Business people know…

the importance of making potential clients feel welcome,

comfortable, and, most of all, important.

Sometimes, this requires some serious wining-and-dining.

For an important  business meeting or business conference,

certain destinations are better than others because they provide a

better selection of high-quality venues for business-related entertaining.

The better time a client, partner, or potential customer has while in your care,

the more likely you will get a positive result from your time with them.

What are some of these ideal meeting destinations?

Arizona

Arizona might not be the first place people think of when they are considering a location for hosting an important business meeting.

However, the Phoenix/Scottsdale area has plenty of noteworthy features that make it an ideal destination for a business gathering.

Scottsdale has one of the highest concentrations of golf courses in the entire country.

Many of these are world-class courses that are open year-round.

The Phoenix metro’s Camelback District boasts a huge selection of world-class restaurants, nightclubs, upscale lounges, and shopping boutiques.

Rental estates, like the Camelback House in Scottsdale, provide a great venue for hosting a meeting or giving guests high quality accommodations while they are in town.

San Diego

Another Western destination that is ideal for hosting special events is the Southern California city of San Diego.

San Diego is known for is world-class eating and nightlife scenes and for its perpetually perfect weather.

The city’s central Gaslamp Quarter is home to some of the West Coast’s best restaurants and coolest lounges.

Golf, pro spectator sports, and water-sports can make even the most stressful business meeting feel like a vacation.

San Diego also boasts some unique rental estates that can act as accommodations for guests and/or as a conference or meeting venue.

One of the most unique options is the Helix 360 Rotating Home.

This estate is perched atop its namesake mountain and the building slowly rotates, giving whoever is inside a 360 degree view of the city below.

Sometimes a quieter destination is needed so that the hosts can get down to business with their clients in a serene setting, without distractions.

The Central Coast of California

The Central Coast of California is home to places like the Casa Corinna Estates, located in Santa Ynez.

This venue, and other estates like it in the area, boasts a remote but luxurious feel.

Casa Corinna is located in wine country and is literally surrounded by vineyards.

The garden-filled hacienda-style estate offers a perfectly secluded and quiet atmosphere for getting down to business.

Sometimes, the tropics can truly impress a prospective client.

Miami Floria

Miami, Florida is a great place for wining and dining because of its exclusive clubs and lounges, world-class restaurant scene, and high-end meeting places (not to mention year-round golfing).

Estates like the grand Sand Hill Estate are perfect for hosting meetings and providing accommodations for clients and guests.

US Virgin Island

A little further south, the exotic Villa  Intimasea on the US Virgin Island of Saint John is a perfect place for hosting business meeting because of its amazing views and open air seating areas.

Colorado

Perhaps one of the most surprising top spots for hosting a business meeting is the city of Denver.

A hub for the Rocky Mountains and the Midwest, the Mile High City is arguably one of the easiest cities in the US to reach via air.

It’s surprisingly cosmopolitan restaurant and nightlife scenes mean that there are plenty of wining-and-dining options.

Denver and the surrounding areas of Colorado have a full menu of rental estates that are perfect for small or large business meetings and corporate events.

What do you think?

Share your favorite Destinations to Wine and Dine Clients below…

Richmond, Vermont

Classic Vermont Barn Event Location

Event venues don’t get better than this!

The West Monitor Barn is located on stunning farmland in Richmond, Vermont.

With views of the neighboring hills of the Green Mountains and forest landscape, this rustic red barn is sure to take your breath away.

The barn was originally built in 1903, and demonstrates the quintessential Vermont style.  It has been carefully reconstructed using original timber from the barn.

The simple interior can be fitting for both a rustic or an elegant wedding reception, meeting, social gathering, reunion, or corporate event.

The barn can accommodate 200 guests.

Photo by: Evan Dempsey Photography

Photo by: Exposure Photostyle

The BEST News about Renting this Private Event Venue…

All the proceeds from the estate rental of the West Monitor Barn go toward the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps programs.

How do you like this Estate?

Share your thoughts below…

is supposed to be about

relaxation and rejuvenation.

Sometimes travelers get caught up

in an ambitious sightseeing schedule

or an over-full itinerary of activities.

Luckily, some rental estates offer services and facilities that can help guests have a truly relaxing vacation experience.

These havens for relaxation boast features like in-home yoga studios, spa services, pools, steam rooms, saunas, and jacuzzis.

