During a winter that plunged over 90 million Americans into bitter temperatures and left thirty-seven states reeling from a once-in-a-lifetime storm, visions of the sun, sand and sea may have started to fade. But now, with snowbanks melting and calendar pages flipping, the potential for beachfront travel is heating up. Was the last palm tree your team has seen somewhere on their Windows screensaver? Then it’s time to check your bags—and check in to one of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels’ oceanside properties.
With five conference rooms and just over 20,000 square feet of space bordering the Atlantic Ocean, The Shores Resort & Spa has a conference site for every team and every need. Enjoy the serenity of the Atlantic, the Halifax River and the Intracoastal Waterway as seen from floor-to-ceiling windows—and rest assured that not only is your meeting space calm, you can be, too. The Shores’s on-site catering, technical, and audiovisual support teams are available 24/7 to ensure your event runs smoothly. And if 5 o’clock comes calling a bit earlier than usual (we won’t tell) you won’t even need to leave the resort to enjoy Daytona Beach’s 23 miles of coastline. The Shores offers beachside yoga, coastal bike rentals, and complimentary s’mores kits to roast at their outdoor firepit. Looking for something a bit more hands-on? Try a surf lesson at the Pure Life Surf School and then sink into a treatment (or two) at the onsite Indulge Spa.
Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound, you’ll get all the perks of a big-city stay with none of the hassles at Sanderling Resort. In fact, it’s the only Four-Diamond rated resort on the Outer Banks. And with ten meeting spaces and on-site technical support, you can focus on your work—and pleasure—with no interruptions. Tee up an afternoon at The Currituck Club, a Rees Jones-designed golf course that takes players through the dips and crests of the Outer Banks. Or, trade land for sea with a guided coastal waterway tour by kayak or sailboat. If relaxation is what you’re seeking, the resort has that, too: sunrise yoga is offered every morning from mid-May to mid-October on the resort’s ocean observation deck.
White sand beaches, famous Art Deco architecture, and world-class cuisine—you may not need another reason to visit South Beach, but Cardozo will give you one anyway. Tucked just off of Ocean Drive in downtown Miami Beach, Cardozo’s 1,500 square feet of event space brings their boardroom amenities into the greenery and elegance of downtown South Beach. When your workday is over, it’s just a short walk to unwind: resort restaurant Call Me Cuban boasts a full dinner menu and bar. Should you decide to venture downtown, the city’s nightlife is only a few minutes away—and if you find yourself with an afternoon to spare, catch a show at the Miami Ballet or an exhibit at the nearby Wolfsonian museum.
From vibrant cityscapes to awe-inspiring nature wonders, the Pacific Northwest offers a unique blend of work and play for the modern business traveler.
Team bonding is a critical component of workplace wellbeing, helping to build trust, foster collaboration and improve communication among employees. In today’s remote world, scheduling time for team members to connect in-person has become more important than ever – and what better way to connect than over food and drink?
Spring is in full bloom and, as the weather grows warmer and the days stretch longer, it’s the perfect time to move your next team building activity out of the office and into the great outdoors.
From the great outdoors, hiking, boating and beachside yoga, to wine tasting, golfing and more. There’s something for everyone. Bring your team together with a unique teambuilding experience. Here are 10 locations where companies can combine business travel with productive play.
In today’s remote world, it can often be challenging to find a time (and place) to unplug and foster meaningful connections within your company. For those looking to escape the everyday and inspire innovation, collaboration and relaxation, consider a lakeside location for your next company meeting.
For meeting planners, finding new, unique and inspiring destinations for an upcoming event can prove difficult. Here are three Benchmark Resorts & Hotels' destinations dotted around the country, which offer unique experiences for meeting guests.
If your team’s connection relies on your internet connection, it’s probably time to think about making your workplace culture a little more personal. So, move morning coffee from your home office to one of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels’ boutique properties. We’ll bring the to-go cups.
Taking a step away from traditional office spaces and heading to new places can help teams refocus on business objectives, offering a fresh, relaxed environment, free of workplace distractions.
Happy employees are more likely to have a positive attitude when it comes to their work, increasing productivity and the overall culture of a company.
Whether it’s a large corporate gathering or a small group of meeting goers, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels has several excellent locations to host impactful and productive meetings:
Over the past decade or so, sustainability has been at the forefront of workplace initiatives. But that shouldn’t just be a focus in the workplace itself – businesses should strive to ensure that they are engaging in sustainability practices even when traveling for conventions, corporate retreats and meetings alike.
Often, the best ideas come when we take a step (far) away from our usual surroundings. However, while the idea of jetting across the globe for meetings sounds inspiring, it can be a logistical challenge for meeting planners.
Whether it’s an intimate conference or gathering for a small business or a chance to reward an individual team in a large corporation, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels has some excellent locations to host impactful meetings, executive retreats and events to meet the needs of smaller groups:
For meeting planners, technology can be a friend or foe. And, in this new hybrid environment with both virtual and in-person attendees to consider, meeting organizers must rely on conferencing technology – to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
With many companies making the switch to fully remote or hybrid work, there’s added pressure on offsite meetings to make up for lost facetime and build team bonds that can benefit business.
While company retreats have long been a staple of the business world, they often take place in a busy and overstimulated location like a major city for reasons including accessibility and proximity to a large airport. Planning a retreat in a remote location not only boosts your attendees’ comfort level as they ease back into in-person meetings, but time spent in a remote setting surrounded by nature is proven to improve brain health and stimulate creative thinking as well.
Breeze cooling your skin. Sun warming your view. Arms spread wide, floating down through the mountains. Can you picture it? A paragliding escapade through the Grand Tetons is just one of many teambuilding opportunities offered at Benchmark Resorts & Hotels properties around the country, designed to heighten your senses in a way that embraces creativity.
As meeting-goers begin to convene again in person, wellness should be top of mind. Meeting planners and attendees are increasingly aware of the benefits of therapeutic services and how they play a role in the success of any meeting, conference or program.
