Category: Special Offers

Mid-Atlantic Roadshow Spotlight: Limani Grille, Washington, D.C.

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We end our week of touring the Mid-Atlantic region in Washington, D.C. at one of our favorites, the dazzling Limani Grille and a special treat to end our week on the road.

With a grand opening in November 2023, this prime Washington D.C. Wharf location features a three story restaurant with the largest full-service terrace of any restaurant located on The Wharf.

Featuring fresh, sustainable Mediterranean cuisine, this Greek restaurant is a winner with the locals and the loyal Limani following.

We hope you come out and meet with us on Thursday, May 2nd at Limani Grille from 10 am – 2 pm for our Destination Showcase, followed by a special Lunch and Learn featuring A.I. 101 – A Primer for Event Planners by Alexa Berube, Co-Founder, Reposite. We would love to share this special experience with you!

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Limani Grille in Washington, D.C. and the final stop on the Mid-Atlantic Roadshow!

Special Offer: Summer Promotion for Groups at Eden Roc Cap Cana

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We have a juicy GROUP summer promotion and need to get the word out!

Y’all remember how very special our Connoisseurs Conference was in December at Eden Roc Cap Cana, right? We are still talking about it! Well our friends at Eden Roc have just shared a special summer promotion for groups we just need to share! It’s kind of too good to be true.

Eden Roc Cap Cana, to us, is the definition of paradise. With an intimate private beach, protected by the cove of the rugged coastline and boasting 67 luxurious accommodations ranging from lavish boutique villas with their own private pools to elegantly designed Beachfront suites and four recently unveiled charming Ocean Villas that offer complete privacy, Eden Roc at Cap Cana is a unique and secluded property nestled in the exclusive, beachfront community of Cap Cana at the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic.

The award winning Eden Roc Cap Cana is the Dominican Republic’s only Relais & Châteaux member hotel.

If you are looking for the perfect retreat for a group in the coming months, into fall, look no further than this offer. We promise you will thank us.

DETAILS:

Dates: May 1- Nov. 20

Eden Roc Cap Cana

Includes/ concessions 

  • Deluxe Ocean view rooms rates starting at $395 ++ (50% discount)
  • Full daily breakfast at BLUE Grill & Bar
  • Round trip airport transfers from Punta Cana Intl Airport (PUJ)
  • One complimentary upgrade to a one bedroom suite
  • NO RESORT FEE
  • Group rate guaranteed 3 days pre and post event, based upon availability (excluding holidays)

TERMS & CONDITIONS: 

  • Minimum room block of 8 or more accommodations for a 3 night minimum stay
  • Room rates are in USD and subject to 18% Government tax and 10% service charges per room per night
  • Rates subject to availability and valid From May 1- November 20, 2024
  • Cannot be combined with other offers or packages.

Contact Jennifer Moeggenberg, Group Sales Manager, at the contact information below to learn more or inquire about specific dates!

Lonestar State Roadshow: walk away with a new headshot!

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We are pleased to be offering complimentary headshots at all four of our stops on the Lonestar State Showcase thanks to photographer Kelli Price.

Here are a few tips to help you come prepared to look fabulous:

Know the “why.”  Why do you need a headshot? Who is your audience? What do you want your photo to say?

Headshot or branding shots? Know the difference. Whereas the goal of a headshot session is one fabulous shot (maybe two), a branding session typically results in a collection of images in a variety of environments. For example, a chef might be shown for making magic in the kitchen, but also in jeans and T-shirt, strolling the farmers market seeking out his bounty. If you are a hotelier maybe that is a money shot within the hotel or resort you represent but also participating in an activity that is fitting of the lifestyle of your destination. If you are a meeting or event professional, maybe it’s an exciting venue or event set up with additional shots of the behind the scenes or day to day operations or how you spend your (limited) down time. If you’ve got your own business and/or website, a personal branding session may be the way to go.

