Florida Roadshow: Giving Back with Retreats Resources

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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!

Venue Spotlight: Stop #2 on the Texas Roadshow – Craft F&B, Houston

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 Texas Roadshow: Craft F&B, Houston

Craft F&B, located in the Five Star luxury Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston, called the new ‘it address’ in Space City by Forbes, serves up elevated comfort food with a side of southern hospitality.

Situated in a soaring tower, the 250-room Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston dramatically raises the standard in luxury hospitality. Owned by Houston billionaire hospitality business mogul Tilman Fertitta, and opening in March 2018, the Post Oak is the first vertical, mixed-use project in Houston, blending sophisticated guestrooms and suites, office space, residential, high-end retail, and casual and fine dining all in one tower.


Come join us in Houston and see for yourself, from 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm for our luxury destination showcase followed by cocktail reception and casual, family style dinner at Craft F&B.

We look forward to welcoming you to Craft F&B and Houston on May 11th and the second stop on the Texas Roadshow!

Venue Spotlight: Stop #1 on the Texas Roadshow – The Mexican, Dallas

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 Texas Roadshow: The Mexican, Dallas

The Mexican, who just opened its doors on March 10, full of colorful décor and artwork, will take you on a journey for your senses. An upscale restaurant serving bold Northern-Mexico-inspired flavors with only the finest of ingredients aligns with what Retreats Resources tries to bring to the table at every event we host. Here you will meet with our hotel partners in the morning followed by some impeccable dining at lunch. Expect to taste the passion for details that elevate this Mexican food and Tequila experience.


The space, which is 15,000 square feet and seats 320, spared no details in its design and features original Mexican tilework, ceramic fixtures, outdoor patios that make you feel like you are on a North Mexico terrace, a towering tequila wall and a cigar lounge.

Come join the end of Prohibition, 21st Century style, with a sip of tequila at The Mexican with Retreats Resources!

We look forward to welcoming you to The Mexican and Dallas on May 10th and the first stop on the Texas Roadshow!

Introducing wet paint group!

We are pleased to introduce a new gifting partner at Retreat Resources: wet paint group!

wet paint group delivers curated virtual marketplaces, custom boxes, uncommon branded merchandise, and on-site gifting experiences for corporate meetings, incentive trips, and elite client events, and our favorite part…while also supporting a variety of nonprofit organizations.

Some of the brands they bring to you are Revo, Shinola, Tori Richard, Shwood and the Surf Shak Experience featuring Crazy Shirts, Hari Mari Sandals, Wallaroo Hats, Riviera Towels, and proudly supporting the Sudara Freedom Fund.

Let’s take a look at some of the give back you will find when using wet paint group, while also enjoying beautiful product lines.

Sudara Freedom Fund

The Surf Shak Experience proudly supports the Sudara Freedom Fund. The Sudara Freedom Fund supports job creation efforts, training, and essential wraparound services for women avoiding or escaping from slavery and sex trafficking in India.

Sudara loungewear is handmade in India and inspired by the beauty, colors, and textures found in the Indian culture, but most importantly, every garment is crafted by brave women. The Sudara Freedom Fund enhances Sudara’s job creation efforts and the work of partner centers in India by providing essential wraparound services for women and families.

You can read more about the Sudara Freedom Fund here.


The Cleveland Clinic

When you choose Revo, you are aligning with their charitable efforts that are mainly centered on eye health initiatives and the great outdoors, whether it’s encouraging people to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle or supporting efforts to protect our environment.

Revo has a long-term partnership with the Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute, one of the world’s most advanced eye centers. Revo provides services and funding for a number of Institute initiatives including a mobile van offering eye exams and glasses to children.

You can read more about the Cole Eye Institute here.

One Tree Planted

Choosing the Shwood Experience benefits the organization One Tree Planted. One Tree Planted creates meaningful volunteer experiences designed to have an impact on you and the community! Give back to the community with one-of-a-kind eyewear.

Shwood sunglasses are hand-crafted and reflect a dedication to showcasing the natural splendor of the materials from which they are made. Every process, from veneering and precision lens cutting to shaping and finishing, is conducted in by the hands of skilled artisans in their Portland-based workshop. The result is an artistic piece of eyewear clients will keep talking about and more importantly wearing. Shwood has been recognized worldwide for their small business ethics, manufacturing, and design.

Read more about One Tree Planted here.

wet paint group will be joining Retreats Resources on the upcoming Texas Roadshow! We look forward to you getting to know them and all their unique offerings they can bring to your event.