Author: Joe Mo

Pack Your Bags: Up for Auction at the Florida Roadshow, a stay at Hippo Lakes Safari Lodge

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Attending our Florida Roadshow will give you the opportunity to take part in our silent auction, benefiting the Wine to Water Ukraine Fund initiative. We are proud to support this endeavor in this time of need in Ukraine. So let’s take a look at what is up for grabs to help you decide what you want to bid on. Next up, a once in a lifetime experience at Hippo Lakes Safari Lodge.

If you have ever thought you would like to go glamping, then look no further than this luxurious lodge.

Located in the spectacular Waterberg region of South Africa, the lodge is nestled along the edge of a lake at the end of a rugged ravine. The lodge offers a unique safari wildlife encounter with an unusually large number of animals, birds and plant life. Hippo Lakes lies within the malaria free UNESCO World Nature site.

Daily game drives are lead by some of the most experienced game rangers with a passion for wildlife.

Up for grabs: A 5-night Safari package and stay in a luxury Kudu tent. All meals, a daily alcoholic drink (from a selection), and daily game drives are included.

So bring your credit card and a pen to check this off your bucket list to the Florida Roadshow for a chance to bid on this fabulous stay!

Pack Your Bags: Up for Auction at the Florida Roadshow, a stay at the Lodge at Blue Sky

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Attending our Florida Roadshow will give you the opportunity to take part in our silent auction, benefiting the Wine to Water Ukraine Fund initiative. We are proud to support this endeavor in this time of need in Ukraine. So let’s take a look at what is up for grabs to help you decide what you want to bid on. Next up, the Lodge at Blue Sky.

The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, is located just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City airport but a world away, the 3,500-acre private retreat in the Wasatch Mountain Range in Utah is where you will leave the cares of the modern world behind and powerfully reconnect with nature, from wildlife-viewing hikes to kids camp at our sustainable farm, from mountaintop family yoga to heli-fly fishing in high Alpine lakes. You’ll feel right at home with the relaxed mountain lifestyle.

Fun fact: most of the animals at Blue Sky are rescue animals, specifically horses and cattle. The owner of the resort is passionately committed to animal rescue and has a foundation called Saving Gracies which aims to either rescue, rehabilitate or help older animals retire in a supportive, healthy, dignified way.

Up for grabs: A 2-night stay in an Earth Suite with daily breakfast for two, and one CBD massage at the Eden Spa.

So bring your credit card and wanderlust to the Florida Roadshow for a chance to bid on this fabulous stay!

Pack Your Bags: Up for Auction at the Florida Roadshow, a stay at Aurora Anguilla

Posted on | by Joe Mo | Leave a Comment on Pack Your Bags: Up for Auction at the Florida Roadshow, a stay at Aurora Anguilla

Attending our Florida Roadshow will give you the opportunity to take part in our silent auction, benefiting the Wine to Water Ukraine Fund initiative. We are proud to support this endeavor in this time of need in Ukraine. So let’s take a look at what is up for grabs to help you decide what you want to bid on. First up, Aurora Anguilla.

Set on the powdery white sand of Rendezvous Bay, Aurora Anguilla spans over 300-acres and offers immersion into the many facets that make the destination and its culture so special. The 178-suite property is home to a collection of world-class amenities placing the resort in a league of its own. Its crown jewels include a fleet of private planes offering charters to key US markets making accessibility to the island much easier, seven restaurants and bars, and Sorana Spa. Following a comprehensive “remastering” overseen by Greg Norman Golf Course Design, the Aurora International Golf Club, the 18-hole signature design championship course—the only golf course on the island—pairs challenging holes with ocean views.

Aurora Anguilla, the former CuisinArt, reopened as the reimagined and newly designed resort in November 2021. Up for grabs: a 3-night stay in a newly renovated Junior Suite with daily breakfast for two.

So bring your credit card and wanderlust to the Florida Roadshow for a chance to bid on this fabulous stay!

Florida Roadshow: Giving Back with Retreats Resources

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Looking for another reason to join us for one of our Sunshine State showcases next week? Then maybe it’s time to let you in on our little secret: we love giving back!