Put your best face forward. Clothes, hair, makeup: They all matter. General rule of thumb? Wear what you feel and look great in. Avoid white, loud colors and busy patterns; you want the focus to be on your face. Ladies may want to bump up your makeup routine a bit, especially the eyes and lips, but a natural look is best.

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, you know the one…no, not that one, the good one. Then exhale….and smile. And walk away with a fabulous headshot you’ll be proud of.

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

If you are not registered already, what are you waiting for? To register (its free for event professionals!) go to our website at www.retreatsresources.com

April 1 – Fort Worth
April 2 – Dallas
April 3 – Houston
April 4 – Austin

See you soon, Texas!

Lone Star State Roadshow Spotlight: Thompson Houston

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Hey there, H-town! We are heading your way next. We hope you are fixin’ to come out and see us on Wednesday, April 3rd. We think we have quite the venue to show you!

Considered Houston’s new “living room”, the long-awaited, über-chic Thompson opened its doors in February of this year. Gorgeous and futuristic glass-and-steel façade with curved lines, overlooks Buffalo Bayou Park on Allen Parkway, close to downtown.

The Thompson group is known for incorporating elements from the city into the design. Thompson Houston’s stunning lobby in the sky, on the seventh floor, was designed in a mid-century style. And guest rooms were created with a Texas oil baron’s home in mind.

The 36-story mixed-use building that houses Houston’s first Thompson hotel also includes residences, which have access to all the amenities of the hotel.

Come join us on Wednesday, April 3rd at Thompson Houston in the Vesper Pre-function area from 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm for our Destination Showcase, followed by a reception from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm in Sol 7 Lawn.

Complimentary headshots by Kelli Price Photography will be available, too—so come looking fabulous for that if you choose! We will share tips before you arrive! The talented Kelli will help guide you to looking your best, though.

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to the Thompson Houston and the third stop on the Lonestar State Roadshow!

Lone Star State Roadshow Spotlight: The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas

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Do you want to see what reinventing yourself looks like?

Well now you’re a little bit curious, aren’t you?

You know how we love shiny new things.

So here’s an idea, Dallas, come see us at the newly reopened Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas on April 2nd! Because after a year-long, $55 million renovation, the former Four Seasons located just outside of Dallas in Irving, reopened in January of this year! Freshened up with a new lobby, guest rooms and amenity spaces, all with a nod to the property’s history as a former family ranch. With 427 guest rooms and 80,000 square feet of event space, and two PGA-certified golf courses.

Tapping into the red hot luxury market popping up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, they will also offer spa and pool services (currently under renovation, however), and, as we go live with this, unique dining and imbibing experiences are just opening, too!

Come join us on Tuesday, April 2nd at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas in Latana Ballroom from 10 am – 12 pm for our Destination Showcase, followed by lunch from 12 pm – 2 pm in newly opened KNIFE Restaurant (as in, today as we write this…the grand opening is set for March 19th)! Come be one of their first guests and let us know what you think!

Complimentary headshots by Kelli Price Photography will be available, too — so come looking your best for that! We will give you some tips before you arrive! We are confident Kelli will help guide you to looking your best, though.

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to The Ritz Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas and the second stop on the Lonestar State Roadshow!

Lone Star Roadshow Spotlight: The Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection

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We are on the road again, y’all….this time in Texas. And boy, do we have some treats for you.

Hey there, Fort Worth! You are our first stop on Monday, April 1st. We have planned something extra special and out of our ordinary for you all. Our friends at Auberge Resorts Collection have a beautiful new luxury property in Fort Worth and we want you to be our guests at a reception at this fabulous property. It won’t be our typical Destination Showcase where you sit down and meet with our Destination Partners, but they will be there for you to meet with more informally. We want a chance to get to know you and to show off our partner’s beautiful new property so we decided to throw ourselves a little party. Join us from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm for a cocktail reception in the Billet Room at The Bowie House.

