If a project is too complex to fit into a two-hour meeting, an executive or corporate retreat locations choice may be in order as the best way to hammer things out. Whether you’re launching a project or laying out a long-term strategic plan, Colorado is a place to slow down, think differently, and find creative business inspiration.

Experts recommend that a business retreat features 80 percent work and 20 percent fun. But whatever your work-fun ratio, Colorado can accommodate with memorable corporate retreat locations. For example, local hotels in Golden have more than 20,000 square feet of up-to-date facilities for corporate needs with divisible ballrooms and break out rooms. The fun factor is on display with the arched Howdy Folks sign over downtown that says “Welcome to Golden – Where the West Lives,” gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains, and an extensive hiking and biking trail system that connects Clear Creek, Chimney Gulch, and the Table Mountains.

Paradise awaits in Boulder, identified as one of America’s Top Adventure Towns by National Geographic and nestled at the base of the Flatiron Mountains. Boulder meets your business needs with historic hotels, high-tech meeting facilities, and a wide variety of dining choices. Opportunities for corporate team building abound and include bike-to-farm and bike-to-brewery tours, wine blending, and Amazing Race and Colorado Olympic challenges.

If your team does its best thinking on horseback, ranches across the state are an ideal option for corporate retreat locations. Many offer meeting and event space, accommodations, spa treatments, and a wide range of other activities such as hiking, biking, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, fishing.

Taking time for an executive, board or team retreat eliminates daily work distractions and sends a message that the project you are working on is important and worth the extra time. Adding local experiences to a retreat gets employees and board members excited and compensates them for having to leave their families behind. And wherever you land in colorful Colorado, your retreat is sure to involve productivity and relaxation.