Take a look at any 2024 travel trends story, and you'll likely see the same word popping up over and over: bleisure.
Fueled by a rise in remote work, the trend—which combines the concepts of business and leisure travel, with professionals extending their work trips to relax and explore—seems to be more popular than ever. Hilton's 2024 trends report, for example, notes that globally, more than a third of Gen Z and millennial business travelers plan to extend a business trip in 2024 to enjoy leisure time before or after their work obligations. What's more, 24% of global business travelers plan to take a friend or family member with them on a business trip this year.
Event venues are increasingly leaning into the idea, with some reworking in-room design features to better serve these guests—including adding back work desks, focusing on reliable and secure Wi-Fi, and even offering partitions like movable screens or curtains to divide guest rooms and allow for workspaces. Others are focusing on standout after-hours options, like Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa's cheekily named "Surf to Suits" package or Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale's robust new "bleisure menus."
Scroll down to see how 12 properties are leaning into work and play.
Mountain Shadows Resort | Scottsdale, Ariz.
Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale has a descriptive name: It's literally located in the shadow of Arizona's Camelback Mountain. Originally built in 1959, the property got a full-scale renovation in 2017; it now offers 183 rooms.
For business: The hotel features 12,500 square feet of indoor event space, including the Paradise Ballroom, which holds 435 for receptions. Six meeting rooms can seat between 15 and 40 people in boardroom setups; there’s also 25,000 square feet of scenic outdoor event space, including a 4,400-square-foot lawn and a pool area that holds 175.
For leisure: The venue recently debuted its new "Bleisure Menu," designed specifically for guests traveling on business but looking for elevated in-between meeting activities. It includes a variety of on-property options—like golf, tasting experiences, cooking classes, and art walks—along with off-property experiences like guided hikes and rides on ATVs, horses, or even hot air balloons.
For business: The hotel features 12,500 square feet of indoor event space, including the Paradise Ballroom, which holds 435 for receptions. Six meeting rooms can seat between 15 and 40 people in boardroom setups; there’s also 25,000 square feet of scenic outdoor event space, including a 4,400-square-foot lawn and a pool area that holds 175.
For leisure: The venue recently debuted its new "Bleisure Menu," designed specifically for guests traveling on business but looking for elevated in-between meeting activities. It includes a variety of on-property options—like golf, tasting experiences, cooking classes, and art walks—along with off-property experiences like guided hikes and rides on ATVs, horses, or even hot air balloons.
Photo: Courtesy of Mountain Shadows Resort
Europa Village | Temecula, Calif.
Southern California’s Europa Village winery features three winery destinations that evoke the old-world villages of Spain, France, and Italy. In total, the space boasts 15 different venues, from tasting rooms and private dining spaces to courtyards and patios.
For business: For meetings, options include a 1,537-square-foot barrel room set inside a working winery, a boardroom that holds 10 to 40 people, a 377-square-foot private dining room, and more.
For leisure: When the work is done, guests can embark on wine or olive oil tasting experiences, along with vineyard tours. Europa Village also has its own concierge that can handle transportation arrangements, recommendations, and more for experiences like hot air balloon adventures, golfing, and excursions to the nearby Pechanga Resort and its 200,000-square-foot casino.
For business: For meetings, options include a 1,537-square-foot barrel room set inside a working winery, a boardroom that holds 10 to 40 people, a 377-square-foot private dining room, and more.
For leisure: When the work is done, guests can embark on wine or olive oil tasting experiences, along with vineyard tours. Europa Village also has its own concierge that can handle transportation arrangements, recommendations, and more for experiences like hot air balloon adventures, golfing, and excursions to the nearby Pechanga Resort and its 200,000-square-foot casino.
Photo: Courtesy of Europa Village
Old Edwards Inn and Spa | Highlands, N.C.
Old Edwards Inn and Spa is a European-style mountain resort and retreat nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. It's located about two hours from Atlanta; Charlotte, S.C.; and Asheville, N.C.
