Bill Gates' 'Think Week' -- Flyertalk Edition
 

Bill Gates is famous for doing twice yearly 'think weeks' -- he'll retreat to a cottage in the woods and just think about the future.

Gates spends the week completely secluded from civilization– alone with his own thoughts and a pile of thought proposals. The seven days tend to include a lot of reading, a lot of thinking, and a lot of alone time, as Gates is completely disconnected from family members, friends, and employees (despite one exception: a caretaker who slips him two simple meals a day.) Ref: https://thriveglobal.com/stories/bill-gates-think-week/

I'm no Bill Gates, but I'm thinking this isn't exactly a bad idea. I'm trying to put one of these together for myself, but lacking a dedicated cottage in the woods, I'm looking for suggestions on where to go. I think the requirements would be:

- A high end 'retreat' type property -- that means outside the city, and something quiet and peaceful. Beach, mountains, forrest, tundra whatever all probably OK, but no honeymooners shrieking as they zipline through.
- Large, private grounds where you can walk, sit, think, etc.
- At least 2-3 good restaurants on property -- my version of the 'caretaker'.
- Good tech infrastructure (e.g. wifi) -- lacking an 80,000 person company to send me proposals, I'd probably focus on reading blogs from thought leaders, etc. Probably also a business center type thing for printing out documents.
- Adults only? Guess not an absolute requirement, but you don't want kids splashing you while you're on your laptop by the pool.
- Also because I'm not Bill Gates, something reasonably priced on points or cash. That probably means going internationally, but maybe not.

So where? Something like the Maldives I think is out -- not great infrastructure and super expensive. Cabo maybe? Seems super touristy. One of those Arizona retreats, like one of the Hyatt Miraval properties? Beach retreat in Thailand?

Curious if anybody's ever tried something like this, or if you have ideas of properties that might be good.

Mmmmm . . . I'll have a think.

Many have hammocks on a screened porch, some offer hot tubs.

Also Blackberry Mountain.
https://www.blackberrymountain.com/

However, both venues are expensive and no mileage applies.

Cool thanks.

@sophialite sorry if you think this is silly... I def think there's something to being able to disconnect from the day to day for a week, and focus on long term planning.

If anybody else has ideas would love to hear them -- esp something international, which might be more affordable for staying for a longer period of time. I just about keeled over when I saw this:

FROM 2,800.00 USD / Night

You may want to consider AirB&B. Your primary requirement seems to be an affordable standalone dwelling in lovely natural environs.

AirB&B, sadly, don't come with daily service and 2-3 restaurants built in. :)

Of course I know that. But you may have to make some compromises if you don’t want to pay luxury rates. Or, you could be in the wrong forum.

Other options: some AirB&Bs can arrange housekeeping. You may be anle to hire a caterer to bring in meals.

Staycation if you don't have a family? Just disconnect and enjoy your home. Cheap (free) and you already know neighborhood restaurants, etc.

I was more thinking internationally might have some places that offer a similar level of luxury for ~$280/night instead of ~$2800/night. :) Maybe I'm wrong though; I've rarely done the retreat thing and almost always stay in the city when I'm on vacation because that's where the action is.

$280/night for stand-alone (presumably sequestered) in lovely natural environs with daily housekeeping and two or three good restaurants on site likely will not happen but this is the wrong forum for that. Even internationally.

Honestly, you’ve got this all kattywhumpus

Go to the Marriott forum and explore the hacienda properties in the Yucatan. I've stayed at several and some have 10 or fewer rooms.

Good idea. Mileage may apply, if you have same in that program. Wifi sometimes iffy and restaurant options limited. But it is the best possibility yet suggested.

Seems clear to me that the OP is not at a price point where this thread is appropriate for the luxury hotel forum, so I am moving this to Travelbuzz.

RichardInSF, moderator, luxury hotels and travel