Tag: incentive travel

Retreats Resources Manhattan Showcase Bonus: walk away with a new headshot!

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We are pleased to be offering complimentary headshots at our Manhattan Showcase this Friday, February, 17th, at the Ritz-Carlton, New York, NoMad, thanks to photographer Kelli Price.

Here are a few tips to help you come prepared to exude 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. 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

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

 

Mid-Atlantic Roadshow Stop #3 – Pendry Washington, DC – The Wharf

Posted on | by Joe Mo | 2 Comments on Mid-Atlantic Roadshow Stop #3 – Pendry Washington, DC – The Wharf

Our final stop on our 2023 Mid-Atlantic Roadshow brings us to Pendry Washington, DC – The Wharf. Opening in October 2022, Pendry DC is Washington’s latest, greatest, hottest hotel along the trendy Wharf waterfront district. Pendry features 131 beautifully appointed guest rooms, including 38 suites with a warm residential-inspired feel to them in this sleek glass-wrapped exterior.

D.C. veteran Executive Chef Barry Koslow helms all three restaurants and bars at Pendry, with a wide range of culinary focus taking you on a nomadic adventure for your taste buds. The hotel’s classic lobby bar is the ultra-chic Bar Pendry. Rich velvet upholstery in dark blues, brushed bronze details, and vintage décor.

On the second floor is Flora Flora, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner inspired by the cuisines of Mexico and Peru. Featuring small plates prepared with local ingredients and served in a bright, light-filled dining room with plenty of greenery, it also offers stunning river vistas.

And lastly, Moonraker, Pendry’s sophisticated rooftop restaurant and bar is anchored by a spectacular circular bar with a striking light installation above it and jaw-dropping waterfront views. The Japanese-inspired menu features light bites, sushi rolls, and a curated selection of whisky and cocktails.

Come see for yourself and join us in Washington, DC on Thursday, February 23rd from 10 am – 2 pm for our Luxury Destination Showcase and Luncheon, as well as corporate gifting from Maui Jim and Seiko. We look forward to welcoming you to Pendry Washington and the final stop on the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Roadshow!

Mid-Atlantic Roadshow Stop #2 – Steak 48, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Posted on | by Joe Mo | 1 Comment on Mid-Atlantic Roadshow Stop #2 – Steak 48, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

For our second stop we are heading back to Steak 48 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Roadshow. It was such a hit last year are ready to go back again!

An upscale steakhouse in the heart of downtown Philly Steak 48 is a sprawling space with warm, contemporary features with a comfortable but sleek, sexy, and stylish atmosphere; from intimate private dining experiences to a spacious mezzanine and vibrant bar. With a 12,000 square foot ground floor, they are able to seat up to 450 people at full capacity.

And while known for its in-house butcher shop and mid-western sourced steaks and Wagyu beef brought in from Mishima Reserve it is also known for its raw bar with Alaskan king crab, Maine lobster and freshly shucked oysters, as well as a 3,000 bottle wine vault, appealing to many tastes when it comes to fine dining.

Come see for yourself and join us in the City of Brotherly Love on Wednesday, February 22nd from 10 am – 2 pm for our Luxury Destination Showcase and Luncheon, as well as corporate gifting from Maui Jim and Seiko. We look forward to welcoming you to Steak 48 and the second stop on the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Roadshow.

Calling all Global Nomads…to New York City!

Posted on | by Joe Mo | 2 Comments on Calling all Global Nomads…to New York City!

We are pleased to bring you our International Buyers Manhattan Showcase and Luncheon on February 17th at the brand new Ritz-Carlton, New York, NoMad. Our event will precede the SITE Global Conference in New York, February 17-20, so if you plan on attending SITE, start your week in an amazing way by kicking off your trip with us!

Always chosen with care and purpose, our venue, the Ritz-Carlton, NoMad, a 50-story, 250 room, newly built hotel is set in the electrifying neighborhood north of Madison Square Park. Opening in 2022, this is New York’s second Ritz-Carlton coming 20 years after its sister property, the Ritz-Carlton, New York, Central Park opened, making it the long awaited, but definitely not an oops!, younger sibling. No, this youngster was definitely a well-planned addition to the family.