For business: There’s Old Edwards Hall, which has five rooms; the largest holds 125 for receptions, while the smallest boardroom holds 22. Several rooms offer built-in AV with drop-down screens. For more unconventional spaces, there’s a variety of rentable farmhouses, plus a 69-room motel with a meeting room, a social room, and an outdoor terrace.
For leisure: Half-Mile Farm, Old Edwards Inn’s adults-only property just up the road, offers complimentary canoeing along the six-acre lake on the property; there are also nature trails and available bikes. An added bonus? Both properties are known for hosting The Orchard Sessions, a series of outdoor concerts designed to immerse visitors in the music and seasonal food of the destination.
For business: There’s Old Edwards Hall, which has five rooms; the largest holds 125 for receptions, while the smallest boardroom holds 22. Several rooms offer built-in AV with drop-down screens. For more unconventional spaces, there’s a variety of rentable farmhouses, plus a 69-room motel with a meeting room, a social room, and an outdoor terrace.
For leisure: Half-Mile Farm, Old Edwards Inn’s adults-only property just up the road, offers complimentary canoeing along the six-acre lake on the property; there are also nature trails and available bikes. An added bonus? Both properties are known for hosting The Orchard Sessions, a series of outdoor concerts designed to immerse visitors in the music and seasonal food of the destination.
Photo: Courtesy of Old Edwards Inn & Spa
Sagamore Pendry Baltimore
The 128-room Sagamore Pendry Baltimore is set in Fell's Point, one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods, overlooking the famed Inner Harbor.
For business: Event spaces include the 486-foot Parson Room, the 570-foot Price Room, and the 4,565-square-foot Sagamore Ballroom. The Rec Pier Chop House (pictured) offers semiprivate dining, while the large courtyard and pool deck can both be rented for outdoor gatherings.
For leisure:The property is catering to bleisure travelers with its “Extra Day Away” package, which allows guests who stay for two nights to receive a third night for free. Hotel guests can book a variety of experiences directly through the hotel including helicopter tours, a Tuscan wine dinner, workouts at the Under Armour Performance Center, and more. There are also complimentary electric bike and guitar rentals.
For business: Event spaces include the 486-foot Parson Room, the 570-foot Price Room, and the 4,565-square-foot Sagamore Ballroom. The Rec Pier Chop House (pictured) offers semiprivate dining, while the large courtyard and pool deck can both be rented for outdoor gatherings.
For leisure:The property is catering to bleisure travelers with its “Extra Day Away” package, which allows guests who stay for two nights to receive a third night for free. Hotel guests can book a variety of experiences directly through the hotel including helicopter tours, a Tuscan wine dinner, workouts at the Under Armour Performance Center, and more. There are also complimentary electric bike and guitar rentals.
Photo: Courtesy of Sagamore Pendry Baltimore
Ka’anapali Beach Resort | Kā’anapali, Maui
Ka’anapali Beach Resort is a three-mile stretch of beach that has been touted as one of the best on Maui. It encompasses 11 luxury hotels, resorts, and bungalows, including Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, and The Westin Maui Resort & Spa.
For business: Many of the hotels in the area offer standout event spaces, meeting rooms, and various "Work From Hotel" packages. The 810-room Hyatt Regency Maui, for example, has 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, while the 730-room Westin Maui features 20 meeting rooms and a 16,000-square-foot outdoor pavilion.
For leisure: Ka’anapali can host countless experiences on and off the beach, including snorkeling, sunset sails, parasailing, golf, zip lining, and more, all available for booking at any of the beach activities kiosks. Groups can also take part in daily cultural experiences including luaus, cliff-jumping ceremonies, hula shows, musical performances, Hawaiian lauhala weaving, quilting, lei making, and more.
For business: Many of the hotels in the area offer standout event spaces, meeting rooms, and various "Work From Hotel" packages. The 810-room Hyatt Regency Maui, for example, has 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, while the 730-room Westin Maui features 20 meeting rooms and a 16,000-square-foot outdoor pavilion.
