Thanks to Netflix's limited series “The Queen's Gambit,” chess sales spiked 125%—and inspired an intellectual game to play with fellow attendees at the next corporate meeting. With travel restrictions slowly lifting as the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more widely available, we’ve curated a list of 10 international properties that are at once a prime spot for events, a brief getaway and a head-to-head chess match. Who knows, you may just find the next Beth Harmon!
1. The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton, Key West, Fla.
The freshly renovated Reach Key West offers myriad options for outdoor play, from bocce ball to a gazebo floating over the Atlantic. Enjoy a game of strategic warfare on the resort’s colorful teal and coral chessboard on Key West’s exclusive private beach.
2. Caribe Hilton, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Chess masters can toast to their victory after a day of meetings with a refreshing pina colada at the home of its birthplace. Caribe Hilton is located on a secluded peninsula boasting 17 acres of exotic foliage. Champion your chess skills surrounded by lush gardens and crystal-clear waters.
3. Chateau du Sureau, Oakhurst, Calif.
Play chess or checkers on life-size boards at this Relais & Chateaux property that feels like it’s in the French countryside. After team building is over, attendees can sip wine and relax in the gazebo or go on a stroll in the enchanted gardens.
4. British Colonial Hilton Nassau, Bahamas
Enjoy the rainbow of colors, culture and passion of the Bahamas at British Colonial Hilton Nassau. Showcased in two James Bond movies, the hotel's giant chessboard is encircled by plush lounge pods under swaying palm trees—perfect inspiration for shaded strategy research and chess match observing.
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5. Calabash Grenada, St. George's, Grenada
The award-winning Relais & Chateaux hotel is the perfect spot for an incentive trip. The resort has its giant chessboard set up on the secluded L'Anse aux Epines beach in Grenada.
6. The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, Calif.
Plotted at the crossroads of the iconic Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards, The Beverly Hilton recently completed a $35 million top-to-bottom renovation and added an outdoor chessboard, perfect for socially distanced play. Make your move and check out the Wilshire Garden, a 6,650-sq.-ft. outdoor space boasting a verdant green lawn, lavish living succulent walls and grand ceremony doors opening up to the space.
7. Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne, Switzerland
Beau-Rivage Palace is located in lovely Lausanne surrounded by 10 acres of private gardens and parkland. The park features a play area for children, in case your next incentive trip involves family travel, as well as a full-size chessboard.
8. Ty Warner Mansion, Los Cabos, Mexico
Housed at the iconic Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort, the beachfront Ty Warner Mansion features panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. Amenities include a life-size chess game, a gym, a theater, a courtyard and three swimming pools.
9. Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, Los Cabos, Mexico
Guests at Chileno Bay can enjoy outdoor life-size chess on the sun-drenched El Limonero lawn and delight in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Fun-loving attendees can also play giant games like Connect Four, Jenga and cornhole.
10. Rosewood Miramar Beach, Montecito, Calif.
Set between beautiful beaches and magnificent mountains, Rosewood Miramar Beach combines coastal California ambiance with timeless luxury. Attendees can participate in a chess game for two, challenging an opponent to a larger-than-life game surrounded by the greenery of the resort on the Event Lawn or Great Lawn.
Photos Courtesy of Properties