From fundraisers leveraging our relationships in our hospitality community, to supporting free trade products and minority-owned businesses, we truly feel good when we do good! Aren’t you the same way?

One of the most important alliances we have made is our relationship with Wine to Water, founded in 2007 by CNN ‘Hero’ finalist, Doc Hendley. We’ve been at it for so long, they consider us a part of their family of Founders, and over the years, we’ve raised well over $100,000 through our lively travel package auctions.

Though they didn’t start out as a relief organization, Wine to Water has now been responsible for providing safe drinking water in many unforeseen natural disasters – from Haiti to the Bahamas, and even in Louisiana and Texas.

They have partnered with a relief organization in Ukraine and neighboring countries to supply and distribute 12,000 water filters to those who need them most. With water infrastructure and supply chains disrupted in the region, people depend on surface water from rivers, rain, or untreated sources. The portable, inexpensive water filters that W|W provides, give families and shelters a way to prevent waterborne illnesses, avoid dependencies on single use plastics and reduce more waste going to the massive piles of debris in this crisis.

Many of our big-hearted destination partners have donated some generous travel packages that we will be offering in a silent auction format, and 100% of the money raised will go directly to W|W and their efforts in Ukraine.

So bring your credit cards, and get ready to bid on destinations that are truly drool worthy, while supporting a worthy cause! You can’t bid if you are not there, so don’t waste another moment – register now for the Sunshine State Roadshow!

Tune in this week to see a spotlight on some of the destinations up for grabs!

Join us for showcases in Orlando, Tampa and Boca Raton and you’ll meet with these exciting destinations – some of the hottest, most talked about locations on this side of the globe.

HOTELS
Atlantis Paradise
Aurora Anguilla
The Boca Raton Resort
Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
Belmond Hotels and Resorts
Intercontinental Miami
Grand Wailea
Hammock Beach Resort
Hawks Cay Resort
Hippo Lakes Safari Lodge
Melia International
Loews South Beach
Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort
The Lodge at Blue Sky
The Don Cesar
Visit Santa Barbara
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Trump Doral
Loews Hotel Group
The Palm Beaches
Secrets/Dreams Playa Mujeres Cancun
Marriott Luxury Brands (MILUX) Mexico and Caribbean

Venue Spotlight: Stop #3 on the Sunshine State Roadshow – MB Supper Club, Boca Raton

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Retreats Resources brings the Roadshow to you, but did you know we select the host venues with an experience in mind for every Meeting Planner and Event Specialist who attends. Let’s start with a little background on our final stop on the Sunshine State Roadshow: MB Supper Club, Boca Raton.

MB Supper Club at the Boca Raton Resort offers a contemporary interpretation of classic continental cuisine, crafted cocktails and nightly live entertainment. A weekly rotation of performers includes Latin Night, Jazz, Piano Bar and boca Standards. MB Supper Club recreates the ambiance of the golden age of supper clubs in the 1930s and 40s where guests frequented establishments to dine, imbibe, be seen and enjoy live entertainment.

Boca Raton Resort opened in 1926 as The Ritz-Carlton Cloister Inn, a vision of famed American architect Addison Mizner. The original structure reflects Spanish-Mediterranean, Moorish and Gothic influences. It is characterized by hidden gardens, barrel tile roofs, archways and fountains. In the Twenty-Twenties, The Boca Raton celebrates its most remarkable evolution in its storied history, A New Golden Era. A $200 million transformation launched in Winter 2021.

MB Supper Club is a traditional supper club with a modern twist, designed in partnership with lifestyle expert, Colin Cowie. The décor highlights the original architecture and pays homage to the resort’s former Monkey Bar, a cocktail lounge that was dedicated to the resort founder, Addison Mizner and his pet monkey, Johnnie Brown.

Come join us in Boca Raton and see the beautiful renovations for yourself, from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm for our luxury destination showcase followed by a luncheon.

We look forward to welcoming you to MB Supper Club on June 17th and the final stop on the Sunshine State Roadshow!

