Every planner knows that the destination can make or break the entire travel experience. Although the hotel property you choose for a group matters, the destination itself sets the stage for a memorable and successful trip. If you’re looking for a great resort-focused trip, choosing a strong destination allows you to balance a variety of interests and experiences while providing unique adventures and activities for your group.
The perfect destination will transcend mere scenery, providing a backdrop to activities and experiences that bring your group together, please a range of different personalities and fulfill a host of varying requests, all while giving planners a plethora of choices to create the perfect retreat.
Here are five resort-heavy destinations that offer outstanding accommodations along with transformative environments.
The Bahamas
Seven hundred postcard-perfect islands in the Bahamas give travel planners a lot of options. From celebrity-strewn nightspots in Harbour Island to the idyllic, empty beaches of less touristy Eleuthera, the Bahamas truly has it all. The impossibly azure waters surrounding the islands are the big draw, luring sport fishers, snorkelers and sun-seekers who just want to relax on the sand. There are also distilleries, casinos, colorful markets and a wealth of historical attractions and museums.
For top-notch elegance and a prime beachfront location on Paradise Island, The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, is a popular choice. (Fans of the James Bond franchise will recognize the resort from “Thunderball” and “Casino Royale.”) Its 35 immaculately landscaped acres boast four miles of white sand beach, Versailles-inspired gardens, an oceanfront swimming pool and medieval marble cloisters that once stood in France. (Visitors may stroll through the cloisters without being guests of the hotel.)
For five unique hotels, more than 40 restaurants and the world’s largest open-air marine habitat, look no further than Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas. Modeled on the fabled sunken kingdom, accommodations range from honeymoon-worthy hideaways to family-friendly multigenerational suites, and resort amenities include casinos, golf, a teen nightclub and an enormous water park. A day pass allows access to the resort pools, water park, marine habitats and five miles of pristine beaches.
The Dead Sea, Jordan
At almost 1,500 feet below sea level, the shores of the Dead Sea are Earth’s lowest spot on dry land. And although the sea’s hyper-salinated waters are devoid of life, the surrounding areas are teeming with a rich array of attractions and accommodations, providing a variety of options for groups of all sizes. Most of the resorts on the Jordanian side are located in the north, about an hour’s drive from the capital of Amman.
Visitors throughout history have been drawn to the mineral-rich and therapeutic waters, which are nearly 10 times as salty as the ocean and so buoyant that it’s impossible to sink. Even Cleopatra was a regular visitor, praising the healing and beautifying properties of the mud. Predictably, there’s a great beach scene and a rich spa culture. At over 100,000 square feet, the spa at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is one of the largest in the Middle East. Its Babylonian grandeur is great for groups, but the spa and pools are open to non-guests as well. The Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa also provides a great base for day trips, including to the hot mineral springs and waterfalls at Ma’in or to the world-famous ruins at Petra.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Situated on the edge of the lake it was named for, Salt Lake City provides a wealth of culture and activities set amid stunning scenery. The capital of Utah, SLC is famed as the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and home to the church’s most important temple. The city is surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains, a four-season playground offering wildflower hikes, white-water rafting, biking and snow sports, with four ski resorts just 30 minutes outside of downtown. The city will host the Winter Olympics again in 2036.
Downtown attractions are easily accessed by foot, light rail or bus, perfect for attending a Utah Jazz game, catching a performance at the Eccles Theater, exploring family history at the FamilySearch Library or taking in an organ recital in the Tabernacle at Temple Square. The Mormon church’s worldwide missionary outreach has given SLC a surprisingly cosmopolitan flavor, which is reflected in its culinary scene. Turkish, Malaysian, Ethiopian and Himalayan spots are all found downtown. The trendy but historic Sugar House neighborhood is also a fun area to stroll for nightlife, coffee, breweries and boutiques.
The beautifully appointed and art-filled Grand America Hotel is an excellent choice for groups, as is the newly opened Asher Adams, an elegant homage to rail travel that’s built into the historic Union Pacific Railroad Depot.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Some of the best beaches in the Sunshine State are found in Clearwater, which sits on a narrow island off Florida’s west coast, just 25 miles from both St. Petersburg and Tampa. At this coastal gem with sugar-white sand and emerald waters, visitors will find attractions that include a renowned marine aquarium and nightly sunset celebrations at Pier 60. Sand Key Park is the place for nature lovers, while culture aficionados will applaud performances at Ruth Eckerd Hall and the BayCare Sound amphitheater. Sports lovers won’t want to miss watching the Philadelphia Phillies face off against rivals during MLB’s spring training season. The entertainment district, Beach Walk, provides unique shopping, dining, nightlife and fun for all ages. Offshore, the gulf beckons with sport fishing, sailing and an array of water sports, from mild to wild.
Planners can choose from a wide array of hotels and resorts in Clearwater and the surrounding area. At the recently renovated Sandpearl Resort, guests are treated to expansive views from private balconies, a zero-entry, lagoon-style pool and a 700-foot stretch of pristine beach. The award-winning JW Marriott Clearwater Beach & Spa has elegantly appointed rooms and suites in addition to one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences with in-unit laundry facilities and kitchenettes that are perfect for families or groups.
Scottsdale, Arizona
With year-round sun and more than 200 courses in the surrounding area, Scottsdale is rightfully known as a golf mecca. But there’s much more to this Sonoran Desert oasis, including a vibrant arts scene with more than 80 galleries, a well-attended weekly art walk and a plethora of public art.
For a taste of the Old West, groups will love MacDonald’s Ranch, where they can tour on horseback, ride in a stagecoach or feast around a campfire during a down-home cowboy cookout. Old Town Scottsdale is great for strolling, shopping and sipping. With more than 5,000 items from around the world, the Musical Instrument Museum is truly one of a kind. Iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright fell in love with the landscape, and a visit to Taliesin West, his beloved winter home and studio, is a must. A variety of guided and self-guided tours are available, and the gift shop offers a gorgeous selection of souvenirs.
With 750 luxurious guest rooms, six pools, five restaurants and two golf courses, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers an exquisite stay for groups, as do The Phoenician and The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. The pools and spas at all these properties are well worth an afternoon of lounging, so your group may want to consider a day pass, even if they’re not staying there as guests.
