooded trails can strengthen bonds that carry into the next business cycle. The retreat becomes more than a meeting—it becomes a shared memory that reinforces trust and camaraderie.

We Handle Every Detail


We know one of the biggest challenges of hosting a successful retreat is logistics. Meals, meeting equipment, and accommodations can easily overwhelm an internal team.

That's why our experienced event staff handles every detail, so organizers can focus on strategy, not setup. From audio-visual support and meeting supplies to meal planning and scheduling, our all-inclusive approach ensures a seamless experience from arrival to departure.

Our planning team helps each group customize the retreat's flow, ensuring every session and break aligns with the goals of the gathering. Whether it's a one-day meeting or a multi-night retreat, we provide the structure and service to make it effortless.

Measure Success with Intention


A retreat's value lies in its results. As the sessions conclude, we recommend scheduling time to document next steps, assign accountability, and establish timelines.

We help groups capture key takeaways and strategic priorities, define action items with ownership, and set milestone check-ins for the following quarter.
The peace and focus found at Evins Mill give teams the clarity to not only plan—but to execute with renewed energy.

Plan Your Winter Strategic Retreat at Evins Mill


A Winter retreat is more than a meeting—it's an investment in your people and your purpose. Whether your goal is to realign leadership, inspire innovation, or simply give your team space to think clearly again, Evins Mill offers the perfect blend of focus, hospitality, and natural beauty to make it happen.

From the moment your team arrives, every element—from gourmet dining to professional meeting spaces—is designed to help your organization start the new year with confidence.

Ready to design a strategic retreat that delivers real results?

Explore our corporate meeting options and connect with our team to start planning your customized Winter experience.