Venue Spotlight: Stop #2 on the Sunshine State Roadshow – The Oxford Exchange, Tampa

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Retreats Resources brings the Roadshow to you, but did you know we select the host venues with an experience in mind for every Meeting Planner and Event Specialist who attends. Let’s start with a little background on our second stop on the Sunshine State Roadshow: the Oxford Exchange, Tampa.

The Oxford Exchange was created to cultivate community and conversation and human engagement. A collection of ideas housed under one roof, including a restaurant, private event space, a shop, a bookstore and a private work space. The name Oxford Club is inspired by the historic clubs, libraries and shops of London, where the charm and history spark spontaneous social interactions.

The building, the center of that conversation piece, was built in 1891, then in the 1920s an arcade of local businesses and shops occupied the space. After decades of sitting vacant the space was revived and ultimately reopened as the Oxford Exchange in 2012.

Come join us in Tampa and see for yourself, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm for our luxury destination showcase followed by a champagne reception, in this perfect space for, what else, but Gatsby style!

We look forward to welcoming you to the Oxford Exchange on June 15th and the second stop on the Sunshine State Roadshow!

Venue Spotlight: Stop #1 on the Sunshine State Roadshow – The Hall on the Yard, Orlando

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Retreats Resources brings the Roadshow to you, but did you know we select the host venues with an experience in mind for every Meeting Planner and Event Specialist who attends. Let’s start with a little background on our first stop on the Sunshine State Roadshow: the Hall on the Yard, Orlando.

Hall on the Yard is a collection of 9 diverse culinary offerings, 5 curated event spaces, 3 premium cocktail bars, showcased in 1 eclectic building. With indoor-outdoor seating options, from biergarten to indoor seating under dazzling chandeliers or on parquet floors, this full service food hall offers a wide variety of upscale dining to choose from. Its no wonder this unique collection of restaurants has become the hot spot in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village with locations opening in other cities such as Tampa, Atlanta and Nashville.

Come join us in Orlando and see for yourself, from 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm for our luxury destination showcase followed by a reception, featuring food hall specialties.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Hall on the Yard and Orlando on June 14th and the first stop on the Sunshine State Roadshow!

Retreats Resources Texas Roadshow Bonus: update your headshot!

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Did you know? Retreats Resources offers complimentary headshots at their Roadshows, thanks to photographer Kelli Price. Below are some tips to come prepared for to make the most out of this experience. Kelli will be looking to make you smile, Texas!

Here are a few tips to help get you come prepared:

Put your best face forward. Clothes, hair, makeup: They all matter. General rule of thumb? Wear what you feel and look great in (ummm, these days we probably have to add this does not include sweatpants, pajamas or leggings). Avoid white, loud colors and busy patterns, and maybe your new Covid-athleisurewear wardrobe, dig deep into that closet, we know you have something in there; you want the focus to be on your face. Ladies may want to up your makeup routine a bit, especially the eyes and lips, but a natural look is best. But, also, very important, try not to look like you have been home riding out a Pandemic for the past two years!

Trust the process (and your photographer). While no one is 100% relaxed during a photo shoot, trusting your photographer sure helps. Try to have a little fun (you will with Kelli!). For women, lean forward, lean on something, angle your head for a better jaw line. For the men, lean forward, hand in pocket. Your photographer will help you find the right angle for you. Then exhale….and smile.

Kelli’s Five Ways to make your Headshot Standout from the Crowd

1. Color – the first thing that comes to mind is color! Color POPS!
2. Style – Look professional but with a little extra va-voom. Don’t be afraid to show off your personality
3. Confidence – You are leader, a Boss Babe, CEO, fresh college graduate….whatever you call yourself, make sure you show it with confidence
4. Genuine smiles – Unless you are a rockstar, I promise you most people are a little uncomfortable in front of the camera. Pick a photographer that you are comfortable with and drink a glass of wine during the session if you need to. They make pretty props anyways!
5. Sunglasses – See #2

Big Texas smile, y’all!

Looking for a getaway? Our travel auction supports the people of Ukraine through the work of WineToWater!

Posted on | by Joe Mo | Leave a Comment on Looking for a getaway? Our travel auction supports the people of Ukraine through the work of WineToWater!

