Team Retreats in Lagos: What to Know Before You Book

So, you’ve finally convinced your team that it’s time for a retreat; no Slack notifications, no traffic excuses, just fun and productivity. But before you rush to book the first shortlet you find on Instagram, pause. 

Planning a team retreat in Lagos is a different kind of project management. Between finding the right space, managing costs, and making sure everyone feels both relaxed and engaged, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. 

That’s why we’ve put together this guide; a quick checklist of everything you should know before hitting that “Book Now” button.

1. Consider Your Team Size and Dynamics

Some teams thrive in cozy, intimate spaces. Others need plenty of room to spread out, brainstorm, or escape from overfriendly coworkers who ask too many questions before coffee. Once you’re able to determine what kind of space makes your team tick, you can then go ahead to make sure the space you choose can accommodate both collaboration and personal downtime.

2. Define Your Team’s Goal

Are you looking to strategize for the next quarter? Build team bonding? Brainstorm new ideas? Or simply get away from the chaos of Lagos traffic for a weekend?

Knowing your “why” helps you choose the perfect space, set the right schedule, and decide what kind of vibe you’re going for; business-focused, social, or a mix of both.

3. Factor in Transportation and Accessibility

How easy is it for your team to get there? Will you need to arrange transportation for everyone? Hire a bus and pick people up from specific locations? Will some people be coming from the mainland or the island? Is there parking? Is the road inside the estate giving “I must suffer before I enter”?

4. Pick the Right Location

See, we can’t stress this enough. Lagos has tons of options, but not all are retreat-friendly. You want somewhere quiet enough to think, yet accessible enough that your team won’t need to take a boat and three Danfos to get there.

That’s why One Haven by Café One hits the sweet spot. Tucked in a serene part of Lagos, it’s close enough to the city’s energy but peaceful enough to actually hear yourself think.

5. Check the Amenities Before You Commit

A retreat venue should feel like a mix of home, office, and chill zone. Before you book, make sure it offers:

• Reliable WiFi 
• A comfortable workspace
• Enough private rooms for everyone
• A functional kitchen (you’ll thank us later)
• Backup power (we’re still in Nigeria, after all)

Spaces like One Haven come fully equipped: five bedrooms, a bright common area for collaboration, and a kitchen that practically begs for team cooking sessions. You get all of this and more for just N500,000.

6. Plan for Food, Comfort, and Convenience

If you’ve ever tried feeding 10 people with different preferences, you know the struggle. Choose a space that gives you flexibility. You can opt to cook together, order in, or hire a private chef.

One team that stayed at One Haven for a creative bootcamp actually said,

“We’d planned to order food every day, but once we saw that kitchen, we started cooking, and it became one of the best parts of our stay.”

7. Balance Work and Play

A good retreat blends productivity with fun. So, make sure to plan structured sessions for strategy and brainstorming, but leave room for downtime too. Think movie nights, cooking challenges, games, or even a quiet evening by the balcony.

The magic of retreats isn’t just in the meetings; it’s in the moments between them.

8. Budget Smart, Not Cheap

Cheaper doesn’t always mean better, but smarter budgeting does. Consider the full cost: venue, food, transportation, and experiences.

With One Haven, you get transparent pricing and an all-in-one setup that saves you from hidden costs (like renting meeting rooms or paying for daily amenities). 

9. Capture the Experience

Bring your camera (or your most Instagram-loving colleague). Retreats make great memories and even better social content. A few photos or reels can also help boost your team’s employer brand and show off your culture.

And trust us, One Haven’s interiors were practically made for aesthetics. Don’t forget to tag @onehavenbycafeone on your posts.

10. Review Check-Out Requirements and Support

Some shortlets will have you washing plates, changing bulbs, and writing your family history before you check out, but a retreat shouldn’t end with stress. Look for a space with easy check-out rules and responsive support so your last day is as smooth as the first.

A well-planned retreat can transform a team. Not just in how they work, but how they connect.
When the space feels right, the ideas flow more easily, the laughter lasts longer, and the memories stick.

So, before you book your next team retreat in Lagos, remember: comfort, convenience, and connection are non-negotiable.

And if you want a place that delivers all three (plus a kitchen that turns teammates into chefs), then you already know where to go. Book One Haven by Café One and make your next team retreat the easiest, most memorable one yet.