Planners seeking standout settings for meetings and retreats will find a diverse range of venues that go far beyond the boardroom. These three properties offer unforgettable settings for groups of all sizes and illustrate the variety of options available for planners looking to inspire attendees and create meaningful experiences.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Set on 78 scenic acres along the California coast, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara combines luxury with a relaxed California vibe.
Currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, the resort is undergoing a comprehensive renovation expected to be completed by summer 2025, which includes refreshed guestrooms and suites, a refurbished pool and enhanced culinary concepts.
The property features more than 70,000 sf of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, including the Bacara Ballroom, which accommodates up to 1,050 attendees. With 34 event rooms and 11 breakout spaces, the resort can host everything from executive board meetings to large-scale conferences and lavish celebrations.
Unique on-site experiences—like winemaker dinners, sailing excursions or screenings in the private Screening Room—further elevate corporate gatherings in this luxury coastal setting.
The Goodtime Hotel, Miami Beach
For events with flair, The Goodtime Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio property in Miami Beach, offers a design-forward, boutique venue infused with Art Deco charm and tropical whimsy. Spanning an entire city block in South Beach, the hotel offers 266 guestrooms and a range of flexible event spaces.
The 3,400-square-foot White Box venue boasts 18-foot ceilings and can host up to 200 guests in a theater-style setup. Additional options include the 1,600-square-foot Arigato Suite for private receptions and the intimate 1,550-square-foot Library, ideal for casual gatherings and creative breakouts.
The hotel’s dynamic energy continues at Strawberry Moon, a lively indoor-outdoor restaurant venue perfect for social gatherings and customized banquet experiences. With seamless flow between the dining terrace, pool deck and event areas, Strawberry Moon offers planners a built-in vibe for any type of celebration or networking session.
Bricoleur Vineyards, Sonoma County
Groups looking for an immersive, offsite retreat will find an ideal backdrop at Bricoleur Vineyards, a family-owned winery in Sonoma County. Known for its food-pairing-focused wines and authentic hospitality, Bricoleur crafts customized experiences for corporate retreats, incentive groups and private company events.
Meeting and gathering spaces throughout the estate are designed with flexibility and natural beauty in mind. But what truly sets Bricoleur apart are its curated team-building activities: pasta-making with the culinary team, olive oil infusion sessions using estate-grown olives and garden-to-table harvest classes with the vineyard’s resident farmer.
Wellness options—from yoga and sound healing to forest bathing—add to the retreat’s holistic approach, encouraging connection, creativity and rejuvenation.
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