Having just opened their doors in December 2023, The Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection, is a luxury property in the middle of Cowtown. With a private art collection and modern western décor, this stunning 106 room boutique hotel is owned by Dallas businesswoman Jo Ellard, a National Cutting Horse Association Non-Pro Hall of Fame rider who breeds championship horses at her ranch about 85 miles north of Fort Worth, bringing the authenticity to the property, rooted in Texas tradition.

Over the last few years Fort Worth has two-stepped its way into the spotlight with a rise in population and tourism. To accommodate one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., millions of dollars have been invested in historic areas, museums, hotels and restaurants. To say Fort Worth is having a moment is an understatement.

Come join us on Monday, April 1st in the stunning Billet Room at The Bowie House! You won’t want to miss it. Not only will we provide some merriment and good company, all attendees will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a Maui Jim VIP gift card, eligible to use on any pair of non-prescription sunglasses on their website! That means you can pick out anything you want! And we are only doing this for our stop in Fort Worth!

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Fort Worth’s newest luxury venue and the first stop on the Lonestar State Roadshow!

 

New South Roadshow Spotlight: St. Cecilia Restaurant, Atlanta

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We are back on the road next week and our first stop is to see our old friend Atlanta!

Well isn’t this just peachy? Atlanta, you are our Old Faithful, and you are our first stop on the New South Roadshow. You can find us on Tuesday, February 27th at the beautiful St. Cecilia Restaurant. Join us from 10 am – 2 pm for our Destination Showcase and Luncheon. We look forward to seeing lots of old friends and making some new ones, too.

Seafood and pasta lovers rejoice, St. Cecilia Restaurant, by Atlanta chef-owner Ford Fry, serves up simple, thoughtful coastal European food. With dishes inspired by the coastlines of Italy, Spain and France, you can find this gem of a restaurant in Buckhead’s Pinnacle Building.

We can’t say this any differently, Conde Nast wrote about St. Cecilia: “Prime Buckhead spot that feels like a brunch discovery The vibe Dazzling yet unpretentious The crowd Stylish The food Traditional, but playful The service Possibly psychic”

Come join us on Tuesday, February 27th at St. Cecilia’s Restaurant and see for yourself!

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Atlanta and the first stop on the New South Roadshow!

New South Roadshow Spotlight: Angel’s Envy Distillery, Louisville

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We are back on the road with our second roadshow of the year and second roadshow of the month, making stops in the New South.

Consider this your Call to Post, Louisville, as you are our final stop on Thursday, February 29th. In typical Kentucky fashion our Destination Showcase will be held at the newly expanded Angel’s Envy Distillery from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Would you even be in Kentucky unless you tasted a little bourbon?

Located in downtown Louisville in the historic American Elevator and Machine and the American Saw and Tool Companies building, Angel’s Envy quickly outgrew their space due to popularity of tours and tastings.

Now with a recent $8.2 million 13,000 square foot expansion doubling the venue’s space, including the “toasting room” private event space complete with bar and catering kitchen, the distillery can cater to the demand of its popularity properly with the space it needs.

Come join us on Thursday, February 29th at Angel’s Envy Distillery and catch some Louisville bourbon vibes for yourself. Join our Destination Showcase to meet with fabulous destinations and then stay and get to know our hospitality family at lunch catered by one of the most sought after chefs in Louisville. Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

For planners living outside of Louisville, we have a special treat for you! Coming from Lexington, Indianapolis, Cincinnati or beyond? Come the night before and overnight at Hotel Genevieve and enjoy a VIP dinner experience at Nami Restaurant on us on February 28th! Limited space available, first come, first served – email Cindy O’Gorman at cindy@retreatsresources.com to make arrangements.

We look forward to welcoming you to Louisville and the final stop on the New South Roadshow!

