Refresh your Spanish for tropical incentive travel in 2024
The New Year brings the promise of winter ending, flowers blooming, the sun shining and warmer weather. For some destinations, this is the norm. Tropical locations offer beautiful beaches with luxury all-inclusive resorts for executive retreats and incentives, but travelers are now wanting something more. Off-site visits, cultural experiences and sustainability practices are continuing to be strong hospitality trends as we enter 2024. Smart Meetings conducted research on tropical locations that offer luxury, eco-friendly business practices and opportunities to authentically enjoy the destination. Dominating the top of the list of the most researched tropical destinations by American travelers are Spanish-speaking countries, so meeting professionals, let’s say “Vamos!” or “Let’s Go!” to these tropical destinations for executive retreats and incentives.
Costa Rica
Where to Stay
The North Pacific Riviera prides itself on its pura vida (pure life) lifestyle, and The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa embraces that mentality with eco-friendly practices to protect its surrounding beaches and forests. Spanning over 2400 acres adjacent to the beach, the all-inclusive resort promises to practice responsible energy and water conservation and waste minimization.
What to do
The beaches of Costa Rica offer much more than sunbathing on the white sand and wading in the turquoise water. Groups can organize adventurous excursions to create memorable team-building experiences against the background of paradise. One of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica is Tamarindo, a beach town offering exciting activities such as windsurfing and horseback riding on the beach.
Peru
Where to Stay
Located within the Cusco city center, JW Marriott El Convento Cusco gives both historic South American authenticity while offering the fine dining and modernity meeting professionals and event attendees are looking for. The transformation from a 16th-century convent into a luxury boutique hotel builds the bridge between a cultural experience and a modern destination.
What to do
The gastronomy in Peru is one of the culinary world’s most intriguing cuisines yet it is not as widely known as its exciting food should be. In the capital city of Lima, take a tour of some of the best restaurants in the country representing influences from all of Peru’s geographical regions as well as the international influences from Spain, Africa and China.
Cuba
Where to stay
The epitome of a boutique hotel, La Reserva Vedado in Havana is an old, restored house in the heart of the neighborhood with all of the culture and vibrancy one should expect from a tropical location. Respecting the history of the country and the iconic city while keeping the energy exciting, the hotel’s restaurant La Bodega de La Reserva is a fine dining experience where Cuban tradition and modern cuisine blend into delicious cuisine.
What to do
The iconic classic cars of Havana’s Old Town provide a memorable group activity that will connect participants to the Cuban culture in a meaningful way. Traveling through Havana’s Old Town will take you to El Capitolio, the national capitol building, the Museo de la Revolucion and the Gran Teatro Habana, home to the Cuban National Ballet.
Belize
Where to stay
Named one of the best small hotels in Belize, Pelican Reef Villas Resort offers a luxurious place to stay amongst Belize’s natural beauty on the island of Ambergris Caye, only a short distance from the island’s capital city of San Pedro. Whether you are looking for relaxation with a drink at the pool-bar, meditation with a massage on the beach or adventure with the resort’s paddleboards or kayaks, Pelican Reef offers the best of the tropics.
What to do
Belize is recognized by “National Geographic” as having some of the most amazing caves, even recognizing Actun Tunichil Muknal as the most sacred cave in the world. Experiencing the archaeological site of ancient Mayan tools and skeletons is not inexpensive—yet small groups can have a once in a lifetime experience to connect with Belize culture on a very significant level.
