A Guest-Favorite Returns to Winvian
A Tidal Pull Back Home
At the start of 2025, Shari Mahan made the move to fulfill her lifelong dream of living by the ocean. After a brief period working with wonderful people at another well-regarded resort, however, Shari felt a longing for the unique blend of luxury hospitality and familial warmth found only at Winvian. This summer, Winvian is pleased to welcome Shari back home and back to her role as Corporate Sales Manager, focused on cementing Winvian’s reputation as a premier destination for executive retreats
Purpose-driven. People-first.
Shari returns with a fresh perspective on what sets Winvian apart, even from other luxury properties. It starts with family: ours and yours. Our family philosophy extends to our executive retreats, where we believe in fostering genuine connections that transcend typical work environments. In a digital world, where virtual meetings on endless screens can lead to isolation, a Winvian retreat offers a vital antidote, breaking through technological barriers to nurture authentic relationships that fuel commitment and success. Shari often hears from satisfied leadership teams that the bonds formed at Winvian provide a renewed sense of purpose. For many companies, a Winvian retreat is a highly anticipated annual event, with new employees hearing such glowing reviews that attendance becomes a personal goal.
While Winvian boasts every high-tech amenity your executive team needs, Shari points out that our true distinction lies in something you won’t find online: a dedication to building relationships through a mix of wellness and fun. We believe in breaking free from the “all-work-and-no-play” tedium of many corporate off-sites.
Feel Well. Do Better: A Playfully Productive Retreat
Winvian offers a wealth of activities that encourage connection, enhance wellness, and guarantee fun. Imagine starting your morning with a Tibetan Sound Therapy class, re-energizing mid-day with a guided E-bike excursion through the Litchfield hills, or winding down the day on nearby hiking trails or with a relaxing meditation or yoga class.
Ready to play? Spend an afternoon at Fairview Golf Course or, during the colder months, enjoy a friendly ice-carving competition, staying cozy with hot chocolate and a crackling fire pit. Perfect for team building, try a cooking class, or a new favorite, our Mocktail Mixology class, featuring locally sourced botanicals. Whatever your needs, Shari excels at crafting team-specific itineraries that combine engaging activities with essential time for reflection, ensuring a playfully productive experience.
Unparalleled Privacy: Your Retreat, Your Estate
When asked what else makes us a favorite in the field, Shari points out that Winvian offers unparalleled privacy and discretion. Unlike other resorts where you might be one of many groups vying for space and resources, Winvian’s retreat model ensures your team next-level privacy— including no signs with company names indicating your presence (unless requested). This privacy promise allows you to plan and strategize in peace. Because your team will be our sole focus, we can also be incredibly flexible, accommodating last-minute requests whenever possible.
Along with privacy comes exclusivity and customized amenities, including the world-class food prepared for you by our Executive Chef and his team. While many resorts bring in a banquet chef for events, we believe that a visit to Winvian must include the same individualized attention that diners in our award-winning restaurant have come to expect. It is our pleasure to take care of you throughout the day, with dishes featuring deliciously fresh ingredients grown just steps from the Boardroom where many teams convene.
In Uncertain Times, One Thing’s for Sure
As a family-run business, Winvian understands the uncertainty pervading the corporate landscape in 2025. While the impulse might be to delay expenditures, Shari believes that connection is more vital than ever. A Winvian retreat offers unique value in reassuring employees, demonstrating that leadership remains confident and secure. Shari likens it to a turbulent flight, where you look to the flight attendants and listen for the reassuring voice of the captain to know that you are in good hands. Secure leaders build strong teams.
Winvian also provides your executive team the crucial space to shut out the noise and strategize from a centered place. Effective planning requires calm and focus. Consistently positive post-retreat feedback, coupled with our impressive 50%+ return rate, affirms that executive teams share our belief in the value of a Winvian retreat. They recognize it as a smart investment in team productivity and success. “I believe in Winvian,” Shari states. It’s a conviction fueled by the satisfaction of the teams she serves.
Shari is excited for the months ahead and is already scheduling retreats for fall of 2026. She looks forward to sharing the Winvian experience with her executive team guests and welcoming them into the family fold. She’s particularly happy to be reunited with her Winvian family, now with an even deeper understanding of what makes us a place like no other.