It’s no secret that planners have had to get creative amid the pandemic to keep business going. That includes in the outdoors, where it hasn’t been uncommon to see indoor events moved outside for comfort and safety.
Hotel properties in the Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) portfolio have seen their fair share of this and have been able to accommodate and work with planners on creative solutions, thanks to their expansive and wow-worthy outdoor spaces.
“The demand for creative open-air space has never been higher,” said Katie Bohrer, CMP, and ALHI’s vice president of meeting design and experience. “In fact, it will probably continue to go up as more and more planners are bringing their events back. The beauty of an outdoor venue is that you couple the natural offerings of the environment with a higher level of comfort and ease for the attendee. And the possibilities are truly endless for design.”
Below, we break down some noteworthy outdoor venues at ALHI hotels.
Chateau Elan
Located in the rolling hills of North Georgia, Chateau Elan is an award-winning winery and resort that boasts professionally staffed golf and racquet clubs and a world-class spa—as well as prime outdoor spaces for events. Its largest, for 450 to 500 guests, is the Winery Pavilion, punctuated by antiqued oak barrels and vertical lift glass windows. But for iconic views of the estate’s original set of vineyards, planners should look to the Chateau Courtyard, a 2,300-square-foot space for 275 to 300 guests.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Let attendees soak up the Southern California sun at Estancia La Jolla, a hacienda-style resort nestled between San Diego's seaside locales Del Mar and La Jolla. Its lush gardens, lawns and courtyards can be transformed into beautiful settings for receptions, dinners and happy hours. (Pictured is the Caretaker's Lawn.) Its regal front drive is also available as an event space. Planners can also incorporate engaging teambuilding activities such as salsa-making competitions, mixology lessons in barrel aging, beach cleanups, sea cave kayaking and outdoor meditation guided by experts at the resort's spa.
Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa
This resort, situated at the convergence of five majestic canyons, is located an hour southwest of Grand Junction, Colorado, and is one of the only locations in the world where Precambrian rock is still visible by the human eye. Its outdoor venues boast views of adobe-style southwestern architecture, tall cottonwood
trees and the red walls of the canyons that were once home to the Ancient Puebloans. The Ponds can host a events like a casual dinner reception or a wine-and-cheese pairing event for up to 40 people.
Fairmont Dallas
At the Fairmont Dallas, planners will find terrace-level outdoor meeting spaces within the hotel. Its popular Pavilion Room offers access to an outdoor terrace, an ideal spot for attendees to mingle and network before or after a program. The terrace measures 7,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 800 guests reception style. Attendees can unwind under the pergolas and take in the views of the Dallas skyline.
The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
Lauded as an “urban retreat,” The Houstonian completed a multimillion-dollar renovation of its guest rooms and suites this year. And its beautiful front lawn, The Meadow, can set a dramatic stage for events while offering nearly 42,000 square feet of outdoor space for events up to 200 people. A stunning feature includes the resort’s majestic Texas Live Oak, a tree with a sprawling canopy and branches covered in twinkling lights. Attendees can congregate under the tree’s branches (offering 3,000 square feet of space) for pre-dinner gatherings, receptions and happy hours.
Live! by Loews
One of St. Louis’ newest properties, Live! by Loews is located adjacent to iconic Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Planners can take advantage of The Bullock, its open-air rooftop lounge, for outdoor meetings and events, offering prime views of the stadium, Ballpark Village’s entertainment venues and the Gateway Arch. The laid back atmosphere, coupled with the skyline views, is perfect for introducing attendees to the spirit of St. Louis.
MGM National Harbor
Perched on the banks of the Potomac River, just minutes from Washington, D.C., MGM National Harbor offers a variety of outdoor spaces for functions. This includes the MGM Grand Ballroom Terrace, with panoramic views spanning from Alexandria all the way to Washington, D.C. There’s also the Harbor Terrace, with views of Oxon Hill from a private outdoor reception space. The Potomac Plaza offers views of the river, National Harbor and D.C.
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
The first Nobu Hotel in Mexico, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos is situated on the southern shores of Cabo San Lucas. And its outdoor spaces might be best utilized around sunset, so attendees can take in the spectacular colors. Its two terraces, Tsuki Terrace and Nobu Terrace, fit that bill. The former is about 1,700 square feet and offers sweeping views of where desert meets ocean. Nobu Terrace, pictured, is a part of one of the hotel's chic restaurants Nobu Restaurant.
Omni Amelia Island Resort
Located in Fernandina Beach, Florida, the Omni Amelia Island Resort offers a bevy of outdoor spaces, including the stunning Marsh View Terrace, where attendees can drink, dine and interact under beautiful Spanish moss-draped live oak trees. The space also features a fire pit and panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Oak Marsh golf holes. Another popular outdoor space includes Magnolia Garden, which is adjacent to the Magnolia Ballroom.
Stein Eriksen Lodge
In Park City, Utah, planners should take note of Stein Eriksen Lodge, nestled mid-mountain at the acclaimed Deer Valley Resort. Attendees can start or end their day outdoors at the lodge’s 1,700-square-foot outdoor deck that overlooks southeast views of Deer Valley Resort mountain. The outdoor fun can continue year round, as the lodge offers a host of group activities from snowshoeing in the winter to river rafting in the summer.
Read Next: How Large Resorts Are Set Up for Social Distancing Success