LOOKING FOR ANOTHER REASON to join us for one of our Lone Star State showcases next week? Then maybe it’s time to let you in on our little secret: we love giving back!

From fundraisers leveraging our relationships in our hospitality community, to supporting free trade products and minority-owned businesses, we truly feel good when we do good! Aren’t you the same way?

One of the most important alliances we have made as a business is our relationship with Wine to Water,founded in 2007 by CNN “Hero” finalist, Doc Hendley. We have been at it for so long, they consider us a part of their family of ” Founders”, and over the years, we have raised well over $100,000 through our lively travel package auctions.

Though they didn’t start out as a relief organization, Wine to Water has now been responsible for providing safe drinking water in many unforeseen natural disasters – from Haiti to the Bahamas, and even in Louisiana and your beloved Texas.

They are now partnering with a relief organization in Ukraine and neighboring countries to supply and distribute 12,000 water filters to those who need them most. With water infrastructure and supply chains disrupted in the region, people depend on surface water from rivers, rain, or untreated sources. The portable, inexpensive water filters that W/W provides, give families and shelters a way to prevent waterborne illnesses, avoid dependencies on single use plastics and reduce more waste going to the massive piles of debris in this crisis.

Many of our big-hearted destination partners have donated some generous travel packages that we will be offering in a silent auction format, and 100% of the money raised will go directly to W|W and their efforts in Ukraine.

So bring your checkbooks and credit cards, and get ready to bid on destinations that are truly drool worthy, while supporting a worthy cause! You can’t bid if you are not there, so don’t waste another moment- the registration link is below!

Click to read more: Wine to Water in Ukraine

Join us for showcases in Dallas, Houston and Austin and you’ll meet with these exciting destinations – some of the hottest, most talked about locations on this side of the globe.

HOTELS COMING TO TEXAS ROADSHOW

Secrets Bahia Mita, Mexico
Enchantment Resort, Sedona, AZ
Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain, Marana, AZ
Auberge Resorts Collection, Mexico
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Wanship, UT
Wynn Las Vegas
AIC Hotel Group International
Melia Resorts International
MILUX Caribbean and Mexico
Dreams Bahia Mita, Mexico
Zadun, A Ritz Carlton Reserve, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
W South Beach, Miami
St. Regis Bal Harbour, Miami Beach
Secrets Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, Puerto Rico
EPIC Hotel, Miami
Reiimagine Collection International
Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas

Venue Spotlight: Stop #3 on the Texas Roadshow – Wax Myrtle’s, Austin

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Retreats Resources brings the Roadshow to you, but did you know we select the host venues with an experience in mind for every Meeting Planner and Event Specialist who attends. Let’s start with a little background on our third stop on the Texas Roadshow: Wax Myrtle’s in Austin

Wax Myrtle’s, named after the southern shrub and located in the Thompson Hotels brand luxury contemporary Thompson Austin in the heart of downtown, wants guests to feel at home while dining there, with food inspired by memories made over meals with friends. (awwww! We love that feeling!)

Hundreds of plants are used in the décor of the dining space, including a living green wall, and creates spaces for small groups to gather throughout the venue and pays tribute to the diverse plant life in Texas.

Adjacent to the main indoor outdoor space is the Bayberry Room, a private event space with full bar, stage and private dining area.

Fun Fact: Inside the Thompson Austin you will find 6300 square feet of carefully designed meeting and event space. Also carefully named are the five names behind the special event spaces which are named Kelly, Red River, Singer, Newton and Bass….all famous outlaws around Texas in the early 1800s into the 1900s. Notorious for stealing gold, silver and precious stones, they allegedly buried more than $340 million worth of hidden treasure around Texas which has yet to be found. The city of Austin is often considered the outlaw of Texas so the names are only fitting to capture Austin’s rebellious spirit.

Come join us in Austin and see for yourself, from 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm for our luxury destination showcase followed by cocktail reception, and maybe carve out some time to search for that long lost treasure.
We look forward to welcoming you to Wax Myrtle’s and Austin on May 12th and the third stop on the Texas Roadshow!