Those two highly anticipated words—”after hours”—apply to more than partying. They’re a call to group activities and teambuilding that will set your program apart from the team-trust-falls of the world. Here are some new ideas from a sampling of hotels and resorts:
Bardessono Hotel & Spa, Napa Valley
Recently awarded two Michelin Keys by the Michelin Guide, the Bardessono Spa Suite concept hotel—where guestrooms conveniently transform into a personal spa—also offers wellness activities through the property’s b Spa’s “Wellness After Dark” group offerings. Guided activities include “Sound and Stars,” where guests will utilize both a telescope and the naked eye to enjoy a stargazing meditation paired with a vibrational sound bath; “Celestial Bathing,” a moonlit floating meditation to relax the mind and bring guests into a complete state of calm in the comfort of peaceful waters; and the “Sacred Space Cacao Ceremony,” where guests will partake in a grounding and heart-opening ritual to immerse the senses, connect deeply with others in the ceremony, and improve their mood and overall well-being. Other wellness activities offered under the moonlight include Restorative Yoga, Tai Chi, and Chakra Balancing. More information on the “Wellness After Dark” group offers can be found here.
Wailea Beach Resort, Maui
At the ocean’s edge between two of Maui’s crescent beaches, Wailea Beach Resort spans 22 acres with over 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, a catering team fueled by local farmers and unique private dining options. The property recently unveiled Olakino, an unparalleled adults-only wellness sanctuary featuring personalized service from Po’e Mālamas (translated as ‘one who takes care’) and elevated wellness and culinary offerings, all included in a private poolside setting. Guests can expect anything from micro-spa treatments to live music, complimentary signature amenities, and wellness delighters including face masks and misters. Perfect for private pool parties or group wellness activities, Olakino is also available for private event buy-outs for an after-dark experience under Maui’s stars like no other. Upon request, Wailea Beach resort can arrange a variety of nighttime activities for groups including sound bathing, guided meditation and “Moonlight” yoga.
Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa, NY
Nestled along the Finger Lakes, Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa is a luxury boutique resort comprised of six pristinely restored historic homes, each impeccably decorated and complete with in-room fireplaces, private balconies and stunning views of Cayuga Lake. The waterside resort features a plethora of daytime and nighttime guest activities steeped in both wellness and adventure. At dusk, groups can partake in a Lantern-Lit Sunset Hike, led by resident outdoorsmen, along the outdoor trail system up to the Overlook Platform (which looks out on Cayuga Lake) for an evening bonfire equipped with s’mores and stargazing. Throughout the hike, the outdoorsmen delve into the indigenous plants and native medicinal herbs scattered along the trail.
Westin Cape Coral Resort & Spa at Marina Village, FL
Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village is the ideal choice for group bookings, offering over 15,000 sf of indoor meeting space, also boasts expansive outdoor venues, perfect for team-building activities and social gatherings. After dark, groups can enjoy a variety of engaging activities, from outdoor movie nights at the gazebo lawn for up to 250 guests to guided night kayaking tours departing from the marina. Larger groups can indulge in private live outdoor music performances, while those seeking indoor relaxation can rent out Esterra Spa & Salon for evening treatments, ensuring a memorable and rejuvenating experience for all attendees.
The Foundry Hotel, Asheville, NC
A historic restoration of Asheville’s former steel foundry, The Foundry Hotel is an 87-room luxury boutique located in the heart of The Block neighborhood, Asheville’s oldest African American business district. In partnership with Asheville Wellness Tours, groups at The Foundry Hotel can experience the wonders of nighttime in the Blue Ridge Mountains through an eclectic menu of experiences including Blue Ghost Firefly Forest Bathing. Led by knowledgeable guides, participants engage in forest bathing, a therapeutic practice that encourages mindfulness and connection with nature, while also having the opportunity to witness the elusive Blue Ghost firefly species lighting up the forest at night.
Marriott Marquis Houston
An urban oasis in the heart of Houston, the Marriott Marquis Houston’s Altitude Rooftop & Pool not only features the famed Texas-shaped lazy river, but some mesmerizing after-dark programming. Newly introduced Full Moon Soirees brings groups together once a month to dance amidst the lunar glow where the moonlight sets the stage for an invigorating evening with live entertainment and a “Bites of the Moon” food tasting experience. Also available at this resort in the sky, Concerts Under the Stars offer open-air musical stylings of famous artists set up unique vintage soundtracks. Poolside parties with themes including space exploration (for nearby NASA) are great for groups to consider.
Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton, Costa Rica
Meetings and group attendees will embark on a nocturnal adventure at the luxe eco-resort, Botánika Osa Peninsula offering a Jungle Night Walk that takes groups into the rainforest at night guided by certified experts from Crocodile Bay. From exotic insects and night birds to caimans, snakes, and kinkajous, each step unveils a new surprise in the nocturnal world. With the jungle as the backdrop, meetings and group attendees will witness the famed, red-eyed tree frogs and other elusive species that come to life under the cover of darkness. Unlike daytime hikes, these nighttime excursions offer a slower pace, allowing for immersive exploration and close encounters with the rainforest’s nocturnal inhabitants. Conveniently nestled within the rainforest’s embrace, Botánika’s grounds provide direct access to these night hikes, ensuring an effortless and unforgettable experience for all types of groups.
The Memphian, Memphis
The only hotel in Memphis’ Overton Square, The Memphian, is a 106-room eclectically maximalist boutique property that embraces the night with its Astrological Overnight experience. Sip personalized Star Sign cocktails on the hotel’s rooftop bar Tiger & Peacock underneath a hand-painted astrological mural (designed by local artist, Jennifer Church). At nightfall, partake in stargazing sessions on Tiger & Peacock’s rooftop terrace with an expert guide from The Memphis Museum of Science & History, and receive personalized zodiac gifts from local boutique Paradox at Peco.
Lakehouse Resort, San Marcos
Nestled in up-and-coming San Marcos, CA, Lakehouse Resort is described as an experience-driven, lakefront hotel in San Diego County, perfect for those that want to escape the hustle and bustle of crowded beaches and reconnect with nature. After a long day of outdoor activities and excursions, guests can end the night with a complimentary s’mores kit to savor, bringing everyone together around one of the resort’s multiple firepits to tell stories and unwind under the night sky while stargazing. To enhance the nighttime fireside experience, this summer the resort will be offering a “Guitar Concierge” complete with access to complimentary guitars and a curated list of songs to jam out to by the fire. Additional complimentary on-property amenities include: one kayak or paddleboard rental per stay at the resort’s Sail Club, access to two pools & two spa tubs, beach cruisers, driving range access with a ticket to redeem a bucket of golf balls, tennis and pickleball courts, and more.
Caribe Royale Orlando
Following a $140 million property transformation, Caribe Royale Orlando is the city’s only all-suites AAA 4-diamond resort, and a great option for meetings. As an independent hotel, Caribe Royale Orlando knows the sky is the limit when they plan events. They’ve designed all types of parties in collaboration with meeting planners—including converting the two-story lobby into a nightclub for a Neon Nights event utilizing blacklights and elaborate glow-in-the-dark decor. Their poolside parties take place under a canopy of lights, creating an ambiance for networking and socializing—and conference attendees appreciate interactive hands-on experiences like a chocolate competition. Caribe Royale’s new 19,000-sf outdoor event space, The Grove, was newly developed due to the request for highly individualized outdoor parties. Also new to Caribe Royale is the high-octane venue—Stadium Club—which is a big draw for events, complete with a VIP Skybox and state-of-the-art sports simulators allowing for plenty of after-hours team building fun.
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