These places make it possible to have both the privacy and

sense of quiet that comes from renting an estate for a vacation as well as the spa, health, and wellness services that would be offered at a resort.

When it comes to the basics – massage, manicure, or facials – most vacation rental villas are able to arrange for high quality services.

At some estates, however, the focus is primarily on relaxation and wellness features.

Here are some of the amenities that people can expect from this type of estate.

Yoga with a  view

Yoga aficionados like to claim that their practice is one of the most relaxing and beneficial in the world.

Some estates take the yoga experience to another level by placing their studios in rooms that offer some of the most scenic views on their property.

The Wind and Sea Big Sur, on California’s amazingly scenic Central Coast, actually has its yoga studio on an open air deck that overlooks the Pacific, so guests can enjoy both views and fresh ocean breezes while practicing.

The Saint John Villa, in the US Virgin Islands, does not have a dedicated yoga studio, but it does have plenty of open air space overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches and bays on the island of Saint John’s.

So while estates that are focused on health, wellness, and spa-like features might seem attractive, other vacation rentals can offer more informal, but equally attractive, settings for yoga practice and other wellness activities.

Ultimate relaxation

Jacuzzis are actually a pretty standard feature for luxury vacation estates.

These warm baths with their massaging water jets are virtually a requirement for any high end estate (and any luxury hotel, for that matter).

Most luxury estates have at least one jacuzzi tub.  The master bedroom is usually equipped with a jacuzzi that is big enough for two people.

Many estates in warm weather destinations have larger outdoor whirlpools sitting next to a pool area or sunk into the patio.

These features can bring relaxation after a long day on the tourist trail.

Peace and quiet

For some vacationers, the extra health and wellness features aren’t the main attraction.

They simply want some peace and quiet.

Even the best bed and breakfast or the most luxurious hotel, inn, or resort can’t provide the same sense of privacy and quiet that people can find at a high-end vacation rental estate.

The most private estates are often located in more-rural areas and have extensive grounds that further buffer guests from the outside world.

Southern Mississippi’s Desert Plantation is one such place.  Its 1,000 acres of classic Southern landscape provide plenty of peaceful places for guests to walk though nature while on their vacation.

A vacation is supposed to be about relaxation.

Rental estates that focus on wellness, health, spa services, and peace-and-quiet can make the ultimate relaxation vacation possible.

If you are hosting a special event such as

a wedding, a corporate event or a destination event,

it is host etiquette to provide your guests with a welcome gift!

Here is a list of the Top 7 Ways to Create the

Perfect Welcome Bag for your guests:

Lets dive right in…

1. Choose the Packaging

Choosing the packaging is fairly simple.

You may choose anything from an embroidered

canvas bag, basket, box, etc.

Anything that can hold all your gifts.

2. Local Goodies

For destination weddings or events,

it’s always nice to fill the gift bag with local goodies,

just to give your guests a taste of your destination!

3. Souvenirs

Souvenirs are the perfect way to help remind

your guests what a wonderful time they had at your event!

4. Survival Supplies

A thoughtful gesture is supplying your guests with

necessities they may have forgotten.

5. Small Gifts for Adults (and those with children)

Adding a little bit of fun to every bag is important too.

For both children and adults.

Everyone likes to play games and

what better way to bond your guests.

6. Weekend Agenda

When you invite  your guest to a location that they may be

unfamiliar with it’s polite and helpful to

add some local maps of the area. As a nice bonus,

create an agenda for your guests of places they should

check out before the end of the weekend!

7. Add a Personal Touch

Adding anything that relates to the couple’s personality

is a great way to add a personal touch.

Special labels on water, thank you notes, or

some funny inside joke that only your guests

would understand are great final touches to your gift bag.

TIP 1:

Base your welcome bag on the theme of the event,

location of the event, or something related to

the host’s personality.

TIP 2:

Try and avoid the generic gifts.

For further inspiration, here are some

welcome bags/baskets theme ideas:

What do you think…?

Do you have any neat ideas to add to this list?

Please share your creative Welcome Bag Ideas below…

Thanks to Martha Stewart Weddings,

Estate Weddings and Events was able to provide this article!

The state of Vermont might not be the most populous state in the Northeastern US, but it has the type of landscapes and the classy-but-rural feel that many people imagine when dreaming about creating the perfect New England-based wedding.

