Interworks 2025 Corporate Retreat

Objective

Earlier this month, the Red Blaze team headed to the French Riviera with a repeat client of ours to deliver a week-long event programme in the beautiful city of Nice offering a perfect blend of business focus, collaboration, and unforgettable shared experiences.

The Solution

The first wave of Senior Leadership Team delegates arrived over the weekend and from the moment the first guests touched down at Nice Airport, the Red Blaze team was ready. Our on-site lead, Catherine, was based at the effortlessly cool Mama Shelter Nice, coordinating VIP arrivals and managing a carefully planned transfer schedule. Private sedans met each guest as they landed, ensuring smooth and comfortable journeys into the city. On Sunday they eased into the programme with private meetings in Studio 1, a bright and contemporary space designed for creativity. After a productive morning, guests were treated to a relaxed brunch-style lunch setting a warm, informal tone for the days ahead.

A few days later, the rest of the Team arrived together on the group flight from London Gatwick. Red Blaze’s Emily Venn joined the delegation, ensuring everything ran like clockwork from the moment wheels touched down. With a fleet of private sedans, minivans, and a coach, over 50 guests were transferred swiftly to Mama Shelter, greeted by sunshine, smiles, and a sense of excitement for the week ahead. That evening, the group gathered for a Welcome Dinner Buffet at Mama Dinette. The relaxed atmosphere was the perfect icebreaker, giving a chance for old colleagues to reconnect and new ones to get acquainted. The menu featured comforting French classics with a playful twist: Croque-Monsieur, Crispy Chicken Dips with Spicy Mayo, and the standout favourite, Mama’s famous Chocolate Mousse with Olive Oil and Fleur de Sel. The laughter and conversation carried on into the night; a sure sign of a great week to come.

Tuesday marked the first full day of sessions. Delegates spent the day in meetings and workshops, exchanging ideas and insights in the hotel’s creative studio spaces. A working lunch kept the energy up, with vibrant salads, fresh fish, and light desserts equalling the perfect fuel for a productive day.

As the sun began to set, it was time to unwind. The group took a short stroll through the lively streets of Nice to a nearby restaurant for a standing tapas-style dinner. Glasses clinked, conversation flowed, and small plates of Mediterranean dishes were shared between colleagues. The sociable atmosphere captured the essence of an evening in the Riviera: good food, good company, and a gentle October breeze.

By midweek, it was time to mix business with a little adventure. The delegates laced up their walking shoes for a Vintage Photo Rally through Nice’s charming Old Town. Armed with maps, clues, and cameras, teams explored cobbled streets and colourful markets, capturing creative shots and solving light-hearted challenges along the way. The friendly competition ended with a celebratory lunch at Mamma Mia, where the winning team was rewarded with a magnum of champagne – and plenty of cheers all around! The final evening brought everyone together for a truly memorable farewell dinner at Le Virginie. Over glasses of wine and shared stories, guests enjoyed a beautiful French-Italian menu featuring Escalope de Veau Milanaise, Ravioli Ricotta Épinards, and a delicate Tarte aux Pommes for dessert. It was the perfect end to a week filled with connection, creativity, and collaboration with a chance to reflect on what had been achieved and celebrate new relationships built along the way.

Before departing, many guests took advantage of the communal workspaces back at Mama Shelter, squeezing in final catch-ups and follow-up meetings. Then, with private transfers back to the airport and a coordinated group flight to London Gatwick, Red Blaze ensured the entire departure process was as seamless as the arrival.

And as everyone flew off as the sun set over the Riviera, one thing was clear: collaboration doesn’t have to happen in a boardroom. Sometimes, it’s best served with a glass of wine, a sea view, and a team that truly works as one.