Company retreats are often remembered for PowerPoints, awkward icebreakers, and polite small talk. But at Goho, we’ve never been about doing things the ordinary way. That’s why we created GoChella, a unique staff offsite that feels less like a conference and more like a journey of inspiration, wellness, and fun.

In 2025, we gathered in the beautiful Kent countryside for two unforgettable days. There were insights that reshaped how we think about work, wellness that grounded us, and moments of joy that reminded us why human connection matters more than anything. This was a company retreat that gave us more than just memories, it gave us clarity, creativity, and energy to carry back into our work.

Day 1: Setting the Stage for Connection

The first morning at GoChella felt like stepping into something magical. The countryside air was crisp, the welcome bags were bursting with treats, and laughter echoed through The Snug as everyone grabbed refreshments and settled in.

Stacey and the Goho team opened the retreat with warmth and enthusiasm, setting a tone that would carry through the entire weekend. It wasn’t a stiff corporate greeting, it was genuine, heartfelt, and full of that unmistakable Goho energy. Right away, the retreat felt less like work and more like family.

Personal Branding with Saffron Sumner

One of the first sessions came from Saffron Sumner, who spoke on personal branding, influence, and the power of telling your own story. Saffron reminded us that LinkedIn isn’t just a professional platform, it’s a stage where authenticity can change how people see you.

Her talk resonated deeply. Many of us realised we’d been underselling our own stories or hiding behind titles and roles, when in reality, our individuality is our strength. It was an empowering moment that reframed how we think about influence, not as something flashy, but as something deeply personal.

Cybersecurity Gets Real (and Zen)

Next up was Moogz with Unhacked, a cybersecurity session that was anything but dry. Instead of scare tactics, Moogz approached the subject with calm authority, answering so many questions that he barely made it through the slides.

What stood out was the balance between practical advice and mindfulness. Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but Moogz showed us that protecting ourselves online doesn’t have to come at the expense of peace of mind. It was one of those talks that lingered long after, sparking conversations around the campfire later that night.

Wellness and Play

Of course, GoChella isn’t all about learning, it’s also about wellness and joy. The afternoon opened up into a buffet of activities: massages, hot tubs, country walks, and even wild swimming for the brave souls willing to take the plunge.

Millie’s yoga session struck a perfect balance between calm and challenge, blending mindful movement with relaxation. Her signature touch? A closing head massage that left the group both grounded and glowing. It wasn’t just yoga, it was a moment of collective exhale, a pause that reminded us why wellness belongs at the heart of work culture.

Kent Search & Rescue: Heroes with Heart

The day took a powerful turn when Kent Search & Rescue joined us, bringing along their incredible dogs, Willow and Cara. As their handlers shared stories about the lifesaving work they do, the pups wagged their way through the group, stealing hearts and sparking donations.

It was humbling and inspiring in equal measure. We were reminded that leadership and impact aren’t just about what happens in boardrooms, they’re about service, dedication, and sometimes, four paws and a wagging tail.

Campfires, Cocktails, and Community

As the sun dipped behind the countryside hills, Day 1 came alive in a different way. Pre-dinner drinks flowed into a delicious meal, followed by a campfire sing-along that broke down every barrier. Voices mingled, laughter carried through the night, and before long, the snug became a hub for cocktail-making and late-night storytelling.

The first day of GoChella closed with the kind of atmosphere you can’t fake: connection, clarity, and a community bound not just by work, but by genuine care for one another.

Day 2: Purpose, Creativity, and Growth

If Day 1 was about opening up and connecting, Day 2 was about deepening our sense of purpose. We started slowly, easing into the morning with fresh pastries from Gilda Bakery and fresh juices that set the tone for the day ahead.

Resetting with Jess Pritchard

The day began with Jess Pritchard’s Morning Reset, a blend of strength, stretch, and intention setting. It wasn’t just exercise, it was a moment to take up space, move with intention, and claim energy for the day. Jess reminded us that leadership starts with how we show up for ourselves, not just for others.

Terrariums and Green Creativity

Later, Nikki from Studio HOIME guided us through terrarium-making, filling the room with laughter, soil, and creativity. It was a chance to get our hands dirty (literally) and step into a different kind of flow. Watching everyone design their own little world of greenery was surprisingly meditative, a small but powerful lesson in nurturing something living, and in turn, ourselves.

Productivity with Purpose

The tempo shifted as Andy Collings, CEO of Dale Carnegie UK, took the stage. His session, Productivity with Purpose, was a masterclass in leading without burning out. Instead of glorifying busyness, Andy showed us how to align our time with our values, reminding us that true productivity isn’t about doing more, but doing what matters most.It was a wake-up call for many of us who juggle deadlines and demands. Andy’s approach gave us tools to rethink our schedules and our leadership styles, ensuring that we don’t just survive the workweek, we thrive through it.

Journalling, Reflection, and Self-Love

After a lunch at The Rose Inn, Wickhambreaux, Jess returned with the MIRRA Journal Club. This session was an invitation to slow down, put pen to paper, and face ourselves with honesty.

Through guided exercises, we explored bold journalling, unapologetic self-love, and the courage to write the truths we often leave unsaid. And because Goho never does things by halves, we didn’t just write our brain dumps, we set them on fire (safely, of course), sending those old thoughts up in smoke to make room for the new. It was one of those rare spaces where vulnerability felt safe, and where everyone walked away lighter.

The GoChella Magic

Across both days, GoChella was a blend of learning and laughter, wellness and wisdom, reflection and play. From hot tubs to headline insights, every detail came together to create something more than a retreat.

It was a celebration of connection, a reminder that when people feel seen, supported, and inspired, they don’t just work better, they live better.

As we packed up our things and said our goodbyes, there was already a buzz about “next year.” Because GoChella isn’t just a date on the calendar, it’s part of the soul of Goho.

Why GoChella Matters

Company retreats like GoChella matter because they give us space to be human again. They remind us that behind every email and every project is a person with a story, a dream, and a need for connection.

This inspiring company retreat wasn’t just about learning new skills, it was about creating memories, strengthening trust, and redefining what it means to work together.

At Goho, we believe culture is built not in the office, but in moments like these: when we laugh around a fire, reflect in a journal, or step into a yoga pose together. That’s the power of a unique staff offsite, it transforms colleagues into a community.

Final Thoughts

GoChella 2025 was more than a retreat. It was a celebration of people, purpose, and possibility. It was proof that a fun company retreat can be as inspiring as it is energising, and that when you put people first, the impact ripples far beyond the countryside.

We leave with fresh perspectives, new friendships, and a little extra sparkle in our step. And yes, same time next year? You know it.

“GoChella has been awesome. I don’t know any other supplier that would invite you away for a two-day retreat. These guys, in Goho, are always ahead of the curve, they think about the customers first and it’s been amazing to meet like-minded business owners, creative people, and those people who not only think about their customers, their wellbeing, but the environment and sustainability as well, ”

— Said Kerry Nutley from Little Bees Larder.