The estates that host weddings in Vermont all have a dose of this romantically rustic ambiance, but they are certainly not without luxuries.

Let’s just say that these places are perfect for anyone who wants a wedding that doesn’t rely on gaudy decorations and over the top facilities to impress the attendees, but rather focuses on offering real charm and understated classiness.

Vermont’s estates provide the backdrop and all the requisite comforts and services so that the bride and groom can focus on what weddings are really all about: making memories and celebrating romance.

If you are in search of the perfect Vermont estate for your wedding, here is where to look:

Richmond, Vermont’s West Monitor Barn 

This Century-old barn can host up to 200 people inside, while larger wedding ceremonies and receptions can be accommodated on the property’s spacious lawns.

The landscapes of the famous Green Mountains sit all around the West Monitor Barn, providing a postcard-like backdrop for the wedding celebrations hosted there.  The interior of the barn, meanwhile, boasts the mix of rustic feel and classic style that many couples expect from a New England wedding venue.

Chester, Vermont’s Fox Chair Mountain Farm

This 18^th Century estate, which sits in the hub of Chester, Vermont, is set among 45 acres of gorgeous scenery.  Period gardens and authentic details have been lovingly tended so that the farm still maintains its historic ambiance.

Of course, the landscapes, an important variable for anyone dreaming of a Vermont wedding, are on full display at Fox Chair.  Rolling green hills, forest and a mountain-filled skylines make this truly special wedding venue.

Pittsfield, Vermont’s Riverside Farm

Located in rural Pittsfield, Vermont, the Riverside Farm is a private estate that hosts weddings and special events.  It features an indoor barn area that is ideal smaller parties and wintertime weddings and events and a large lawn that is perfect for outdoor weddings.

The mountainous ski country that snow-lover flock to Vermont to enjoy sits all around the property.  This makes a wintertime wedding especially attractive option for those considering the Riverside.

Vermont is definitely a destination worth looking into for any couple that wants their wedding to be staged in a place of great natural beauty and romantically rustic charm.

Estate Weddings and Events has two esquisite properties for a perfect weekend wedding or corporate retreat.

Lord Thompson Manor

This manor has 40 secluded and tranquil acres of land located in Thompson, Connecticut.

This property embodies a perfect weekend getaway and can accommate rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, corporate retreats, brunches, and more.

The perfect place for an intimate gathering or a grand event.

For more information on The Thompson Manor click here!

Historic Rosemont Manor

Once the home to a Senator,  US Govenors, and five US Presidents the Rosemont Manor has no shortage of US history.

Located in the midst of the most natural and beautiful scenery, this manor is the ideal location for anyone who wants to step out of the real world chaos and commontion.

Take the weekend to have the perfect wedding or special celebration and enjoy the classic luxury of this property.

For more information on The Rosemont Manor click here!

Ask someone where they would like to go for their ultimate dream vacation, and they will most likely name a destination near the ocean.

Most seaside destinations are filled with resorts and hotels catering to tourists in search of a few days of sand and sunshine.

It is possible, however, to avoid these crowded places and opt for something a little bit more private and infinitely more luxurious.

Renting a seaside estate can turn a standard vacation into an unforgettable, luxury-filled escape.

Of course, a vacation is not memorable if it doesn’t take place in a great destination.  Here are some of the best places to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime estate vacation.

Florida

Florida is the most convenient tropical destination for many people to visit.  Just because it its easy to get to, though, doesn’t mean it is a second class option.  Some of the villas and estates in the Miami area are the very definition of luxury.  For example, the Sandhill Estate, a spacious 15,000 acre estate on 20 acres, is the perfect retreat destination.

California

California offers an abundant of beautiful beach estates. Wind and Sea Big Sur is his Modern Oceanfront estate on 6 acres of supreme coastline. It is perfect location for a corporate retreat, family reunion or intimate wedding reception.

Head south to the highly desired city of Santa Barbara. Villa Verano is a spectacular Ocean View estates on over 13 sprawling acres of impeccably landscaped gardens including exotic flowers, sunken gardens and avocado and fruit trees.

Take in the unbelievable views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands and incredible sunsets, which can be seen from almost any room in the residence

New England

The most attractive seaside destinations are not necessarily in the tropics.  Classic New England vacation spots like Cape Cod and Maine’s coastline have their own allure.  In fact, these places have a long history of hosting family vacations over the summertime holiday.

