Prevue March/April 2013 - (Page 46)

Bardessono For the golfers, groups have access to the world-famous golf course, a major thrill for even the most serious exec. From the 10th hole of Pebble Beach, a strong driver can almost put a ball on Ocean Ave. at Carmel-by-the-Sea. The quaint, treelined village is filled with upscale galleries, boutiques, wine bars and fine dining restaurants such as Aubergine. The highlyrated restaurant serves sophisticated California cuisine and also offers a range of culinary classes for private groups. Monterey is proud of its wines, and the region here is blessed with excellent terroir, which you’ll find ample evidence of in the vineyards of Carmel Valley. A mere 20-minute drive from the peninsula—far enough for a secluded country feel but close enough for city excursions—the area has a number of sprawling estates and ranches for groups to take over. The 400-acre Holman Ranch, with 10 rooms and 2,600 sf of meeting space, offers state-of-the-art meetings facilities with rustic-chic decor and plush-leather furnishings. Besides tours of its working vineyard and olive grove, groups can choose one of several themed meetings and retreats, including Ranch (roping clinic, square dance), Culinary (technical cooking and prep training), Wellness (hiking/yoga, nutrition workshops) and Sports (skeet shooting, mountain biking). PASO ROBLES, SANTA YNEZ & OJAI Follow Hwy 101 south through rolling hills to the central coast’s southern end, and you’ll come upon three of California’s most underappreciated wine regions: Paso Robles and Santa Ynez. The pastoral and lightly developed area has miles of pristine coastline with a number of smaller hotels ideal for retreats and incentives. For example, the 73-room Alisal Guest Ranch is located on the edge of the town of Solvang just northwest of Santa Barbara, with 4,300 sf of meeting space. The former working cattle ranch sits on 10,000 acres with tennis facilities, two championship golf courses and a 100-acre lake. 46 | prevue magazine “It’s modestly decorated in a classic western ranch design,” says Sherrie Fitzgerald, director of sales/marketing. “The ranch is very low profile and steeped in tradition.... There are no TVs or phones in the rooms, and men still have to wear jackets in the dining room.” With all the activities and teambuilding programs available, attendees might think they’re back in summer camp. “We help develop itineraries for groups, especially if planners have never been here,” says Fitzgerald. “There’s so much offered here at the ranch, with archery, target shooting, high and low ropes for teambuilding, and with our private lake, we have sailing regattas, fishing derbies and lake Olympics.” We asked about the horseback riding too, which the hotel is famous for. “Horseback riding is of course a huge component of what we do here,” adds Fitzgerald. “Our groups try to infuse the whole western experience into a 2- or 3-day event, with barbeques and western bands.” In the same area, the 122-room Hotel Corque has made a name for itself hosting exceptional food and wine-themed events. It’s also a sister property to Chumash Casino just three miles away. For more information about that, see the “Corporate Retreats” story in our Jan/Feb 2013 issue. Past Santa Barbara on the edge of Los Padres National Forest, check out the 5-diamond Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. This 308-room Spanish colonial-style resort feels like a boutique property but it has over 16,000 sf of meeting space. The guest rooms continue the colonial theme with exposed beams along vaulted ceilings, wrought-iron chandeliers, fireplaces and balconies with views of the golf course and mountains. Groups can also visit the artsy downtown area, long a haven for artists, musicians and healers who are drawn to the peaceful environment. Or participate in several unique group programs offered by the resort, including apothecary and artist cottage classes, along with golf and tennis clinics.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue March/April 2013

Planner's Pick: Miami
Fresh Meets: Renaissance Hotels
Bureau Buzz: Austin
Good Business: Washington, DC
Sea Shores: Cruising Sweden
Feelin' Good About Incentives
Special Section: California
On Location: JW Marriott Desert Springs
Caribbean & The Bahamas
On Location: U.S. Virgin Islands
On Location: Aruba
On Location: Omni Amelia Island
The South: Best of Golf & Spa
On Location: Fairmont Scottsdale
On Location: W Singapore
Austria
Ireland
On Location: Mexico City
On Location: Starwood Los Cabos
On Location: Universal Orlando
On Location: Villas of Grand Cypress, Orlando
Check Out: Alpina Gstaad, Switzerland
Club Med

Prevue March/April 2013