There is something about overlooking water that motivates the mind and calms the soul. Hotels and resorts along oceans, rivers, and lakes aren’t only for leisure vacations, they offer business groups the chance to savor an inspiring atmosphere and enjoy water-infused activities.
Here are four ideas regarding where to host meetings and events by water in California, Florida, Hawaii, and New York.
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral, Florida, overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, Caloosahatchee River, and San Carlos Bay. The location provides easy access to over 400 miles of navigable canals and waterways, allowing attendees to choose from several water-centric programs. For relaxation during meeting breaks, there is waterside mediation or yoga on the marina, or consider in-pool meeting breaks for something truly different. Meetings also can be held on the pool deck or dockside, complete with a water bar featuring an array of flavored waters.
The Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa in Aurora, New York, offers a two-day Water Wellness Retreat Package that is ideal for groups coming together to brainstorm ideas and plan strategy while building in time to relax. This package includes morning lakeside meditation classes followed by breakfast overlooking Cayuga Lake and an all-day water bar with infused waters. During breaks, schedule activities like watercolor painting lessons on the Taylor House lawn and guided kayaking excursions.
On the opposite coast, Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, California, groups can build their own package and choose from a variety of water-filled experiences. Some of the options include surf lessons with a local instructor, picnic dinners and evening bonfires on the beach, seaside yoga on the Ocean Lawn, sand sculpture building, team bike rides along the beach path, and a luxury private yacht charter.
For where to host meetings and events by water in a tropical destination, head to Wailea Beach Resort in Waliea on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Located on the ocean’s edge, enjoy a sunset cookout or book water activities like a guided traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe tour, kayaking along the coastline, or stand-up paddleboarding at Wailea Beach Resort. Olakino is a brand-new adults-only wellness sanctuary with personalized service from Po’e Mālamas (translated as “one who takes care”) and elevated wellness and culinary offerings. Olakino is centered around an infinity-edge, saline pool with in-water chaise lounges that look out over the Pacific Ocean.
Groups are invited to purchase exclusive access to Olakino for private events and retreats and tap into wellness menus and group self-care activities like aquatic sound baths, Wai Workouts (involving water), and poolside acupuncture sessions.
