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How to organize a retreat for your team | KW9 Amsterdam

Esther KW9
Esther Zijtregtop
Founder of KW9
Date
1.10.25

Would you like to organize a team retreat in Amsterdam? Then you are consciously taking a step back from the daily hustle and bustle. Together, you focus on what really matters. At KW9, in the heart of Amsterdam, we organize retreats that go beyond mere inspiration. We ensure that you emerge as a stronger team, including concrete improvements in how you work together.

What makes a retreat at KW9 special?

A retreat is much more than just meeting at a different location. It's about your team experiencing real breakthroughs: gaining new insights, solving problems, and becoming stronger as a group.

At KW9, we have discovered where the strength lies: in variety. We combine different activities because people learn and collaborate best in different ways.

Connect. Create. Inspire. These three words are central to everything we do. KW9 is the place where teams take their collaboration to the next level. We not only help you develop new ideas, but also get back to work with fresh energy and clear agreements.

Why different activities work so well during a retreat in Amsterdam

What makes us different? We believe that the best results come when you appeal to different sides of people. That's why we not only offer modern meeting facilities, but also space for creative workshops, inspiring presentations, and moments to really engage with each other while enjoying excellent catering.

By switching smartly between thinking, doing, and relaxing, everyone stays sharp. And the best ideas? They often arise during breaks.

The art of choosing the right venue for your retreat in Amsterdam:

Each space has its own character and strengths. We have three different spaces, each designed for specific team needs:

1️⃣ Basement: The focus room for intensive teamwork

Capacity: up to 12 people | 65m² | Atmospheric serenity Our basement is a closed-off downstairs space where it is wonderfully quiet. This makes it perfect for teams who want to work on complex issues without distractions. The space has special acoustic treatment, allowing conversations to be clearly heard without any disturbing noises from outside.

With the professional audio system, we can give workshops where sound is central. Think of listening to inspiring podcasts or music that perfectly matches your program. The large digital screen ensures that everyone can follow presentations easily.

→ Ideal for: Strategy sessions , creative brainstorming, content creation, interviews, and training days in Amsterdam.

2️⃣ Ground Floor: Bright and accessible for daily collaboration

Capacity: up to 8 people | 70m² | Open, inspiring, and full of natural light

Our ground floor has a relaxed atmosphere thanks to the abundance of natural light and flexible layout. You can choose between formal meetings at the large table or relaxed brainstorming sessions in the lounge chairs. The proximity of our coffee bar ensures that you can always grab a good cup of coffee quickly.

→ Ideal for: Kickoff sessions, quarterly meetings, customer days, meetings, co-working, and team-building activities in Amsterdam.

3️⃣ First Floor: The all-rounder for larger groups

Capacity: maximum 18 people seated, 50 standing | 70m² | Beautiful view over Amsterdam

The First Floor is our most versatile space: large enough for full-day retreats, yet intimate enough for smaller meetings. The beautiful view over Amsterdam and the natural light energize long sessions.

The flexible layout makes everything possible: from strategic brainstorming sessions to presentations for larger groups. People can catch up with each other during breaks in the lounge area, while the presentation facilities ensure that everyone can see and hear everything clearly.

→ Ideal for: Vision and strategy sessions, training courses, large workshops, closing team dinners, photography, and staff drinks in Amsterdam.

What can you do during a retreat at KW9?

HEARING - Audio workshops and experiences

Sound does more than you think—it can literally bring teams together. In our basement, we have professional audio equipment that Boudewijn van Lieshout, our audio expert and music producer, uses to give special workshops.

Boudewijn knows better than anyone how musicians work together: how they listen to each other, respond to each other, and create something beautiful together. He translates that knowledge into teamwork. His workshops help teams to listen better. Not only to what is being said, but also to what is going on between the lines.

Audio workshops that Boudewijn can provide during your retreat in Amsterdam:

  • Workshops on effective collaboration
  • Listening skills that really work
  • Discovering creative processes
  • Interactive sessions for music lovers

SEE - Strategic workshops and branding

Where do you want to go as a team? And how do you ensure that everyone is looking in the same direction? Nerine Jones, our specialist in personal branding and business strategy, helps teams to sharpen their focus. With 17 years of experience, she knows exactly which questions to ask to give teams clarity about who they are and what they want to achieve.

