When planners hear the words “all-inclusive resorts,” they immediately think of Mexico and the Caribbean.
The perception that these locations are the only homes to all-inclusive resorts that welcome meetings is fast becoming an outdated concept.
The options in the U.S. are increasing, separating themselves from their vacation hotspot counterparts with wellness and adventure offerings geared toward groups seeking stimulating corporate retreats.
Here are three U.S. all-inclusive resorts that should be on your radar right now.
1. Red Mountain Resort, Ivins, Utah
Utah’s national parks have spiked in popularity in recent years, and concurrently, so has Red Mountain Resort, just outside Zion National Park near St. George, Utah.
The all-inclusive resort positions itself as one for groups seeking energizing experiences.
Red Mountain Resort Group Hiking Excursion, Credit: Red Mountain Resort
From adventure trips to Candy Cliffs and Zion National Park, to kayaking, bird watching or exploring nearby underground petroglyphs, Red Mountain Resort is an ideal teambuilding retreat for corporate groups. The resort can even design custom team-bonding activities like cook-offs and boot camps, followed by lunch and massages.
The meeting spaces are designed to be energizing as well.
“Select spaces even include delightful aromatherapy and stress reduction baskets,” said Halley Autry, public relations representative for the Red Mountain Resort.
Red Mountain Resort event spaces range from 500 square feet to nearly 10,000 square feet, catering to groups of eight to 100. Projectors, high-speed internet, sound and other audiovisual capabilities are also available in select event spaces for productive meetings.
In addition to the event spaces and group activities, the all-inclusive packages include accommodations, three healthy meals daily and full use of resort amenities.
2. Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona
Travel + Leisure named this tranquil desert property number four on its Top 10 list of the best destination spas in the U.S. in 2019. As wellness continues to weave its way through the meetings industry, corporate groups increasingly seek out resorts like Miraval for retreats and secluded meetings.
Spa Deck at Miraval Arizona Resort, Credit: Miraval Arizona Resort
“Over the past few years, we have seen a 20% to 30% increase in companies and groups staying with us to experience our wellness programs and meetings offerings,” said Jorah Anderson, director of sales at Miraval Resorts.
“With the rise in mindfulness and wellness in the workplace and in all aspects of life, more and more companies are looking for ways in which their employees can relax, learn new tools to reduce stress and be mindful, and increase their overall communication skills,” she added.
Miraval Arizona offers a unique swath of all-inclusive group packages at its resort, including accommodations, meals, airport shuttles and activities like outback hiking, mountain biking, a climbing wall and fitness, yoga and meditation classes.
Miraval’s experience planners can also create custom itineraries.
3. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Oahu, Hawaii
A stay at Aulani resort, tucked away in western Oahu, includes a large menu of activities in the nightly rate, in addition to access to the resort’s amenities and expansive meeting rooms.
Aulani, a Disney Resort, Credit: Disney Aulani Resort
Group activities available at Aulani include guided walking tours of the property’s wildlife and art collections, hula and ukulele lessons and movie nights, according to Brenda Goodwin, public relations manager for Disney. Additionally, for planners organizing family-friendly meetings, Disney-centric activities are included in the nightly rate for kids staying at the resort.
Though food packages aren’t included in the all-inclusive rate, there are multiple dining options onsite that are easy for planners to arrange for their groups, including dining on the Ko Olina beach and experiencing a traditional Hawaiian luau.
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