For leisure: Ka’anapali can host countless experiences on and off the beach, including snorkeling, sunset sails, parasailing, golf, zip lining, and more, all available for booking at any of the beach activities kiosks. Groups can also take part in daily cultural experiences including luaus, cliff-jumping ceremonies, hula shows, musical performances, Hawaiian lauhala weaving, quilting, lei making, and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Ka'anapali Beach Resort
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee | Greensboro, Ga.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is set along 30 acres of shoreline just 80 miles from Atlanta. The property offers a variety of private and spacious accommodations, ranging from two- and three-bedroom cottages to the expansive three-floor private Lake House.
For business: The venue boasts 58,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space including lakefront lawns, a historical barn, and luxury ballrooms. There are 16 rooms in all, ranging from a ballroom that holds 400 to a massive lakeside lawn to a 16-seat boardroom.
For leisure: The peaceful lakeside resort offers a variety of options for mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, and more. There's also access to five championship golf courses offering 99 holes of play, plus Sandy Creek Sporting Ground, which has a 20-station sporting clays course, a five-stand shooting range, a sporting clays instructional and games area, and an air rifle and archery range.
For business: The venue boasts 58,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space including lakefront lawns, a historical barn, and luxury ballrooms. There are 16 rooms in all, ranging from a ballroom that holds 400 to a massive lakeside lawn to a 16-seat boardroom.
For leisure: The peaceful lakeside resort offers a variety of options for mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, and more. There's also access to five championship golf courses offering 99 holes of play, plus Sandy Creek Sporting Ground, which has a 20-station sporting clays course, a five-stand shooting range, a sporting clays instructional and games area, and an air rifle and archery range.
Photo: Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
The Rally Hotel | Denver
For something a bit more urban, The Rally Hotel by Sage Hospitality Group opened in Denver in 2021. It has 182 guest rooms, including six penthouse rooms and 23 suites.
For business: The Rally offers more than 21,000 square feet of adaptable event space spread across 10 rooms, including a ballroom with city views, the 11-seat Clubhouse Board Room, and a 17,000-square-foot outdoor plaza and the Skybridge Rooftop Deck.
For leisure: In between business, group travelers have a destination to explore right in their backyard: The hotel is located in McGregor Square, Denver’s hot new entertainment destination in the Lower Downtown (LoDo) neighborhood, and adjacent to Coors Field, home to the Colorado Rockies. The Rally also neighbors Union Station, and is surrounded by several of the city’s top culinary attractions.
For business: The Rally offers more than 21,000 square feet of adaptable event space spread across 10 rooms, including a ballroom with city views, the 11-seat Clubhouse Board Room, and a 17,000-square-foot outdoor plaza and the Skybridge Rooftop Deck.
For leisure: In between business, group travelers have a destination to explore right in their backyard: The hotel is located in McGregor Square, Denver’s hot new entertainment destination in the Lower Downtown (LoDo) neighborhood, and adjacent to Coors Field, home to the Colorado Rockies. The Rally also neighbors Union Station, and is surrounded by several of the city’s top culinary attractions.
Photo: Courtesy of The Rally Hotel
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa | Dana Point, Calif.
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the 378-room Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is a picturesque Victorian-style resort on the California coastline and Dana Point Harbor.
For business: The hotel has 50,000 square feet of meeting space including spacious ballrooms, breakout rooms, oceanfront patios and lawns, and smaller boardrooms.
For leisure: The resort recently debuted the (fittingly named) "Suits to Surf Package" catered to the business traveler who wants to enjoy some SoCal sun while they’re in the destination on business. Along with breakfast each morning included, guests who book the Suits to Surf Package can enjoy a late checkout at 5 p.m. for ample time to enjoy the two outdoor pools, full-service spa, and miles of surrounding pristine beaches. There’s also access to nearby golf; yoga classes; and attractions like SeaWorld, Disneyland, and Catalina Island.
