A corporate retreat is a great way to get your team out of the office and into an atmosphere that encourages out-of-the-box thinking, collaboration, and communication. It’s even better when attendees can bring along their significant others and family. Of course, while the gang is attending meetings or team building exercises, it’s nice if their guests have something to do other than watch cable TV in their rooms. That’s why a retreat at a resort like Grand View Lodge is an excellent choice for everyone. Senior Event Planner, Kelli Wawro, explains why.
Q. Tell me about Grand View and what you do there.
A. I’m the senior event planner in charge of conferences/meetings, corporate events, banquets, and holiday parties. Grand View Lodge is an historic resort, located on the shores of Gull Lake in Nisswa, Minnesota for 100 years! We have 207 units that can house nearly 900 guests located throughout the property including our main lodge, cabins, villas, cottages, townhomes, guest rooms, and suites.
Q. What are some of the most popular activities available for event attendees and their guests?
A. We have 2500 feet of natural sand beach on Gull Lake and Roy Lake. Guests enjoy water trampoline, kayaks, scheduled pontoon rides, tubing, skiing, standup paddleboards, and more. We also have an indoor pool with a waterslide, pool volleyball and basketball. The pool and beach sit side by side, offering guests many types of water fun in just one spot.
We also offer tennis and pickle ball courts with equipment available, as well as bike rentals, and a nearby horseback riding facility that offers trail rides too. Additionally, we have a 9-hole golf course that’s very family friendly, with larger cups in the greens to make it easier for little ones.
Some of our team building activities can also involve families. Our photo scavenger hunt sends guests all over the resort to take pictures of different items, locations, and maybe even staff members! This helps them become familiar with resort areas they may not have explored yet. Many groups have used these photos in slide shows and presentations after their retreat.
If it’s gloomy outside, our game room offers air hockey, pinball, crane games, pool and ping pong, skee ball and darts. And of course, for relaxation, we have our luxury Glacial Waters Spa.
Q. How does the resort accommodate a variety of culinary tastes and preferences?
A. We have multiple dining options, from casual to fine dining, in spaces that are great for larger groups or for more intimate gatherings. There’s something for everyone. The newly renovated Tanque Verde Cantina on the beach offers southwestern flavors and great views of Gull Lake. On the Rocks is our new patio with built-in fire pits and wooden pergolas, serving appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches. The lower terrace is great for private receptions for conference groups with its waterfalls, flowers, and gas-lit fireplace tables. The Northwoods Pub hosts live entertainment and is connected to the game room, while the Lodge Dining Room serves up fresh and local favorites. Cru Restaurant + Wine Bar in Gull Lake Center features over 2000 different bottles of wine in our temperature controlled wine cellar – a perfect place for wine tastings. Italian Gardens welcomes guests to an intimate setting surrounded by beautiful gardens and serving Italian cuisine family style. Both Freddy’s Sports Grill at the Pines Golf Course and the Preserve Pub + Grill at the Preserve Golf Course feature great food on patios that overlook the golf courses.
Q. Do you see a lot of repeat business after corporate retreats? In other words, attendees who return on their own time or extend their stay?
A. Definitely. We have a lot of repeat business. A large portion of our guests have been here before. They come up and experience the resort and just fall in love. Many corporate groups will meet during the week and then choose to extend their stay through the weekend to explore the resort with their families.
Q. What should a planner look for when choosing a resort retreat that will include family?
A. They should look for a place that offers comfortable lodging where they can have everything right at their fingertips. For example, we offer many amenities located right on our property, so guests don’t have to spend their time driving off site. With the beach and pool right there, all the activities and dining choices, plus beach bonfires with s’mores, bingo and more, retreat attendees and their families can just relax and enjoy themselves right where they are.