 

Sunshine State Roadshow Spotlight: AVA MeditterAegean Restaurant, Winter Park

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What’s up, Orlando?! We are back on the road with our first roadshow of the year hitting up stops in the Sunshine State. Our third stop brings us to the Orlando area and AVA MeditterAegean Restaurant in Winter Park with our Destination showcase and luncheon from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

AVA MeditterAegean lives by the mantra “parea”, which, in Greek, means “to be in the company of friends or to do something together”. It just so happens that Retreats Resources lives by that mantra, as well, that is why we thought this would the perfect location for our unique style of industry event. Once you join us you will understand why we call it our “hospitality family”.

This venue features the essence of Mediterranean and Aegean cultures, design and cuisines combined to offer an elevated dining experience. The unique space is a nod to the spirit of Cycladic design, with effortless beauty of the five elements. The restaurant immerses the senses with taste, mixology, ethnic sounds and a unique, welcoming atmosphere.

Come join us on Wednesday, February 7th at AVA MeditterAegean Restaurant in Winter Park and try this delicious restaurant for yourself. Join our Destination Showcase to meet with fabulous destinations and then stay and get to know our hospitality family at the hosted luncheon. Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to AVA MeditterAegean Restaurant and the third stop on the Sunshine State Roadshow!

Paradise Found: Connoisseurs Connections Winter Conference 2023

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Well, we sure had another Connoisseurs Connections Conferences for the history books!

This year we, along with our Advisory Board, our Destination Partners, and our invited Meeting and Event Planners, all met down in those alluring turquoise waters of the Caribbean in the Dominican Republic. With Eden Roc Cap Cana as our host property we found paradise just steps out our doors with the most perfect private white sand beach at the Beach Club and for those staying in the villas, a private pool just a few steps out their doors.

The welcome reception featured a “blue party” at the resort’s Blue Grille + Bar. Channeling all the Mykonos vibes and redefining the classic “white party” in to a new vibrant color when we asked our guests to wear something blue and greeted them with blue cocktails.

Day One came with a networking breakfast in the open air space at the resort’s La Palapa restaurant. With an inspiring talk from our special guest, Wine to Water founder, Doc Hendley, to start off the morning followed by our Luxury Destination Showcase.

Our Connoisseur guests met with our Destination Partners in one of the beautiful “office” spaces we have hosted in awhile, La Palapa Terrace. With a sea breeze and ocean views overlooking the private cove beach, our guests moved around from destination to destination like speed dating, hospitality style, making new connections and bringing new business and ideas to the table.

The afternoon took us out to sea. Greeted with champagne, our host DMC, Dominicana and Partners, treated us to an afternoon on a catamaran, allowing guests to jump into the turquoise waters and network, Caribbean-style, including a floating bar to keep drinks replenished.

With stunning Isle of Capri-themed king’s tables and décor, the evening brought us our annual gala and auction. Guests were treated to a multi-course Italian meal, followed by a live auction of donated travel packages to motivate our guest’s competitive sides. The auction brought in a mouth-dropping $55,000 to benefit Wine to Water, bringing our auction total for the year to $150,000 (we cannot say this enough: it feels good to give back!).

Before the night ended it was announced that the Connoisseurs Connection Summer Conference will be hosted at Etero, Auberge Resorts Collection in Riviera Maya, June 23-27, 2024!

On Day Two we commuted to the nearby Punta Espada Golf Club via golf carts and settled in to an interactive panel of industry experts speaking on a variety of hot topics. Following our morning panels we were treated to a Spanish-style lunch and instruction and practice on table etiquette from a protocol expert.

A Boho Beach Party, complete with light up dance floor with a dance and drum show, completed our stay at Eden Roc on our final night. Mother Nature had other plans, however, after perfect weather all week, she decided to open up the skies on us as the night was wrapping up and we were treated to a refreshing downpour.

Sadly, we bid Adios to the Dominican Republic and another Connoisseurs Connections Conference. But together we experienced paradise, camaraderie and elegance we won’t soon forget.