For business: The hotel has 50,000 square feet of meeting space including spacious ballrooms, breakout rooms, oceanfront patios and lawns, and smaller boardrooms.
For leisure: The resort recently debuted the (fittingly named) "Suits to Surf Package" catered to the business traveler who wants to enjoy some SoCal sun while they’re in the destination on business. Along with breakfast each morning included, guests who book the Suits to Surf Package can enjoy a late checkout at 5 p.m. for ample time to enjoy the two outdoor pools, full-service spa, and miles of surrounding pristine beaches. There’s also access to nearby golf; yoga classes; and attractions like SeaWorld, Disneyland, and Catalina Island.
Photo: Courtesy of Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites | Argentina
Looking for an international escape? As one of the biggest wine producers in the world, it’s no surprise that Argentina's SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites sought to call the South American country home when it opened in April 2022. Located in the famed wine region of Mendoza, the luxury hotel was opened by renowned winemaker Susana Balbo, alongside her daughter Ana Lovaglio Balbo, and is designed to make guests feel like they’re staying on a private estate.
For business: The property has a variety of intimate gathering spaces—including a 115-square-foot private room equipped to host virtual and hybrid meetings, a dining room for up to 28 diners, and an outdoor garden that can accommodate up to 16 around a fire pit—and the option to buy out the entire property for 30-plus guests.
For leisure: When not gathering for a corporate meeting or celebration, there are seven spa rooms, La VidA restaurant, a swimming pool, and curated wine experiences hosted by the mother-daughter duo themselves. An experience curator is also on hand to assist groups in booking bespoke culinary or exploratory experiences, including at the local bodega and in the nearby Patagonia region via SB Winemaker’s seaplane.
For business: The property has a variety of intimate gathering spaces—including a 115-square-foot private room equipped to host virtual and hybrid meetings, a dining room for up to 28 diners, and an outdoor garden that can accommodate up to 16 around a fire pit—and the option to buy out the entire property for 30-plus guests.
For leisure: When not gathering for a corporate meeting or celebration, there are seven spa rooms, La VidA restaurant, a swimming pool, and curated wine experiences hosted by the mother-daughter duo themselves. An experience curator is also on hand to assist groups in booking bespoke culinary or exploratory experiences, including at the local bodega and in the nearby Patagonia region via SB Winemaker’s seaplane.
Photo: Courtesy of SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites
Eden Roc Cap Cana | Dominican Republic
Eden Roc Cap Cana is the Dominican Republic’s only Relais & Châteaux member hotel. The secluded property has 65 accommodations ranging from boutique villas to beachfront suites.
For business: In addition to standard meeting space, the resort offers a unique Family Staycation package, offering an extended stay experience for the whole family (ranging from 20 to 30 days). Stand-alone villas each come equipped with a 24-hour butler and private chef, along with on-demand offices for those working remotely. What's more, LEARNING by Eden Roc Cap Cana provides families with an "in-suite classroom," letting kids participate in their remote school programs while parents work during the day. In the afternoon, each child has the choice of up to two free activities per day to participate in solo or with other children; activities include Spanish lessons, bachata and merengue dance lessons, ballet, piano lessons, Dominican arts and crafts, time with the Cap Cana sustainability and planting expert, and swimming lessons in the pool or ocean.
For leisure: When the work ends, the beach getaway offers activities and excursions for the whole family, including mountain biking, scuba diving, catamaran sailing, and more.
For business: In addition to standard meeting space, the resort offers a unique Family Staycation package, offering an extended stay experience for the whole family (ranging from 20 to 30 days). Stand-alone villas each come equipped with a 24-hour butler and private chef, along with on-demand offices for those working remotely. What's more, LEARNING by Eden Roc Cap Cana provides families with an "in-suite classroom," letting kids participate in their remote school programs while parents work during the day. In the afternoon, each child has the choice of up to two free activities per day to participate in solo or with other children; activities include Spanish lessons, bachata and merengue dance lessons, ballet, piano lessons, Dominican arts and crafts, time with the Cap Cana sustainability and planting expert, and swimming lessons in the pool or ocean.
