Why Your Next Corporate Retreat Should be on San Juan Island

Only 65 miles north of Seattle, blessed by the Olympic Rain shadow, lies stunning San Juan Island. Easily reached by seaplane or ferry the isle offers the best of both worlds: the feeling of being far away from it all, serenity and no distractions as well as the culture and business amenities of a happening coastal town.

When to Visit…

If you make your plans early enough (at least a year out), anytime is the perfect time to visit. Spring on the island is absolutely lovely and moderately priced. We offer group bookings midweek with a two-night minimum in Summer. Then there is, what we call San Juan’s secret season in late Fall, with long, warm autumns days, less crowds and amazing lodging specials.

Where to Stay…

We here at the Earthbox Inn & Spa have 72 rooms, an onsite full-service spa, an indoor heated pool, sauna, hot tub and exercise room and a 1,600sf conference room with commercial kitchen. We are just 3½ blocks from the water front and a stone’s throw away from restaurants, shops, cute boutiques, street fairs, museums and galleries in perfectly walkable Friday Harbor. Contact us for availability and group rates.

What about Food?...

Also known as the “Gourmet Archipelago”, we cherish our island-grown food and local, fresh seafood. Find cozy Farm-to-Table restaurants offering seasonal island fare, northwest fusion, Thai, Italian and Mexican fare, as well as uncomplicated pub-style restaurants; something for groups of any sizes. We here at the Earthbox can get you in touch with excellent island caterers to cater your event at our conference room or prepare luscious lunches to take to the beach or on the boat with you.

Team Building Adventures…

Imagine your team on a guided sea kayak tour in tandem kayaks searching for Orca whales. Reserve an entire whale watch boat for your people and sail the Salish Sea at sunset. Play golf or volleyball at the beach. Go hiking at the two National Historical Parks. Visit the lavender farm, do a distillery tour or a wine tasting. If your group is artistically inclined, visit the Island Museum of Art, the San Juan Island Sculpture Park or go see a theater or music performance at the San Juan Community Theatre.

Good to know…

Cell service in Friday Harbor is just like on the mainland. Once you leave town cell service gets spotty. An excellent opportunity to put your devices on airplane mode for a few hours and really get brain storming without interruptions. There are no fast food chains or traffic lights on the entire island. San Juan Island’s Lime Kiln State Park is one of the best places to see Orca whales from land in the world.