And if you know us you know how we love our food! Not to be outdone by all the other neighboring culinary offerings, the Ritz-Carlton, NoMad will have not one but two restaurants by world famous Chef José Andrés, including two of his signature restaurants, Zaytinya and The Bazaar, raising the already high bar for eateries in the NoMad neighborhood.

On the 50th floor you will find Nubeluz, a rooftop cocktail bar with a 20s speakeasy feel by award-winning Chef José Andrés with a birds eye view of Time’s Square.

Other than the vintage feel of the rooftop bar, the hotel has modern décor and detailed touches bringing a new vibe to the Ritz-Carlton family for the loyalists looking for a fresh feel. From the modern furniture and plant life greeting you in the lobby area to the clean lines of the sleeping rooms, the Ritz-Carlton, NoMad awaits you, not to escape the sights and sounds of the city, but to keep your energy going in the hustle and bustle of the city, embracing what New York does best…buzz with excitement.

We hope you can join us on February 17th from 10 am – 2 pm, for what promises to be one of our signature showcases of destination partners for the International MICE Buyer, at the Ritz-Carlton, New York, NoMad!

Connoisseurs Connections Conference venue spotlight: The Boca Raton

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We are looking forward to our invitation-only Connoisseurs Connections Conference next week in Florida and want to put a spotlight on our host property, The Boca Raton.

Coming off a recent $200 million facelift in 2021, the almost 100 year old resort, formally known as The Boca Raton Resort and Club, has shortened its name to simply… The Boca Raton. One of the changes first noticed by its returning guests is the famous pink façade, giving the resort the nickname “pink palace” which has been repainted in its original coastal white. Some of the other redesign of the 200-acre property’s public spaces includes a 50,000 square foot spa with 44 treatment rooms and a lineup of 12 new restaurants.

Another new amenity worth mentioning is the Harborside Pool Club, which features three swimming pools, a floating river, a pool bar, and luxury cabanas with butler service, making this a perfect incentive trip destination.

Now with 1,000 guest rooms, The Boca Raton began in 1926 as a 100-room inn that legendary architect Addison Mizner built with funding from the Ritz-Carlton. Dignitaries, celebrities, and politicians frequented the hotel in those days. The hotel’s opening event was considered “one of the outstanding social events of the season”…which is just what we are hoping will be said of our Connoisseurs Connections Conference!

The Boca Raton manages to pull off an elevated experience with a high level of service and does it with an unpretentious touch, your guests will feel pampered but at home here.

We look forward to sharing more surprises and updates from The Boca Raton with you as our conference progresses…stay tuned next week to follow along!

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 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

Introducing wet paint group!

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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.

New South Roadshow – who wants to win a stay at NIZUC Resort and Spa?

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There is one more big reason you should consider attending our luxury destination showcases next week… door prizes!

When you arrive at our event, we’ll ask you to drop your business card into a basket from which we’ll draw winners for spectacular travel packages and other goodies from our generous hotel partners. Let’s have a look at a prize from all three stops on our New South Roadshow.

NIZUC Resort and Spa

Secluded in 29 acres of a mangrove jungle, NIZUC Resort and Spa, will make you feel miles away, lost in the lap of luxury while also being in close proximity and easy airlift into Cancun.

Just off shore of Nizuc’s powdery white beaches is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the second-largest such reef in the world, only behind the Great Barrier Reef — full of sea life for snorkelers to discover.

The modern rooms include luxurious suites and villas, featuring private pools, spacious terraces, tropical gardens, indoor-outdoor balconies, and sweeping views.

From beach to spa to dining experiences you will find something to love at NIZUC Resort and Spa.
This door prize will be available at all stops on the Road Show next week and includes a two night/three day stay in an Ocean View Deluxe room with breakfast for two.

Who is up for a stay in luxury? Don’t forget to bring your business cards to this one! See you next week in Nashville, Birmingham and Alpharetta!