Defining Resort Travel Trends

If you thought that most resorts were nothing more than mosquito-infested campsites boasting cabins that smell of mildew, it’s time to think again. This season, the trend is all about retreating to resorts. And these days, remote resorts are no longer backwoods campsites that time forgot, but instead, state-of-the-art, sophisticated and even breathtaking event experiences. Just look at what you get when you retreat to a resort:

Resorts. What can be better than a full-service, all-inclusive venue with every amenity you can imagine all conveniently located on site? Choose from a variety of resorts when planning your retreat - from casino to mountain, lake, ski, golf and waterpark – and expect the wonderfully unexpected.

Experience. With event managers on-site, you get the hands on, dedicated staff you need to help you plan the best possible experience for your attendees.

Spa. Though many resorts seem remote and even rustic, most now feature lux amenities like day spas, masseuses and salons.

On-site catering.  What makes this especially appealing is that you don’t need to go looking for additional vendors for buffets and banquets. Everything delicious you hunger for is right where you are.

Relaxed. When it comes to a business retreat, you want your attendees to feel relaxed enough to contribute to the business at hand. Resorts cultivate a tranquil atmosphere that encourages creativity and innovative thinking.

Technology. Free high-speed WiFi, projectors, electronic white boards, sound systems, you name it — just because a resort is out of the city doesn’t mean the place is out of touch. Resorts will often even have an on-site AV staff dedicated to catering to your technology needs.
Team building. Offering spacious meeting rooms and even outdoor options that give your team the room they need to really generate new ideas and connect as a cohesive unit.

Recreation. A surplus of leisure time activity offerings give your attendees an awesome work/play balance. From skiing to boating, golfing to watersliding, hiking to horseback riding, the choices are endless.

Amenities. Full-service resorts will often offer a fully outfitted business center, concierge services, restaurants, shops and comfortable accommodations. Who could ask for anything more?

Virtual. There will always be those who are unable to attend, but up-to-date resorts will often offer you the technology needed to allow those absent to virtually attend your meeting or conference. 

Energy. The combination of stunning landscapes, comfortable accommodations, amazing activities, fabulous food in a resort environment will ultimately lead to a re-energized team when you all (sadly) have to leave your resort and return to the real world.

Luxury. Just because your surroundings are pastoral, doesn’t mean your attendees will be sans luxury. In fact, many resorts today cater to the lavish and opulent experience, ensuring that you’ll book next year’s retreat with them again … and again the year after.

Kris McNeely, Content Editor | meetingpages | kris.meetingpages@gmail.com

As a freelance editor and writer for more than twenty years, Kris McNeely has had the opportunity to write and edit everything from non-fiction books to blog posts, web content to white papers, ads to articles. She was named an Erma Bombeck Humor Writer of the Month, has been featured in multiple anthologies, and was selected by Amtrak Railway Service as one of five travel writers from among a pool of 1500 applicants nationwide. In her free time, she likes to jog, garden, travel, and spend time with her two kids and three grandchildren.