Nerine ensures that you not only know where you want to go, but also how you can powerfully communicate that story to the outside world.

Strategic workshops that Nerine can facilitate during your retreat in Amsterdam:

  • Personal Brand Accelerator
  • The Personal Brand Accelerator Masterclass

TASTINGS - Business catering and team dinners

There's nothing like a good conversation over a delicious meal. Yuna Verwiel, our chef and caterer, creates more than just meals—she creates moments that bring teams together. She develops menus that perfectly suit your day and provides special dining experiences that will be talked about for a long time to come.

Catering and team dinners provided by Yuna during your retreat in Amsterdam:

  • Themed team dinners
  • Cooking workshops as team building
  • Wine and food pairing sessions
  • Flavor studios with special ingredients

The silent forces behind every perfect retreat in Amsterdam

Good hosting is the key to success. Mara, Josephine, Juliette, Evie, and others are much more than hostesses; they are the invisible directors of your day. While you focus on your team, they ensure that everything around you runs smoothly. They have a sixth sense for what a group needs and anticipate wishes before you even realize them yourself.

Thanks to their attention to detail and sense of timing, you and your team can fully devote yourselves to what really matters: growing and connecting together.

Everything taken care of, so you can focus on your team

📍Easy to find

KW9 is located at Kromme Waal 9, within walking distance of Amsterdam Central Station. This is convenient for your own team, and international colleagues can also find us easily.

Technical facilities

All our rooms are equipped with:

  • Fast, stable Wi-Fi for presentations and online collaboration
  • Large presentation screens
  • Professional audio systems
  • Flexible furniture that adapts to your program
  • Flipcharts and whiteboards for spontaneous ideas

Food that gives you energy

Our catering is always tailored to the purpose of your retreat. Yuna and her team not only provide delicious food, but also dishes that create the right energy.

Catering options for your retreat in Amsterdam:

  • An energetic breakfast and good coffee for a strong start
  • Light, nutritious lunches that provide energy without weighing you down
  • Healthy snacks that support concentration
  • Extensive dinners that invite connection and reflection

Special dietary requirements? No problem, we are happy to take these into account. View all our catering options here.

How do you plan your retreat in Amsterdam?

Step 1: The goal, determine what you want to achieve

"We want a team day" is not a goal; it is a means to an end. Where do you really want to go? More mutual trust? Clarity about where you are headed? A breakthrough in cooperation? New energy and creativity?

Ask yourself these questions:

  • What is stopping us from becoming even better?
  • What conversations do we avoid, but should we be having?
  • What becomes possible when we trust each other completely?
  • How do we want to look back on this period in a year's time?

Step 2: Choose the space that suits you

  • Intensive strategic sessions and in-depth discussions: Souterrain
  • Open brainstorming sessions and accessible workshops: Begane Grond
  • Presentations, training sessions, and team dinners: First Floor

Step 3: Build your program smartly

Together with our team, you will create a retreat in Amsterdam that appeals to all aspects of your team. Which audio experiences can open up new perspectives? What strategic insights do you need? And how can food contribute to genuine connection?

Step 4: Make sure it sticks

A successful retreat in Amsterdam does not conclude at the end of the day. We assist you in translating insights into concrete actions, maintaining new connections, and planning follow-up steps that maintain momentum.

Why experience makes the difference

At KW9, we believe that real change doesn't come from talking about it, but from experiencing it. A space that invites new thoughts. Audio that opens up different perspectives. Flavors that connect. And guidance that brings out the best in you. Read more about us here.

We use our spaces and services to make an impact, so that you and your team leave feeling truly different than when you arrived. View our prices here.

Start planning your retreat in Amsterdam now

Do you want to grow with your team, tackle important issues, and discover new things? We are happy to work with you to find the perfect combination of space, experiences, and guidance that suits your ambitions. Because at KW9, we create a place where you enjoy being, and where you leave feeling that it has really helped your team move forward.

Want to know more or book a space right away? Send us a message at info@kw9.nl or call us for a personal consultation.

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