In an era where hybrid working and digital fatigue are the norm, corporate event managers are under increasing pressure to create experiences that genuinely reconnect teams, spark creativity and deliver measurable outcomes.

Enter Firesyde: a ‘retreat destination’ built on a simple but powerful idea: bring your team back into alignment through peaceful focus and reconnection in a beautiful setting.

Located less than one hour from London, Firesyde offers something increasingly rare in the UK events landscape: a premium, design-led venue that puts nature at the centre of the experience without compromising on comfort or functionality.

“There are a lot of incredible hotels in this country,” says founder Francis Hutley, “but not many that truly lean into nature. We’re a ‘nature-first’ venue.”

That philosophy is evident in every aspect of Firesyde. Fully equipped meeting rooms and breakout spaces are seamlessly integrated into a quiet, natural setting, allowing teams to step away from the distractions of the office while still accessing everything they need for productive sessions.

The result? Strategy days that feel less like obligations and more like opportunities for clear thinking.

Designed for Focus and Connection

For corporate event managers, the challenge is often balancing productivity with engagement. Firesyde addresses both.

Teams can spend the day in focused planning sessions in peaceful surroundings, then transition into experiences designed to strengthen relationships and recharge energy.

Activities range from wild dining experiences and foraging with guest chefs to sauna and ice plunge sessions, outdoor baths and fireside gatherings.

“One team recently went on a moonlight lantern walk,” Hutley notes. “It worked incredibly well.”

These shared experiences are more than just event add-ons they’re integral to building stronger, more connected teams.

But while Firesyde champions immersion in nature, it doesn’t ask guests to sacrifice comfort.

“Our goal was to operate at the higher end of the market,” Hutley explains, “without losing that connection to nature.”

That means thoughtful touches like underfloor heating, high-quality amenities and warm, design-led interiors.

Seasonal menus further enhance the experience, offering fresh, locally inspired dining that complements the setting.

It’s a blend that resonates strongly with corporate clients: an environment that feels both elevated and authentic.

A Versatile Canvas for Events

Beyond internal team retreats, Firesyde is increasingly being used for client events, brand activations, and creative offsites.

For brands looking to make an impression, the venue offers a visually striking backdrop that naturally lends itself to memorable moments.

Whether hosting clients or launching a new product, the combination of curated spaces and natural surroundings creates a distinctive setting that stands out from traditional venues.

Proven Impact

Despite being a relatively new venue, Firesyde is already attracting attention from international brands and high-performing teams and the feedback is consistent. 

According to Hutley, CEOs regularly report that their teams leave feeling both highly productive and genuinely inspired.

“Teams come here, and immediately become incredibly productive. They are amazed at how much work they can achieve in a super quiet and peaceful environment,” he says. “By the end of the week, the feedback is always the same: they’ve loved it and feel super relaxed despite working so hard.”

The Future of Corporate Retreats?

As organisations rethink how and where their teams come together, venues like Firesyde point to a broader shift in corporate events: away from purely functional spaces and toward experiences that prioritise wellbeing, connection, calm and inspiration.

For event managers, the takeaway is clear. The most impactful gatherings are no longer just about agendas and output, they’re about creating the conditions for teams to think and connect better and return to work aligned and energised by accomplishments made in beautiful surroundings.

See what Firesyde has to offer the MICE market at The BNC Show on STAND 107.