top ten spots worth the blowout
May 6th, 2008
Get away from it all and everyone else too. Commit to a full property buyout and have free reign over some of the world’s top hotels and resorts. Choose The Woodstock Inn & Resort in Vermont for the company’s corporate challenge or even Bhutan, where a cool $77,500 will cover four nights at Uma Paro and ensure a memorable milestone.
Where: Turks & Caicos, British West Indies
Why: Imagine a wedding here…gleaming sun, white sands, and a boardwalk to the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean that becomes a walk down the aisle. Rumor has it, Bennifer part two got hitched here. Heather Smith, owner of the quirky hotel Winvian in Litchfield, Connecticut shut the doors to everyone but her guests when she tied the knot here last October.
Rooms:58 rooms and villas, in addition to more secluded villas further down the beach that include three, three-bed villas (Rocky Point Villas), and The Residence (a five-bed main house and two three-bed villas on either side). Also available for rent starting February 1 is The Sanctuary, which comprises two four-bedroom villas and a common area dubbed the pavilion, that looks out onto an infinity pool and private beach.
Wow Factor: On the 1,000-acre private island, guests can clear their heads at complementary beach yoga classes, Pilates classes, and the COMO Shambhala retreat, one of the world’s best spas. Also, direct flights from New York, Boston, Dallas, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Miami don’t hurt.
Rates: Prices range from $100,000 per night to $200,000 depending on the month.
What’s Included: Accommodations
Fine Print: Buyouts are by request, and available from Easter until Christmas.
Where: South Male Atoll, Republic of Maldives
Why: Luxurious private island in the Indian Ocean. Your guests will thank you.
Rooms:19 Houses, 38 people total
Wow Factor: Each house boasts a spacious wraparound terrace, a semi-outdoor bathroom with a terrazzo infinity bathtub, and an oversized plunge pool. All amenities, such as fine dining, spa, and massage treatments, are available in-house (or on-deck).
Rates: $43,700 per night, plus tax and service charge.
What’s Included: Housing, all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), sunset cocktails and canapés served daily in the privacy of your own house, return speedboat transfers from the airport, Personal House Master (butler) service, complimentary in house Wi-fi, complimentary snorkeling equipment, kayaks and windsurfs, tennis, badminton, and volleyball on the neighboring islands.
Where: Paro, Bhutan
Why:A milestone celebration is the perfect opportunity to visit this magical far off land. The hotel is located on a 38-acre site atop a gently sloping tree-clad hill, overlooking the town of Paro in the valley below. The rich Paro valley, one of the main cultural centers of Bhutan is situated towards its western border. The town is flanked by rice paddies, wheat fields, trout-filled streams, and scattered settlements.
Rooms: 20 rooms and nine villas (including one two-bedroom villa)
Wow Factor: One common myth is that it’s extremely difficult to arrange travel to Bhutan, but COMO Hotels & Resorts can arrange the whole trip including flights and visas.
Rates: Approximately $77,500 for four nights.
What’s Included: Accommodations
Where: South Male Atoll, Republic of Maldives
Why: Talk about serene – the strongest winds here are a gentle breeze, and the tallest points are swaying palm trees. The hotel will tailor a program that can include cooking classes, art classes, advanced yoga or meditation classes, advanced diving courses or even night dives among other activities based on a group’s needs.
Rooms: 33 suites and villas
Wow Factor: Rooms are inspired by dhoni boats, as used by local fishermen, adjoined by simple wooden walkways built above the shallow ocean. Also, on the west side lies the Kandooma Channel, considered to be one of the best dive sites in the Maldives.
Rates: Rates start at $27,000 per night, but may vary depending on the month.
What’s Included: Accommodations
Fine Print: Available from May 15 to October 15. In order to book, a guarantee of $500 per room must be spent on additional activities at the resort, including dining, diving, spa treatments, or excursions. Minimum stay is five nights.
Where: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Why:Go west! The great outdoors beckons us all once in a while, and this intimate but elegant hotel has landed right smack in the middle of it.
Rooms: Eight guest rooms (six deluxe rooms and two suites) accommodating 18 adults. The owners designed each room with the artistic and architectural traditions of some of their favorite destinations; Santa Fe, Spain, America, China, Japan, the South Pacific, France, and England.
