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Viju Mathew

Hidden Gems

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Stuck in a rut of mainstream meeting-site selection? Leave homogenous hospitality behind and discover these tucked-away treasures. From open-range opulence to Spanish Colonial couture, the following offer a wealth of amenities and activities far from the madding masses. Royal Palms Resort and Spa Constructed in 1929 as the vacation villa for New York money-man Delos Cooke, the Royal Palms Resort and Spa still makes business moguls feel right at home. [...]

by Viju Mathew on December 6, 2011

Restorative Retreats

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“To be able to fill leisure intelligently is the last product of civilization,” said Nobel Prize–winning philosopher Bertrand Russell. Perhaps that’s why mindful meeting professionals make spa sessions their savvy selection during downtime. We bet Bertrand would have loved the list below. After all, resorts that make events easy and offer mind-body balance between business⎯well that’s just brilliant. Hotel Park City For groups that ski, Hotel Park City in Park [...]

by Viju Mathew on December 6, 2011

High Tech Titans

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Success demands that progress be perpetual. In an age where companies can be run on smart phones, and nano-seconds feel like forever, expectations have risen exponentially when it comes to ease and efficiency. For planners, staying ahead of the curve is a constant, which is why you’ll go gaga over the following high-tech hospitality providers that make state-of-the-art status quo. Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago Despite its ninety-two-story stature, [...]

by Viju Mathew on October 18, 2011

Fairway Favorites

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Since golf and business share the same skill-set for success⎯focus, drive, and consistency⎯it’s no wonder some of the more memorable networking and deal-making opportunities land on the links. Let these ten fairway favorites caddy your next conference or special occasion and a great event is a gimme. Park Hyatt Aviara Ranked among the top resort golf courses in America by both Golf Digest and Golf magazine, Park Hyatt Aviara’s 18-hole [...]

by Viju Mathew on October 17, 2011

Par Excellence

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If golf keeps your group in the swing of things then the beachfront beauties below are hospitality’s version of a hole-in-one. Along with gourmet dining, enviable event space, and championship courses on-site or nearby, this selection of seaside settings will have even the most dedicated duffer eventually aiming for the sand. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay “Beautiful property. Gorgeous views. Spectacular golf. The first 5-diamond property to have the meeting [...]

by Viju Mathew on September 6, 2011

Warm Winter Retreats

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If your last winter function felt more like a penguin huddle, and was about as productive, then maybe migrating to warmer climes is the call. When the mercury falls, try these hot spots for meetings and incentive travel that will keep your group glowing while you bask in the glory. Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower Just opened in July,Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower in Panama City, [...]

by Viju Mathew on August 29, 2011

Hub-City Hospitality

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An axis for air travel, hub cities attract the attention of savvy planners for the convenience, cost-effectiveness, and concentration of available venues. Taking center stage when it comes to hub-based hospitality, these definitive hotels and resorts—featuring exceptional ambience, amenities, and accessibility—prove ideal focal points for the finest functions. Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek Host to society’s select from presidents to playwrights—including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Tennessee Williams—Rosewood Mansion on Turtle [...]

by Viju Mathew on August 29, 2011

Winter Wish List

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With its opportunities for bundled bonding on the slopes, or cozy camaraderie found fireside, there’s nothing quite like a snow-laden landscape to bring groups closer together. These world-class retreats—in the nation’s finest winter wonderlands—meet any event’s needs with a mountain of activities and amenities that promise to keep future expectations elevated for years to come. Equinox, A Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa Our exclusive East Coast callout on [...]

by Viju Mathew on June 27, 2011

Epicurean Enclaves

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Planners know that the way to curry favor with any group is through gastronomy. And in this age of culinary consciousness, when terms like “farm-fresh,” “organic, and “responsibly-raised” are among the lingua franca of foodies everywhere, these four faves feed the gourmet-minded magnificently. Bellagio Known for it’s famed fountains, Bellagio is also the fountainhead of fine dining in Las Vegas. The sumptuous hotel’s recipe for excellence includes James Beard Award-winning [...]

by Viju Mathew on May 16, 2011

Earning Eden

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Nothing powers productivity and dedication like an atmosphere of appreciation. That, and the possibility of earning a really cool trip somewhere, especially when incentive programs feature any of the seven wonders of the hospitality world listed below. If these destinations aren’t motivation itself, better check for a pulse. Terranea Resort The irresistible synergy of stunning location and Mediterranean-styled sophistication makes palatial Terranea Resort, on Palos Verdes Peninsula, a new standard [...]

by Viju Mathew on April 26, 2011

A Peek at the Unique

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Why settle for the same-old settings with cookie-cutter conference rooms when planning that next event? With atmosphere, activities, and locations that break the mold, the following group destinations truly stand apart from the crowd. The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort With 10,000 acres of central California’s wild west for a welcome, groups visiting The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort enjoy an open range of amenities and nearly 5,500 square feet [...]

by Viju Mathew on March 29, 2011

Standouts in Sustainability

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Environmentalism, the new and necessary ethos of the age, is being embraced by the hospitality industry like never before. Not only does going green help keep hotels and resorts in the black, but it gives guests a chance to give back. Here are a few favorites that elevate environmentalism to an art. Argonaut Hotel–Maritime National Historical Park, A Kimpton Hotel At San Francisco’s renowned Argonaut Hotel, the city’s rich maritime [...]

by Viju Mathew on February 24, 2011

Shining Stars of Stellar Service

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More than mints on the pillow and white-gloved wait staff, standout service delivers the intangible impact of intuitive hospitality. The resorts and hotels included here have mastered this art and forged a reputation for consistently exceptional guest experiences. Here’s just a glimpse at what makes these Forbes Five-Star recipients remarkable. ARIA Resort & Casino It’s easy to sing ARIA’s praises when every one of its 4,004 accommodations offers corner-window views [...]

by Viju Mathew on January 26, 2011

The Premiere of JW Marriott Marquis Miami

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Many meeting professionals probably already have October 22 marked on their calendars. That’s the day doors open at the highly-anticipated JW Marriott Marquis Miami. Described as a fusion of design, art, fashion, and technology, the Marriott brand’s new JW flagship–part of Metropolitan Miami, a $1 billion urban development project–is a game changer for meeting and incentive groups. How so? For starters, the 313-room hotel boasts 80,000 square feet of meeting [...]

by Viju Mathew on October 27, 2010

W Hotels ⎯ Planning it to the Letter

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While some hospitality brands are still buckling from last year’s economic punch, W hotels are building business, with nine new locations around the world last year alone. And Starwood’s single-letter luxury brand continues to gain traction with groups. “Innovative and creative meeting and event offerings are built into W’s DNA,” says Carlos Becil, vice president, brand management, North America for Starwood’s  St Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, and Le Meridien. [...]

by Viju Mathew on April 28, 2010

The Broadmoor’s New Benchmark

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By now you’ve probably heard of The Broadmoor Meetings Guarantee, an unprecedented promise that your meeting will be exceptional-or it’s free. At a time when other hospitality providers are downsizing their staffs, The Broadmoor has amply demonstrated the very real value of experienced, knowledgeable, happy workers to the success of its events. We asked the Broadmoor’s John Washko, vice president, sales and marketing, to comment on the guarantee and its [...]

by Viju Mathew on September 14, 2009