Groups That Come Back Every Year: What Keeps Them Coming
Planning a group trip once is a project. Planning a trip to a different place every year can feel like a job that never ends. You compare venues, rebuild the itinerary, and answer your group's questions before you have all the answers yourself.
Some of the leaders we host have found an annual group retreat venue that works for their people, and they keep coming back to it. One youth pastor put it this way:
“I’ve been bringing groups to the Gulf Shores Beach Retreat since 1999. It’s simply one of the best places for people to come and enjoy a great time and connect with each other and with God!”
Several women's groups also return every year, and September and October are especially popular for those retreats. A large college group that rented the entire facility has already rebooked with us for next year.
Here's what keeps groups coming back to our retreat year after year.
Your Group Eats Together, on Your Own Schedule
Our fully-equipped commercial kitchen lets you cook for your group on your own schedule and then you can sit down together in the dining area.
One leader praised the kitchen and already had his next trip in mind:
“The kitchen is top-notch and has all of the equipment necessary. The location is terrific, just across from the beach! I am definitely planning on bringing another group down for another retreat as soon as possible.”
“ One side of our facility hosts 80 guests, and the full property holds up to 160.”
Your Group Gets Its Own Side of the Resort
One side of the resort belongs to your group for the whole stay. You get your own private pool, sand volleyball, basketball, charcoal grills, parking, and kitchen, and no one you haven't authorized comes into your space.
Another leader put the privacy first:
“The privacy that the retreat offers was perfect for our group. It provided an intimate setting that allowed our teens to grow together as they grew their relationships with God. We can’t wait for our next visit to Gulf Shores Beach Retreat. It truly was perfect.”
The space can grow with your group, too. One side of our facility hosts 80 guests, and the full property holds up to 160. Renting the entire facility gives you both sides, which means two kitchens and two pools.
Even a large group has room to connect:
“Gulf Shores Beach Retreat was a great place for our women’s retreat. The cozy atmosphere fosters fellowship while easily accommodating 100 plus ladies.”
Planning Gets Easier When You Return
Once you've stayed with us, you know how the rooms split up and how meals work, so planning your next trip is much easier since you already know what to expect.
A campus minister from another college ministry that comes back every year wrote:
“Our college ministry has been taking a trip down here for years now and it is always the favorite event of the year. John and his family are the best. Easy to work with and very helpful and kind people. The place is gorgeous. Perfect location. Wonderful amenities. I genuinely could not say enough good about our experience at Gulf Shores Beach Retreat every time. Till next year!”
Plan Your Group's Next Trip
If you're considering a first visit, we're happy to give you a tour or email you pictures and videos of the retreat. If your group is already coming back, we'll help you put next year's dates on the calendar.
