At 86 Talent, we take influencer strategy and development seriously. So, kicking 2026 off in serious style, we took our first group of influencers away for three immersive days of strategy, fun and incredible food and accommodation.
Earlier this week we brought together 13 creators from the 86 Talent community for a two-day creative retreat at The Penn Estate on the Isle of Portland.
The goal was simple: step away from the pace of everyday content creation and create space for ideas, collaboration and planning.
There couldn’t have been a better setting.
Perched on the Jurassic Coast, Pennsylvania Castle and the Clifftop lodges offer dramatic sea views, historic surroundings and the kind of environment that naturally encourages people to slow down, think and connect.
Over two days we combined creative workshops, strategy sessions and time to recharge, alongside incredible food and unforgettable coastal walks.
We arrived at the estate on Monday afternoon and were given a tour of Pennsylvania Castle, the historic heart of The Penn Estate.
Built between 1797 and 1800 by John Penn, the castle sits above Church Ope Cove, offering panoramic views across the Jurassic Coast.
The history of the building is remarkable. It has welcomed royalty, hosted historic events and even played a role in wartime strategy discussions involving Churchill, Eisenhower and de Gaulle during the planning stages of D-Day.
Today it offers something equally valuable: a space to gather, think and create and also a beautiful venue for weddings or family gatherings.
To welcome everyone to the retreat, each creator arrived to find a curated goodie bag waiting in their room, filled with products from a selection of brilliant brands spanning wellbeing, beauty, home and lifestyle.
The idea was simple: give everyone something they could enjoy during the stay and take home afterwards small touches that added to the overall experience of the retreat.
Hydration and wellbeing were well covered with Air Up, whose innovative water bottles use scent pods to create flavour while encouraging better hydration, alongside Free Soul Hydrate, a full-spectrum electrolyte blend designed to support energy and recovery. Heights also featured in the bags, with their Biotic+ formula designed to support gut health with clinically backed ingredients.
For home and lifestyle, creators received products from Online Home Shop, known for bringing stylish home pieces at accessible prices, while the beautifully crafted Airy Fragrances reed diffusers made in Japan using perfume-grade oils added a touch of calm and elegance.
Self-care was also well represented, with skincare from Votary, whose botanical oils and plant actives are designed to support healthy, glowing skin. SURI added their award-winning sonic toothbrush, combining performance with thoughtful, sustainable design.
A few cosy touches were included too. Lovall provided lounge sets for the stay perfect for the sunset beach walk while WoodWick candles brought their distinctive crackling fragrance experience. Finally, House of Pop London added a playful, flavourful treat inspired by global tastes and vibrant cultures.
Together the goodie bags were a thoughtful way to welcome everyone to the retreat and introduce creators to a range of brands throughout the stay.
After settling into our rooms across the castle and one of the Clifftop lodges, the group headed out for a sunset drink on the terrace.
Wrapped in dry robes and Lovall lounge sets from our goodie bags, we walked down towards the coastline as the sun dropped over the sea the perfect way to begin the retreat.
Later that evening we gathered for a Pitch, PJs and Pizza session, where creators shared ideas, upcoming projects and creative ambitions for the year ahead.
Relaxed, informal and full of conversation, it set the tone for the rest of the retreat.
Tuesday was dedicated to strategy and creative development.
After breakfast in the castle, we spent the morning in the dining room working through a series of strategy sessions focused on the creator industry.
We explored topics including, The Maturing creator economy, mindset as a creator and where they can grow in 2026.
Alongside the strategy sessions, creators also had breakout time for headshots with the lovely Alana from Salt Studios, helping refresh their professional imagery.
In the afternoon we shifted into a more reflective session focused on goal setting for the year ahead. Everyone spent time creating a vision board and setting personal and professional objectives for 2026, stepping back from the day-to-day pace of content creation to think about where they want to go next.
Following this, Sarah, Talent Director, and Emma, Senior Talent Manager and Strategy Lead, split the group in two and took half of the creators each for individual strategy sessions. These smaller conversations gave everyone the opportunity to talk through insights from the morning sessions, refine their personal strategy, and ask questions about their direction, partnerships and long-term goals.
It was one of the most valuable parts of the retreat, giving each creator dedicated time to think strategically about their next chapter.
As the sun began to set, we gathered again on the deck overlooking the sea, for sunset drinks overlooking the coastline.
Later that evening we moved into the castle library before sitting down for a truly memorable dinner.
The meal was created by Dine Indulge, with Chef Matt from Seventyfour in Dorchester, who designed a bespoke menu for the evening.
Chef Matt from Seventyfour in Dorchester created a bespoke three-course menu for the evening, transforming the castle dining room into an unforgettable private dining experience.
Scallop Mousseline Parcels
Pancetta crumb, tenderstem broccoli, tomato beurre blanc
or
Pea & Asparagus Parcels (V)
Tomato concasse, tenderstem broccoli, tomato beurre blanc
Fillet Steak, Salt & Pepper Shrimp, Roasted Steak Chips
Parmesan herb butter, mushroom and black garlic purée, creamed spinach
or
Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Italian Cheese & Herb Butter (V)
Shiitake mushrooms, mushroom and black garlic purée, creamed spinach
Dark Chocolate Torte (V)
Burnt white chocolate mousse, honeycomb
or
Tiramisu (V)
Pistachio trifle, white chocolate and mascarpone mousse, coffee sauce
The evening was filled with laughter, storytelling and plenty of creative discussion, the perfect way to bring the group together.”
As Paula from @homewiththedenhams put it: “I had the perfect few days at The Penn Estate! My room was beautiful, the grounds were stunning and the views were amazing 😍 We were spoilt with a delicious dinner from Dine Indulge which was literally chef’s kiss. I’m still drooling over the scallops! Couldn’t have asked for more.” and Emily @ourlondonlittlelife said “Where do I even start with the dinner, the steak was one of the most tender pieces of meat I’ve ever eaten! I didn’t even know you could get steak like that not in a restaurant?”
On Wednesday morning a few early risers headed out for a coastal walk and sea swim before one final breakfast together.
These quieter moments are often when the best conversations happen, reflecting on ideas from the retreat and thinking about the year ahead.
After breakfast it was time to check out and head home, feeling re-energised and inspired.
What stood out most during our stay was how well The Penn Estate works as a venue for corporate retreats, team gatherings and creative workshops.
It offers something rare from the historic character, to privacy, with multiple accommodation spaces (and twin rooms), with stunning coastal surroundings. There really were so many beautiful spaces for both work and relaxation.
Bringing the 86 Talent community together at The Penn Estate was an unforgettable experience, Emily @ourlondonlittlelife said “The Penn Estate had me feeling like I was in an episode of Bridgerton! Every room was stunning and the views were out of this world!” So, for teams looking to step away from the everyday pace of work, gather new ideas and reconnect with their wider community, places like The Penn Estate provide the perfect backdrop.
When you combine inspiring surroundings, great food and the space to think, the best conversations and ideas naturally follow.
