Every four years, Ralph Krämer GmbH travels together as a team. This year, the journey brought them back to us in Mallorca for the second time.
Ralph Krämer GmbH is a landscaping company from Cologne where it quickly becomes clear that many employees have worked together for a long time. Three generations lead the company, and its apprentices are naturally an integral part of the team.
We first had the pleasure of accompanying the company in Mallorca four years ago. We were therefore delighted to plan this year's trip together and look after the group on site once again.
Wednesday: arriving and discovering Palma
The group travelled to Mallorca together on Wednesday. Their home city was impossible to miss at the airport: many guests wore Cologne football shirts or specially produced, branded Mallorca T-shirts. A short transfer took everyone to Hipotels Gran Playa de Palma. After check-in, there was time to arrive, settle in and spend the afternoon as each guest wished.
Later, the group headed to Palma. Some guests chose a Segway tour through the city, while the others explored Palma independently.
Everyone came back together for the evening. We had reserved the entire indoor area of Café Can Toni for the group. A generous tapas menu, wine and plenty of conversation gave the first day an authentically Spanish ending, just as the locals enjoy it.
Thursday: a day on the Mediterranean
After breakfast, the group travelled to Palma's harbour. A privately chartered catamaran carried them out onto the Mediterranean, with an open bar and views of the dramatic southern coastline. Soon after the first anchorage, most guests headed straight into the water. Some used the rented paddleboards, while others swam to the nearby rocks for a spot of cliff jumping.
Meanwhile, the crew prepared a barbecue on board. After lunch, there was still plenty of time for swimming, relaxing and talking before the catamaran slowly returned towards Palma after four hours at sea.
The group had requested dinner together at Restaurant Verbano that evening. Afterwards, everyone was free to decide where and for how long they wanted to continue the night.
Friday: a balloon flight with a question mark
Several days before the group's arrival, we were already in close contact with our hot-air balloon partner. The reason was meteorological: balloon flights require very specific weather and thermal conditions, and the forecast looked difficult. That had not changed by the time the group reached the launch field. The team knew the situation and said: “We'll simply give it a try.” Several timing adjustments due to the expected winds and thermals, along with the resulting changes to the transfers, later, it was finally time. But first things first.
The day started very early. The transfer departed at 06:20, and by 07:00 the entire group was already at the launch site. The tension was noticeable because only a small window for take-off seemed likely. A balloon cannot be prepared at the touch of a button: many helping hands are needed, everyone joins in - real team building in action - and the process takes time.
The balloons were still spread across the ground, the fans were running and the preparations began. Even then, nobody could guarantee that the balloons would be ready within the narrow window or able to take off. The tension rose, everyone had a task and each movement had to be right. Only when the burners ignited, the envelopes slowly stood upright and the baskets finally tipped into position did it become clear: the flight would happen. On command, all 30 guests climbed aboard, and only seconds later the balloons lifted into the sky.
For several members of the group, that precise moment was something very special. Throughout the day, we heard more than once that the flight had fulfilled a long-held wish or even a childhood dream. It was a special moment for us as well, after the flight had remained completely uncertain until shortly beforehand.
A shared breakfast awaited the group after landing. At midday, everyone could choose their preferred experience as the group divided once more.
One group travelled to Port de Sóller and explored the surrounding area on a guided e-bike tour. A second chose an off-road buggy tour, while those looking for a quieter day joined a private VIP wine tasting at Bodega Can Axartell, owned by the Schwarzkopff family.
The registration period for the Pujada al Puig Major hill climb had brought numerous sports cars and motoring fans to Sóller. Road closures and much heavier traffic than expected therefore had to be managed. Even so, we brought every subgroup back on time for the shared barbecue dinner that evening.
Back together around one table
That evening, all 30 guests reunited at the privately reserved Bodegas Àngel. A large open-air barbecue had been prepared, accompanied by the winery's own wines at an open bar.
During the evening, current and former managing directors representing three generations addressed the whole team and thanked everyone for their shared time and work together. Moments like these are almost impossible to plan in advance. With this group in particular, the close connection between everyone was clear. At around 23:00, the transfer returned to the hotel.
Saturday: sea caving, jet skis and paella
Saturday also began with a choice of different programmes.
One group went sea caving, exploring the coastline and entering a cave directly from the water. Another chose a guided jet ski tour along the coast with a change of driver. Anyone who preferred a quieter morning after the previous days could enjoy free time and relax at the hotel.
Everyone reunited in the late afternoon. The final evening took the group to Bodega Son Juliana for a team-building paella workshop. After a short introduction, the tasks were assigned. Before long, ingredients were being chopped, prepared and fried, with seasoning naturally checked over a good glass of red wine.
Nobody was required to stand at the stove. Guests who preferred to watch could retreat to the rooftop terrace and enjoy the view, although most eventually found themselves in the middle of the action. This combination of cooking together, spontaneous conversations and an unhurried evening creates a lasting sense of belonging, helps ease existing tensions and suited the group perfectly. Once the paellas were ready, everyone ate together, followed by dessert and coffee before the return to the hotel.
For some, the evening ended there. Others made the most of their final night in Mallorca for a little longer.
Sunday: back to Cologne
Sunday morning brought an early farewell. After several days filled with different experiences, the transfer took the group back to the airport for the journey home to Cologne.
What we take away from this trip
One point mattered above all on this trip: all 30 people did not need to do the same thing at every moment, even though this significantly increased the event's complexity for us as the agency. On several days, the group deliberately divided according to individual interests. Some wanted action, others preferred food, wine or a little more rest. Every evening, everyone still came back together.
That exact balance worked extremely well for Ralph Krämer GmbH.
For us, it meant coordinating different activities so their timings aligned and organising or adjusting transfers whenever weather, wind and road closures changed the plan.
That is also part of a well-planned corporate trip. Not everything can be predicted. What matters is finding a solution together and keeping the experience as smooth and coherent as possible for the guests.
Thank you to Ralph Krämer GmbH for placing its trust in us once again. It was a pleasure to welcome the team back to Mallorca. And if the four-year rhythm continues, we are already curious to discover where the next journey will lead.