From the Caribbean islands to the Florida shores, new beachfront properties are targeting groups large and small that are looking to host meetings in idyllic surroundings. All feature event spaces at the water’s edge.
W Retreat & Spa-Vieques Island
W Retreat & Spa-Vieques Island opened in March in Puerto Rico’s Vieques Island. Vieques is a former U.S. Navy testing ground that is now a national wildlife refuge. Its numerous beaches include Red Beach, Green Beach and Blue Beach, which is especially known for its snorkeling. Vieques is also home to two bioluminescent bays.
The 157-room hotel features guest rooms and suites with private patios and balconies overlooking the ocean. It has over 3,500 square feet of meeting and event space, as well as direct coastal access from the hotel to the beach. On-property, there are four dining options courtesy of Chef Alain Ducasse, including miX on the beach, with indoor and outdoor dining.
"W Vieques has a selection of waterfront leisure spots that are great for hosting events or receptions," says Jonathan Heath, general manager of W Retreat & Spa-Vieques Island. "There are two private palm-lined beaches that are perfect for group dinners or beachside parties. There is Paradise Edge; a serene sanctuary overlooking the ocean; Lawn, an intimate locale adorned with the charm of tropical surroundings; and Fire Pit, an enjoyable outdoor area to embrace nature and luxury around a warm and inviting fire."
Yoga classes can be organized on the sun terrace, while more adventurous excursions are available, such as snorkeling, scuba diving and eco-tours through mangroves.
"One of the most popular activities is a nighttime kayak or boat trip to the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay," Heath says.
Spa Chakra accommodates groups with eight indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, as does the on-site Living Room, which features cocktails, tapas, DJs and ocean views. Set poolside, WET offers private cabanas and pools.
Omphoy Ocean Resort
In Palm Beach, Fla., the boutique property Omphoy Ocean Resort debuted last August with 6,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and another 5,000 square feet of outdoor space. The 134-room property is the first new hotel development on the island in nearly 20 years.
"A lot of our meeting space is all glass-enclosed—ceiling-to-floor height, about 24 feet, overlooking the ocean," says Deborah Carr, general manager of the hotel.
Omphoy also features oceanfront terraces for outdoor receptions; an infinity pool with private cabanas; a beach club; oceanfront restaurants; and exhale spa, which offers three treatment rooms, and an outdoor studio for exercise classes.
"We have used our terrace and oceanfront for groups and pagodas that can be used for breakout areas," Carr says. "We also have four fabulous beach beds meant for lounging on the beach. People are finding wonderful uses for them—a client took a whole meeting out to the beach beds."
The hotel features a private beach area and can offer a number of water sports—everything from windsurfing, kayaking and sailing to wave running, canoeing and snorkeling.
"Many people say, ‘I’m in Palm Beach, put me on the water,’ " Carr says.
Nearby, the Lake Worth Pier is known for its fishing. The resort’s sales team can arrange a fishing outing for groups.
The Palmyra Resort & Spa
On the horizon, The Palmyra is set to open in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in November. The property will span 16 oceanfront acres on the grounds of a former plantation and feature 299 rooms with ocean views located across three towers.
There will be two penthouses with wraparound balconies in each tower, each able to host cocktail receptions or up to 25 for meetings.
"They will have unobstructed views of the ocean and capture the splendor of the greenery and lush mountain terrain Jamaica known is known for," says Lester Scott, general manager of the resort.
The resort will offer 11 three-story villas and eight beachfront cabanas, as well as 23,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for groups. In addition, groups will be able to take advantage of the beachside setting, such as hosting an outdoor event at a panoramic gazebo that extends 300 feet into the bay.
"Right outside our door is a beautiful beach in a private enclave. There is a beautiful gazebo that is like its own island—perfect for capturing some of the outdoors," Scott says.
The gazebo will be able to hold 12 people and can be used for morning or afternoon meditation or yoga as a stress reliever, according to Scott. The resort is also building a Zen studio that will be able to host small meetings, while larger groups will be able to be accommodated on the lawn.
The resort’s indoor facilities will feature a 4,300-square-foot ballroom accommodating up to 350 seated guests or up to 450 for cocktails. There will also be six additional breakout rooms, ranging in size from 850 square feet to 1,800 square feet.
A 30,000-square-foot spa will also offer seven villas and a courtyard suitable for receptions.
"The whole area will be a lifestyle change as far as diet, healthy living," Scott says. "Groups will be able to assign a lifestyle coach to come in and during the break take 15 minutes to sit everyone down and do meditation, incorporate yoga, or before meeting in the morning do a yoga class."
Cooking classes will also be available, focusing on the local food, and will be able to be organized as a team-building event.
"We’re still putting together a list of activities, from yoga to beach volleyball, water sports," Scott says. "There will be snorkeling lessons, scuba diving lessons right off the beach, parasailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing."
The Palmyra Resort & Spa will offer guests privileged access to three golf courses: the White Witch Golf Course, Cinnamon Hill Golf Course and popular Half Moon Golf Club.
