Midstay organized a 6-night team retreat in Demre, Turkey for TL;DV, bringing 25 remote team members together for meaningful bonding, light work sessions, and cultural experiences. With end-to-end logistics, a seaside villa, and a balanced itinerary, Midstay made it easy for TL;DV to strengthen connection and company culture. Perfect inspiration for HR leaders and People & Culture teams planning a high-impact offsite.
“With the help of Midstay, we just needed to say roughly what we wanted to do, what was most important for our team, and Midstay took care of everything – it worked absolutely smoothly.”
– Carlo, Co-founder of TLDV
About TLDV
TL;DV is a company that strives to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing among distributed teams. Its core product is a meeting recording tool that automatically transcribes, summarizes and organizes virtual calls, making it easier for teams to stay aligned. With employees located in different countries, TL;DV is a remote-first company that understands the value of in-person events to bolster its internal culture.
The Team Retreat Goal
TL;DV wanted to bring its team together – not for business workshops – but for meaningful and personal connection.
They wanted a retreat that would:
- Blend deep bonding with space for light internal work
- Feel relaxed and natural, not corporate
- Offer beautiful scenery, cultural immersion, and flexibility
However, organizing a week-long retreat in a foreign country for 25 people while maintaining flow and autonomy was time-consuming and complicated. That’s where Midstay stepped in.
The goal was simple yet powerful: to connect. No keynote speakers, no quarterly reviews. Just team members spending quality time, learning from one another, laughing, and making memories in an inspiring setting.
Midstay designed activities to reflect that – ranging from icebreakers and yoga to boat trips and board game nights.
Midstay’s Expertise
Midstay took care of all retreat logistics, from flights and transport coordination across batches, to curating a handpicked venue, managing daily itineraries, and local partnerships.
How we helped:
- Coordinated airport pickups across 7 arrival waves
- Balanced structured activities with plenty of free time
- Handpicked a cozy and spacious villa close to the sea
- Partnered with our trusted local venues for cultural and dining experiences
Thanks to our presence on-site and support from trusted local partners, everything came together seamlessly – freeing up TL;DV’s time to focus fully on their team instead.
The Destination: Demre, Turkey
It didn’t take long for the crew to settle in when they got to Demre. It’s difficult to describe the town’s serene, uncomplicated atmosphere, but you can sense it immediately. No rush, no traffic. Only sunshine, peaceful streets, and the sea nearby at all times.
For a group looking for a spot to relax, meet up, and really feel at home, our partner Villa D’Mare in Demre is the perfect choice.
Tucked between green trees and the shining sea, the villa gives a calm feel that’s tough to find. Inside, each spot is made with ease and togetherness in mind. Shared places make it simple to͏ connect. There is lots of space to work, bond and just relax with an outside garden and shaded areas on the patio.
The Ultimate Team Building Retreat Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Icebreaker
Midstay had all transfers organized for the team that arrived in batches. The retreat kicked off with entertaining icebreakers to let the team members bond and connect with each other.
Day 2: Work, Sunset & BBQ
Yoga at sunrise, internal work sessions, and a BBQ meal prepared by a local chef were all part of the first full day. Welcome cocktails at sunset marked the conclusion of the day; an informal, laid-back, and joyful moment for the team to bond on a more personal level.
Day 3: Full-Day Private Boat Tour
On the third day, the team spent a full day on a private boat tour swimming in clear blue bays, playing water sports games, relaxing and snorkeling in turquoise water. The day wound down with a group dinner, followed by a board games night.
Day 4: Culture & History
The fourth day began with an optional beach walk and a shared breakfast before heading out to Kas where the team explored the town’s streets and charm. After visiting the Church of St. Nicholas and the remains of Myra, the team had lunch at a family-run restaurant and got some free time in town to continue to explore the beautiful setting.
Day 5: Free Time & Movie Night
With relaxation in mind, this day was designed to be more flexible and let the team enjoy the surroundings and company in the way they liked. The day was wrapped up with a movie night at the villa.
Day 6: Work Session & Gala Dinner
The sixth day was also curated to be flexible for the team members, letting them relax and explore the area, while incorporating a light work session. We wrapped up their day with a Midstay Special Gala Dinner, where good food, laughter and conversations brought the retreat to a memorable close.
Day 7: Unforgettable Memories and a Farewell
Leveraging stronger bonds than ever, unforgettable memories were brought with the team members while departing from the retreat after a final breakfast.
Retreat Wrap-Up
The TL;DV getaway in Demre was a successful offsite spent by the team to bond, learn, and have fun in one place. The team members discovered a new sense of purpose and unity from climbing ancient ruins to giggling over beach-side dinners. It was not only a retreat – it was an impactful experience that leaves a lasting impact on the team dynamics and collaborations back at work.
Ready to Plan Your Own Retreat?
Planning a retreat sounds exciting until the details start stacking up. Finding the right venue, coordinating travel across countries, balancing work and bonding time… it quickly becomes overwhelming.
That’s where Midstay steps in. We design retreats with intention, tailored to your team’s goals, pace, and culture. From start to finish, we handle all the logistics.
Let’s make it happen! Get in touch with us to start planning your next retreat!