For leisure: When the work ends, the beach getaway offers activities and excursions for the whole family, including mountain biking, scuba diving, catamaran sailing, and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Eden Roc Cap Cana
Regent Phu Quoc | Vietnam
Opened in 2022 and perched on the longest beach (fittingly named Long Beach) on Vietnam’s west coast is Regent Phu Quoc, which celebrates its seaside location with floor-to-ceiling windows in all of its 126 villas, five pools—including two rooftop infinity pools—and a coastal interior design helmed by Asia-based Blink Design Group. Regent Phu Quoc is part of a resort complex with InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort—both of which are in IHG Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio.
For business: There’s 4,951 square feet of space to gather in, including the 260-square-foot Regent Ballroom and the 200-square-foot Regent Salon, with room for 280 and 220 for a reception, respectively.
For leisure: Also on site, the Regent Taste Studio offers a unique experience for guests to heighten all five senses as they go on a gastronomic adventure with local ingredients, techniques, and presentations reflective of Phu Quoc’s culture. More adventurous groups are also welcome aboard Serenity—Regent Phu Quoc’s resident luxury yacht—for a catamaran tour along the coastline.
For business: There’s 4,951 square feet of space to gather in, including the 260-square-foot Regent Ballroom and the 200-square-foot Regent Salon, with room for 280 and 220 for a reception, respectively.
For leisure: Also on site, the Regent Taste Studio offers a unique experience for guests to heighten all five senses as they go on a gastronomic adventure with local ingredients, techniques, and presentations reflective of Phu Quoc’s culture. More adventurous groups are also welcome aboard Serenity—Regent Phu Quoc’s resident luxury yacht—for a catamaran tour along the coastline.
Photo: Regent Phu Quoc
Courtyard by Marriott Mazatlan Beach Resort | Mexico
When Courtyard by Marriott Mazatlan Beach Resort opened along Mexico’s Pacific shoreline in 2022, it added 195 guest rooms to Marriott’s portfolio.
For business: The resort is equipped to host business groups in its 1,410 square feet of meeting space. There are four rooms for gathering: Ballrooms 1, 2, and 3, which each span about 156 square feet for banquets welcoming up to 120 guests, and the 355-square-foot Executive Room for seated affairs of up to 80. An 85-inch smart TV is available upon request for presentations and virtual and hybrid capabilities alike.
For leisure: The hotel also caters to leisure travelers with oceanfront views from their balcony in the heart of the Zona Dorada (or "Golden Zone"), known for having some of the city's best beaches, plus lively bars and open-air clubs, and craft vendors selling jewelry and pottery.
For business: The resort is equipped to host business groups in its 1,410 square feet of meeting space. There are four rooms for gathering: Ballrooms 1, 2, and 3, which each span about 156 square feet for banquets welcoming up to 120 guests, and the 355-square-foot Executive Room for seated affairs of up to 80. An 85-inch smart TV is available upon request for presentations and virtual and hybrid capabilities alike.
For leisure: The hotel also caters to leisure travelers with oceanfront views from their balcony in the heart of the Zona Dorada (or "Golden Zone"), known for having some of the city's best beaches, plus lively bars and open-air clubs, and craft vendors selling jewelry and pottery.
Photo: Courtyard Marriott Mazatlan Beach Resort
!['The Cathedral of St. John the Divine [in New York] is such a striking hidden gem and one of my favorite event venues in the city,' says Tinsel Experiential Design's Erica Taylor Haskins.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2024/09/_M627287_pano.66db3413ac491.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=100&q=70&w=100)
!['The Cathedral of St. John the Divine [in New York] is such a striking hidden gem and one of my favorite event venues in the city,' says Tinsel Experiential Design's Erica Taylor Haskins.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2024/09/_M627287_pano.66db3413ac491.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=2&fit=crop&h=167&q=70&w=250)
