Executive Group Travel Blog

Destination:

Year after year St. Maarten is on the list as one of the top destinations in the Caribbean. It is a hub for many of flights throughout the Caribbean and has daily direct flights from New York, Philadelphia, Charlotte, San Juan, Atlanta and Miami. Recently airlines have added busy season weekend direct flights from Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, Newark, and Ft. Lauderdale.

So one major perk of St. Maarten for incentive travel is the ease of getting to the island. Another great thing about St. Maarten is the unlimited number of activities available from America’s Cup sailing races, to snorkeling excursions, zip lining, perfume making classes, Anguilla day trips, St. Bart’s shopping adventures, and spa options. A third benefit of choosing St. Maarten is the unbelievable restaurant options, from Grand Case to Marigot and even Simpson Bay as of recently. Finally, the white sand beaches, crystal clear water and eighty degrees year around helps increase the value of the destination.

Customer Service Win:

This review is with no bias just from personal experiences of a travel coordinator who struggles year after year to find the perfect flight options at a reasonable price and with least stops possible. It’s not an easy task when there’s limited daily flights and only one direct option each day.

The ladies at the JetBlue groups desk make this process bearable and over the years it’s refreshing to speak to the same women month after month. When Becky or Linda answers the phone, you know it will be a good experience.

South Beach, Miami:

Perfect property for your next incentive trip. Great location on South Beach, multiple pools, outdoor space for cocktail parties, impressive rooftop terrace, large rooms, and staff that makes you smile. The style is perfect for companies with guests from ages 25-60. The driftwood, natural living theme is warm and inviting as it presents the perfect backdrop for a relaxing few days. For those looking for more action, there’s a trendy upscale rooftop bar on property along with plenty of bars/clubs/restaurants just a few steps away.   The staff that services the main pools and beach are always looking to please and are great about learning names and making sure you have the best experience ever. The drinks are refreshing, the menu is perfect for pool-side dining. Overall it’s the perfect spot with private cabanas, pool-side beach chairs and loungers throughout.

Highlights Include:

• South Beach's largest Rooftop Pool and Lounge
• Guest Rooms Average Over 700 sq Feet (2 King Beds Option)
• Location on Collins Ave, steps away from South Beach nightlife

Many companies ask the same question year after year when building out their incentive program.  Is it better to only induct % of the top performers of your sales team or is it better to widen the eligibility and induct all sales reps who beat the Minimum Percent Quota Attainment Or Minimum Revenue to Qualify.  There are many factors that go into this decision and there should be a few different members of your business analyzing this difference.

Timing & Budget:

Highlights Include:

• Viceroy, Anguilla
• Breakers, Palm Beach
• Wynn, Las Vegas

Anguilla Hotel Luxury Experience:

“Throughout the Anguillan resort, modern architectural forms interplay with the natural environment, while sophisticated, contemporary interiors by designer Kelly Wearstler add rich textural contrast. The resort's signature restaurant, Cobà, offers dining with exquisite views of Barnes Bay and Meads Bay, and the dramatic bay-view Sunset Lounge and cliff-side Half Shell beach bar and restaurant add to the culinary offerings at this stunning luxury Caribbean resort. Two white sand beaches, our glimmering Sunset Pool, an array of water sports, a spa and fitness center, and programs for children and families add to Viceroy's rarefied experience.”

Corporate Events:

As your President's Club trip or annual Sales Kickoff grows, the question many ask is when does a charter flight make sense.  If you have 240 employees flying from NYC to Vegas or Boston to Mexico, isn't it the best option?

Awards:

Everyone loves to be recognized for their achievements so presenting the right awards at President’s Club is important when measuring the success of your incentive trip. Years ago award giving was pretty vanilla and each attendee would go home with an engraved crystal award, wooden plaque or trophy. Recently award recognition has changed and the recent shift is due to shifts in workplace environments. The days of large offices with doors are over and the concept of open workspace of no walls is gaining popularity. With this shift we have also seen the competition rise among sales reps within a company. There is something about hearing the person sitting next to you close deal after deal. The fact is people no longer have walls in their offices to fill up but instead are more mobile than ever. They are also more competitive than ever and bragging rights are sought after.

Today we are highlighting one of our favorite vendors we have partnered with for incentive trips in the past. If you are looking for a gift or prize to give on your next incentive trip Maui Jim is the perfect solution.

Royal Towers, Atlantis Bahamas:

For our first hotel feature we will introduce The Great, The Good and The Bad on the Atlantis in the Bahamas. One thing you will notice is that the Atlantis is a great option for a large group, >200 guests.

The size of the property, number of guest rooms and endless activities provide something for everyone. For a Caribbean destination they are one of the few hotels that welcome large group travel during the busy season.