Wow Factor: Activities abound! A trail ride with a gourmet picnic, therapeutic offerings at the spa, or perhaps a casual cocktail party on the flying deck is in order.
Rates: The price of all suites per night is $8,200 plus 15% gratuity and taxes, and this is a year round price.
What’s Included: Breakfast, lunch, five course gourmet dinner, and three hour complimentary activity per adult per day.
Where: Nantucket, Massachusetts
Why: Weathered gray shingles, glorious sunsets, and succulent seafood on the peaceful eastern edge of the island. The idyllic country inn at the shore works well for weddings, anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, whatever.
Rooms: 32 guestrooms, individually decorated with antique pine, cheery chintz, Pratesi fine bed linens, hand-stenciled finishes, and an abundance of fresh flowers.
Wow Factor: Group activities, such as a Jeep excursion, surfcasting, or guided bike tours can be arranged. If a wedding seems overwhelming, at least choose TOPPER’S at The Wauwinet for the rehearsal dinner and be rewarded with Chef David Daniels exquisite cuisine, which celebrates the distinct, natural flavors of seasonal foods.
Rates: Prices start at $15,000 per night and all food and beverage is at additional cost (minimum would be approximately $30,000).
What’s Included: All activities and amenities are included for use by the guests individually at their leisure (bikes, breakfast, afternoon port and cheese, excursions etc.).
Fine Print: Available midweek (Sunday through Thursday in May, June, and October)
Where: Woodstock, Vermont
Why:Classic Americana at its best as a Currier and Ives print practically comes to life in the serene surroundings, with plenty of space for group bonding.
Rooms: Seven suites, one outside house, and 142 guest rooms
Rates: $30,000-$50,000 per night, depending on the time of year and activities requested
Wow Factor: Groups interested in building team spirit can make their way through a forested course plotted out by an ex-Navy SEAL. Incentive trips are especially fun – some groups have booked not only the entire Inn, but the nearby Simon Pearce studio and restaurant or the Ice Rink at Union Arena. Let the games begin!
Where: Ubud, Bali
Why:Commonly called the Jewel of Indonesia, Bali is a place firmly rooted in its long-standing unique and sophisticated culture. A bonus is the show for incentive travelers, weddings, birthday parties, and family reunions that the seasoned professionals at Uma Ubud have put on in the past.
Rooms: 29 double rooms and suites, including 14 Terrace Rooms, 10 Garden Rooms, one Uma Suite, three Uma Pool Suites, (with infinity-edge pools), and one Shambhala Suite (also with infinity-edge pool and private treatment area)
Wow Factor:English-speaking local staff helps to shed light on the culture of Bali. Explore the region’s hinterland on guided walks through paddy fields and forests and take in the breathtaking views of the Ayung River. Witness local temple ceremonies and lend an ear to Bali’s powerful musical heritage – a Gamelan orchestra or the Kecak Fire dance, still practiced by the Balinese.
Rates: Rates are available upon request.
What’s Included:15% discount on COMO Shambhala spa treatment, complimentary upgrade for bride and groom (or group leader) from Terrace Room to Uma Pool Suite, complimentary one hour COMO Shambhala Massage for bride and groom (or group leader), and complimentary return airport transfer for bride and groom (or group leader).
Fine Print: Minimum stay is two nights.
Where: Nantucket, Massachusetts
Why: An island landmark since the 1920s, the simple, understated yet elegant hotel is just minutes from the center of the town filled with quirky boutiques and art galleries, restaurants, and fascinating museums. As an added incentive, corporate groups will get a big break if they book mid-week.
Rooms:53 guest rooms and suites, most with working fireplaces and harbor views, and 11 garden cottages.
Wow Factor: The hotel can accommodate as many as 600 people for events, and they have use of the entire property, which includes a spa, fitness room, library, business lounge, and harborside lawn. Regulars on the buyout scene, the hotel is willing and able to go the extra mile to customize all events.
Rates: Rates are available upon request, but will vary by season.
What’s Included: Accommodations
Fine Print: Available April-June, and after Columbus Day through mid-December. http://www.whiteelephanthotel.com/
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