It’s official: the face-to-face meeting is back. As companies make the return to destination meetings, the demand for unique group experiences has also risen. Groups are now looking to blend boardroom work sessions with invigorating team-building exercises to strengthen team communication and encourage out-of-the-box thinking.

Mary Jo Valentine Blythe, president of Masterplan, Inc., a global meeting and event-management company, has more than 25 years of experience as a meeting planner. Blythe says that group bonding activities at meetings have become the norm nowadays. “Incorporating these alternative, fun activities is important. They enhance and build relationships, and ultimately foster a better work environment, which leads to increased productivity.”

Blythe has organised a wide range of activities for groups, but has noticed an uptick in requests for activities that spark friendly competition. “From Amazing Race–themed adventures to Top Chef–style competitions, employers want to organise a diverse range of exercises,” says Blythe.

At Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts around the world, planners can weave challenges of all types into meeting itineraries. Below is a sampling of team-building activities that Four Seasons can arrange:

Feel the Heat – The ultimate test of teamwork can be found at Four Seasons Hotel Boston, where groups are tasked with running a restaurant kitchen together. The Aujourd’hui private event space includes a dedicated industrial kitchen where participants will learn to prepare a multi-course meal led by Executive Chef Brooke Vosika. After the cooking demonstration is complete, the group can savour their hard work with a dinner party in a private function room.

Play Explorer – To test colleagues’ communication and problem-solving skills, groups at Four Seasons Hotel Austin can take part in a GPS scavenger hunt. Participants begin the challenge by rafting across scenic Lady Bird Lake. Throughout the scavenger hunt, groups must navigate the streets of Austin while locating famous nearby attractions such as the Mexican-American Cultural Museum before finding their way back to the Hotel to capture their prize.

Reach New Heights – The Ascent on K2 at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui challenges groups to test their limits by climbing a specially designed hiking trail. Not quite as tall as its namesake, this smaller Four Seasons mountain climb begins at the entrance to its beachside restaurant, Pla Pla, and ends 400 feet (122 metres) above sea level. The winning team is then invited to ring the gong at the entrance of the Resort to celebrate their feat.

Solve the Crime – Participate in a “who done it” murder mystery at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire where groups’ analytical skills are put to the ultimate trial. The hunt begins during a cocktail reception and carries on throughout the evening. Special recognition will go to the team that can solve the crime before the culprit is revealed at the end of the night.

Conquer the Course – Head for the sky with the Monkido Tour, arranged by Four Seasons Resort Whistler . On this obstacle course through the mountains, participants are individually harnessed and dared to traverse the course while overcoming multiple barriers. From climbing over wooden logs to soaring on ropes and zip-lining through trees, teams have to work together to earn the winning title.