If you’re looking to reduce out-of-pocket costs and provide a multi-amenity, self-contained environment that encourages attendees to stay on property, an all-inclusive is an excellent option. Previously limited mainly to beach destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico, these havens of “one-stop” shopping for traveling groups have spread out around the West—and serve up flavors and experiences reflecting their unique locales.
Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort
Solvang, Calif.
Set on a 10,000-acre working cattle ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley about a 30-minute drive north of Santa Barbara, Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort has an extensive recreation menu with 50 miles of riding trails, two 18-hole golf courses, six tennis courts and a 100-acre spring fed lake.
“We have a high rate of repeat groups because we make it easy for planners with our all-inclusive package,” says Sherrie Fitzgerald, director of sales and marketing for the resort. “Our lake is great for teambuilding programs, and for those who want an off-site event there are more than 75 wineries within a 15-mile radius of the resort.”
The Meet & Play all-inclusive package includes studio accommodations, full breakfast, gourmet box lunch and dinner daily, meeting facilities, basic coffee breaks in the morning and afternoon, standard audiovisual equipment, unlimited recreation activities and taxes and service charges.
A minimum of 10 rooms is required with a two-night minimum stay with the Meet & Play package, which is available Sunday through Thursday, September through May, or any two nights from November through March (excluding summer and holidays).
Miraval Resort & Spa
Tucson, Ariz.
A wellness wonderland in a high Sonoran Desert setting, Miraval Resort & Spa appeals to groups seeking inspiration and increased communication in a health conscious environment.
“We provide a dynamic and diverse range of activities and experiences for groups that allow them to explore and grow personally and as a team,” says Laura McIver, vice president and general manager for Miraval Resort & Spa. “Groups at Miraval can learn about themselves and their strengths and weaknesses, emerging from the visit feeling rejuvenated and inspired.”
Attendees at Miraval can participate in fitness classes, group lectures, nutrition education and discussion, meditation and yoga experiences with unlimited use of swimming pools, a fitness center and tennis courts, which are included in its all-inclusive program.
Miraval’s group package includes shared round-trip transfers to Tucson International Airport and/or parking for all guests; casita-style accommodations; a welcome tote bag and reusable water bottle; three gourmet meals daily; all snacks from the Palm Court Smoothie Bar and nightly hors d’oeuvres in the Brave Bill Lounge; all non-alcoholic beverages in resort outlets; wireless Internet in guest rooms, meeting space and throughout the resort; and resort credits per person, per night, which can be used toward private teambuilding events and/or select spa services and other personalized experiences.
The Ranch at Rock Creek
Philipsburg, Mont.
Situated at the base of the John Long Mountains encompassing more than 6,600 acres of rugged ranchland, meadows and wilderness, The Ranch at Rock Creek gives visitors an authentic western ranch experience.
Christie Lites, an Orlando-based theatrical lighting company, recently staged a corporate retreat at The Ranch at Rock Creek.
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“The concept of our retreat was to engage in an environment where professionals within our industry could network in a natural way while enjoying a unique experience,” says Lisa Gatell, executive assistant/meeting planner for Christie Lites. “This was accomplished daily during our meals, while in the sitting area in the Granite Lodge, after-hours in the Silver Dollar Saloon, during numerous ranch activities, and even while casually cycling around.”
The Ranch at Rock Creek has nine lodge rooms, eight luxury canvas cabins and 12 private homes for up to 125 guests.
Popular group activities included in its all-inclusive group package are trail rides, stagecoach and wagon rides, a ranch ropes course, geocaching and a bowling tournament. For an additional cost, groups can watch a ranch rodeo or participate in a “Hoe Down & Dance.”
For special events (with set-up costs), The Ranch at Rock Creek offers venues such as the Silver Dollar Saloon, which has a private movie theater for presentations with space for 160 people, and the Buckle Barn, a 5,000-square-foot building with an outdoor patio and capacity for 160.
Red Mountain Resort
Ivins, Utah
“Red Mountain is a great launching pad for exploring national park adventures in Zion or decompressing after business travel in nearby Las Vegas,” says Tracey Welsh, general manager for Red Mountain Resort. “We offer a friendly, all-encompassing approach to wellness that makes group attendees feel rewarded in a nurturing way.”
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Set against a backdrop of dramatic red rock cliffs and sandstone canyons in southwestern Utah, Red Mountain has an extensive selection of fitness classes and programs, outdoor and hiking adventures, healthy and nutritious dining, and personal discovery seminars.
The Red Mountain Essential Package, offered year-round, includes choice of accommodations in a deluxe room or villa; three healthy meals daily; daily guided morning hikes; unlimited fitness classes; healthy life classes and events; personal discovery activities; Eat Well, Feel Well cooking demonstrations; complimentary Wi-Fi in rooms and throughout resort; use of indoor and seasonal outdoor pools, bicycles, walking trails, strength and cardio studios, and other amenities. Guests can choose to include one spa treatment per day, as part of the Essential Plus Retreat package for an additional cost.
Velas Vallarta Suite Resort
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Panoramic views from Velas Vallarta’s 345 suites of the Pacific Ocean or the Sierra Madre Mountains reward attendees with daily inspiration at this upscale resort.
“With our plethora of first-class amenities we have revolutionized the all-inclusive concept for groups and conventions in Puerto Vallarta,” says Pedro Luna, sales director for Velas Vallarta Suite Resort. “We are the best option to enjoy Mexican personalized service.”
A partial listing of the resort’s amenities includes three swimming pools, three tennis courts, a private beach, nightly shows and entertainment, waterfalls and tropical gardens, and a sundeck over the beach.
Velas Vallarta’s 6,900-square-foot convention center can host groups up to 1,250 for a wide range of conferences, meetings, banquets, receptions and cocktail parties.
For groups, the all-inclusive packages include, lodging, dining and activities with customization upgrades available for excursions and spa credits.
Vista Verde Guest Ranch
Steamboat Springs, Colo.
A luxury dude ranch in the Rocky Mountains 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs, Vista Verde Guest Ranch boasts that it’s more than 100 miles from the nearest mall.
The secluded mountain setting of the ranch in the Routt National Forest provides an ideal venue for small corporate retreats and incentive groups.
“Beautiful surroundings and fresh mountain air have a way of encouraging people to communicate more than they would in an office or traditional meeting setting,” says Stephanie Wilson, director of hospitality for the property. “There are no phones or televisions in the rooms so people tend to gather together for conversations and activities.”
Ideal for groups up to 25, Vista Verde has nine private log cabins with hot tubs and three lodge rooms, each with a private deck and hot tub.
Some of the recreation activities at the ranch include horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, fly-fishing, rock climbing, rafting, cross-country skiing and sleigh rides.
Vista Verde is open from June to September and December to March. The all-inclusive group program pricing includes lodging, meals, activities, meeting space, room setup with snacks and beverages for breaks, and transportation to and from Steamboat-Hayden Airport.
