1. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: Lake Louise, Alberta
This historic hotel in Banff National Park has year-round views of Victoria Glacier and a glacial lake so aquamarine your eyes might need a moment to adjust to its beauty. These views can be seen from the rooms, restaurants and meeting spaces of the hotel. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has 36,000 feet of meeting and event space, a luxury spa, and a collection of dining experiences, including alpine cuisine and Swiss fondue in Walliser Stube. The idyllic mountain setting means when it’s time to take a break from the boardroom, you can easily step out for some fresh air and outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.
2. Petra Marriott Hotel: Wadi Mousa, Jordan
You don’t have to be Indiana Jones to visit the Lost City of Petra. And you won’t have to leave your event at Petra Marriott Hotel to enjoy incomparable views over the rugged Petra Mountains. Perched on a hill just outside of the village center, this five-star hotel offers warm Jordanian hospitality, Arab cuisine—including Bedouin-style barbecue and meeting spaces with outdoor terraces that can be reserved for private events.
3. Southern Ocean Lodge: Kangaroo Island, Australia
Take your team to the top with a retreat Down Under. Set upon the cliffs above Hanson Bay, Southern Ocean Lodge seamlessly blends world-class service with the rugged wilderness. Bond with the environment and one other through outdoor activities, such as guided wildlife walks (yes, kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions are residents of this island) and celebratory sunset drinks at Remarkable Rocks, or a nearby heritage property. Even when you’re tied to the desk indoors or sampling island cuisine and local wine with an expert vintner at the Great Room bar, sweeping views of the sea through the floor-to-ceiling windows keep you connected to the surrounding area. The hotel was destroyed in the ravaging bushfires but is scheduled to be rebuilt and reopened in 2022.
4. The Springs Resort & Spa: La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano is the star of La Fortuna, and when you host an event at The Springs Resort & Spa, you’ll have a direct view toward it. Let the energy of this active, postcard-perfect volcano inspire engaging conversations in the boardroom, and then let the on-site, natural thermal hot springs relax your mind and rejuvenate your body. The resort’s nine indoor and outdoor function spaces can accommodate meetings, teambuilding and adventures for groups of 10-300, and the surrounding area offers an abundance of invigorating outdoor activities such as zip lining, hiking, rappelling, and wildlife viewing. Arenal is home to sloths, monkeys, the iconic red-eyed treefrog, butterflies, toucans and many other stunning creatures.
5. The Lookout Café: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Book The Lookout Café for your event and view the Batoka Gorge and Victoria Falls Bridge from the comfort of this Wild Horizons café, built in harmony with nature. Get your blood pumping and take your meetings to the next level with a high wire activity such as the Gorge Swing or the Flying Fox. Or, for extra inspiration, harness some lunar energy at a Full Moon Dinner.
6. Adare Manor: County Limerick, Ireland
This 19th-century castle hotel is ideal for those needing a world-class, sophisticated space san the stuffiness. Set on 840 acres of parkland with views over the Estate Gardens and River Maigue, Adare Manor offers an abundance of greenery. Arrange a helicopter arrival to the private helipad followed by the traditional Horse and Hound Welcome for your VIP guests. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interior spaces of Adare Manor with natural light, and locally-sourced artisanal eats will keep your team fueled. Afternoon walks through the woodlands, and evenings spent by the fireplace, cigar lounge, or on-site 27-seat cinema create ample opportunities to kick back and connect.
7. Aston Kona by the Sea: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Aston Kona is steps from the Pacific Ocean on the Big Island of Hawaii, and you can practically feel the sea spray from your seat at the property’s Beach Club. This event space offers views of the volcanic coastline and the great blue beyond. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto the oceanfront lawn giving groups the best of both worlds—accommodating tech needs inside while providing exhilarating sunset views and the sound of waves lapping the shore just outside the door.
8. lebua: Bangkok, Thailand
For a more elevated gathering in the heart of Bangkok, head up, up, up to lebua. This luxury property—the world’s first “vertical destination”—offers unparalleled panoramic views over the city and the Chao Phraya River. Host your exclusive meeting in one of the suites or a private dining room at the Tower Club, or reserve space at one of lebua’s Michelin-starred restaurants that include Mezzaluna and the recently-opened Chef’s Table. Or, for a group of up to 300, book The State Room on the 67th floor and enjoy 360-degree views of Bangkok. Then, toast your success at one of the on-site bars such as the open-air champagne bar, Alfresco 64, or the world’s tallest caviar, gin and vodka bar, lebua No. 3.
9. Lake Placid Lodge: Adirondacks, New York
Leave the daily grind behind and head for the hills—or, rather, the Adirondack Mountains. The Lake Placid Lodge offers a serene escape complete with cozy lakeside cabins, fireplaces, farm-to-fork cuisine and peak views, perfect for reenergizing team retreats and strategy sessions. The property provides full event coordination, gorgeous conference facilities, audiovisual support, a variety of unique spaces such as The Lodge Dock and The Wine Cellar. Groups can arrange add-ons that include the Olympic bobsled experience, snowshoeing, sledding, s’mores bonfires and private plane arrivals.
10. Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy: Laikipia, Kenya
Set on 58,000 acres of private wildlife conservancy in Kenya, this bush house retreat is a special secluded setting for your meetings and events. The open-air veranda, with views toward Mount Kenya, means you can observe wildlife—including elephants, lions and giraffes. The spa, fitness room, and optional activities such as game drives, bird watching and walking with baboons create the ultimate work-adventure balance.