Estates like the Hedgebound of Cape Cod provide the perfect place to enjoy a classic Massachusetts summertime vacation within eyeshot of the attractive coastline of the Atlantic.

The French’s Point Estate, a massive villa with spacious lawns perched on Maine’s rugged-but-scenic shoreline, is the ideal choice for a large family gathering.  Maine’s unmatchable scenery is best appreciated in an exclusive and private setting like French’s Point.

Mexico

For many experienced beach-goers, the best sun-and-sand vacations are found South of the Border.

Aficionados of Mexican beaches will find all the luxury and scenery that they could ever require at Casa Majani, a tropical estate on Punta Mita, a short distance form the tourist haven of Puerto Vallarta.

Majani guests have the option of eating their meals in an open air seating area that overlooks the water.  The couple lucky enough to stay in the master bedroom will be able  walk right out of the door and take a dip in the room-side pool.

Caribbean

The Caribbean is the first choice for many North American snowbirds seeking some sun and sand during the cold winters of more-northern latitudes.  The idyllic, nature-filled island of Saint John, one of the US Virgin Islands, is filled with quiet bays and beaches.

The island’s Villa Intimasea features all the trappings of a high-end resort.  However, its quiet open air seating areas, overlooking a secluded, picturesque bay, make it an idea place for a private, relaxing retreat with close friends or family.

Meanwhile, the southern Caribbean island of Tobago is home to the Sunset Reef Villa, a 10-person estate that is tucked into the lush shoreline not far from Tobago’s main beaches.

Sunset is a great choice for people who want to be in the most-natural surroundings possible, but also want to be near the island’s most popular beaches and nightlife spots.

With all these worthwhile options, it is easy to find an estate that fits your budget and provides the level of luxury that can turn your vacation into a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Best of all, these estates are generally large enough that you can share your vacation with family and friends (or anyone else you choose to invite).

Santa Barbara, California

At Villa Camino Cielo you will feel at home at this Tuscan style home overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands.  The mountain views and the Italian-inspired landscape will make you feel like you are in the Italian countryside. Featuring cypress trees, lavender and herbs, wisteria, bougainvillea, bay laurel and oak trees, you’ll be enamored by your surroundings at this Santa Barbara vacation rental Villa and event venue.

With a generous lawn for dining and entertainment, some outdoor amenities include an infinity pool, hot tub, furnished loggias and patios for you and your guests to enjoy.  Relax and enjoy the privacy that Villa Camino Cielo can offer you.

Inspired by classical Tuscan country villas, the buildings were designed to incorporate old world charm with modern convenience.  Exposed wood beams, plaster walls and mission tile roofs are accented by classical arches, niches and hand-carved stonework.

If you want to get out and enjoy what Santa Barbara has to offer, you are less than 15 minutes away from it’s famous beaches, golf courses, wineries, trails, lakes and rivers.

Once an industrial building located in heart of New York, the Foundry, has been restored into an upscale and modern piece of architecture that has housed some spectacular events over the coarse of its years.

This fun couple planned their wedding reception as this unique venue.

The building was restored to maintain its industrial look, giving the building a more modern feel.

As this couple looked for a venue with an intimate and sophisticated setting, the Foundry was the perfect fit.

The venue embodied a New York elegance with decor of warm candle light and simple color palette with shades of white, ivory, and grey to soften the industrial interior.

The fusion of the rustic elements of the building mixed with New York sophistication truly created a beautiful venue!

Thanks to Style Me Pretty, Estate Weddings and Events was able to showcase this chic New York Wedding.

For more information on the Foundry click here!

