S8 Team retreat 2026: Cyprus

Once a year, we log off and get together IRL. For most of us, it’s a reunion. For our newest recruits, it’s the moment they find out who’s taller than expected. This year, our founders Mario and Fran upped the ante by inviting us all to Cyprus for four days of much-needed sun.

Our HQ for the trip was a villa in the sleepy village of Kato Drys. Night one’s theme was Texas, but make it Cyprus, and this could only mean spicy margs, beer on tap, and a big ol’ hunk o’ brisket. All of it fuelled a series of secret missions between rounds of poolside chatter.

The next morning kicked off with a now-legendary team trip tradition: the merch reveal. This year’s S8 graphic tee, designed by illustrator Nebojša Matković, pays homage to the island’s original rockstar, Aphrodite. And of course, featured the agency’s unofficial mascot, John’s beloved chicken, Brenda. 

Then, it was time for our annual face-to-face all-hands. We celebrated the wins, took an honest look at the last 12 months, and got a sneak peek at something we’re very excited about (but are keeping schtum for now…). We also ran a live suggestions box and breakout sessions to drum up fresh ideas around how to work smarter. 

Next came a Cypriot sandwich-making lesson from Mario, before we headed to Nicosia for a walking tour of the buffer zone – the UN-controlled no man’s land that has divided the island, and its capital, since 1974.

Walking the Green Line is a strange and sobering experience. Razor wire runs along the walls, armed troops stand guard at outposts, and the homes behind the fences are still exactly as their owners left them when they fled the fighting in 1974. It’s a stark reminder of how raw the generational trauma still is for the tens of thousands of families, on both sides of the line, who lost their homes. But as we stumbled across a planned Pride event halfway through the walking tour, we realised just how much hope and love still exist there amongst the abandoned buildings and bullet holes.

Later that evening, we stayed in the capital for a Middle Eastern feast. Belly dancers and baklava were a given, but the bizarre TGI Fridays-style birthday announcements every half an hour were the chaotic surprise we never knew we needed. And after Shazaming the birthday song on its fourth or fifth play, we’re delighted to say it’s now become a brand-new S8 birthday policy. 

On Sunday morning, we took the winding road up into the Troodos mountains for some Cypriot wine tasting. Lunch in a traditional taverna in nearby Omodos meant more mezze, mixed grills and moussaka, all followed by a hike to a nearby waterfall to walk it all off. 

Then before we knew it, we were back at base for another round of poolside sunset painting ft. Neapolitan pizzas cooked fresh to order. Some portraits were abstract, others were kind of uncanny. And weirdly, each pair of portraits carried the same kind of energy. That’s all except Sam’s depiction of Simon, which will haunt our nightmares forever.

Remote working is what we’re about. For the freedom it allows us, we wouldn’t trade it for anything. But – what it can’t give you is spicy margs by the pool, a conversation nobody scheduled, or a colleague’s brutally honest portrait of your face.

After four days together, we came home both exhausted and energised, with a stack of fresh ideas, renewed focus, and halloumi levels that have never been higher. 

To our founders, Fran and Mario, it was our biggest pleasure to spend time with you in the place you call home. And to our fellow teamies, until next time.

Yamas, y’all!