Wedding Photography + Photo Booth: Jenny Jimenez / Day-of Coordination: Amanda Diamondstein-Cieplinska of Stellina Events / Wedding Venue: The Foundry / Florist: Sarah Rhyanen of Saipua / Catering: Shaun Roberts of Great Performances / Hair: Christa Thomas of Cutler Salon / Makeup:Lauren Iavarone / Wine: The Grade Cellars / Wedding Stationery Design: Andrio Abero, The Groom / Wedding Stationery Printing: Studio on Fire / Wedding Gown: Marchesa via Gabriella Bridal Salon / Bride’s Shoes: Lanvin / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Bridesmaid Corsages: Ban.do / Bride + Bridesmaid Bracelets: Katherine Sturgis / Braided Bridesmaid Belts: DIY, The Bride / Groom’s Custom Suit: Martin Greenfield / Groom’s Shoes: Rachel Comey / Groomsmen Suits: J.Crew / Men’s Ties + Pocket Squares: Rag & Bone + Sid Mashburn / Wedding Bands + Bride’s Earrings: Conroy & Wilcox / Ceremony Music: The Chapin Sisters, Friends of the Bride / DJ: Mandy Graves of 74 Events / Cake Designer: Kate Sullivan of LovinSullivan / Cake Toppers: Lil Cake Toppers / Officiate: Catherine Bordeau of Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture / Hotel: New York Athletic Club / Transportation: Carey Transportation / Ice Cream: Van Leeuwen / Coffee: Brooklyn Roasting Company / Bread: Tom Cat Bakery

At first it seems… 

like a great idea host an important business meeting

or corporate retreat in an exotic place so that the guests and

participants can enjoy themselves to the utmost and

maybe get a little inspiration from the relaxing and idyllic surroundings.

The problem is that if you get too exotic,

would-be attendees without a passport may not be able to come.

Relatively new US passport laws have made it impossible to travel

outside of the country without the proper travel documents.

Many people, especially businesspeople who need to travel frequently,

have obtained a passport “just in case,” but many others have not.

The safe bet is to host your conference or retreat someplace that does not require a passport.

Luckily, there are plenty of attractive options for US-based businesspeople who do not have a passport.

Puerto Rico

This large Caribbean island is a US territory, so traveling here does not require a passport.

San Juan, the capital of the island, boasts beautiful Spanish colonial architecture and the laid back,

culture-rich vibe that characterizes the Spanish Caribbean.

The resorts that host conferences and meetings are generally near golf courses,

making it easy to duck out for a round in between strategy sessions or presentations.

And, of course, this is the Caribbean, so beaches are everywhere.

Numerous stretches of sand can be found within driving distance of San Juan.

Other Puerto Rican beach destinations like Rincon

are great options for event hosts who want their retreat or

meetings to take place in the typically idyllic tropical beach setting.

US Virgin Islands

The United States Virgin Islands are another convenient destination for Americans without passports.

The USVI consists of three large islands and numerous smaller islets.

Of the three main islands (Saint Thomas, Saint Croix, and Saint John), Saint John offers

the kind of tropical beach experience that most people can only daydream about.

This island, which can be reached by ferry, offers clean beaches, world-class golf courses, and a full slate of water-sports.

The estates that host retreats and conferences on Saint John are fully equipped to serve overnight guests,

making it possible to have the meeting and accommodations in the same place.

Florida

The sunny beaches of the Gold Coast of Florida are a top choice for people who want to host their conference or retreat on the mainland.

The Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas have a number of villas, estates, and resorts that

can accommodation a business meeting, conference or retreat.

Some of these venues are quite luxurious.  This is especially the case for those in the Miami area.

Of course, Miami is known for its nightlife.

It also boasts a wide range of dining options and Latin and Caribbean cultural influences.

This makes it one of the more colorful and enjoyable places to host a business meeting or conference.

On top of that, the warm weather means that golf is a year-round sport.

Hawaii

Hawaii is probably the most desired of all passport-free conference destinations for US-based businesspeople.

And why not?

It boasts warm temperatures year round, idyllic Polynesian beaches and amazingly good tourist infrastructure,

not to mention all the extras like golf, classy beachside lounges, and fine restaurants.

The biggest drawback for people who want to host a conference in the 50^th state is that airfare is quite pricey and

some conference venues may be overrun by tourists, creating a rather non-productive environment.

Still, Hawaii will always be an alluring option.

The Southwest

People often overlook the US Southwest when they are searching for a destination to host their conference or special event.

The deep history and unique desert landscapes do give this region a slightly exotic air,

though not in the palm-tree, beach, and rum-based cocktail sense.

The most positive thing that a state like Arizona has going for it is its wonderfully luxurious estates.

The villas of the Phoenix and Scottsdale area are ideal for hosting a small conference,

business retreat, or other corporate event.

The Phoenix attractions are also quite noteworthy.

Arizona has one of the highest densities of golf courses in the country and the fine dining,

nightlife and shopping options of Phoenix are second to none.

So, while hosting a corporate retreat in the Swiss Alps, on the French Riviera or

on the stunning beaches of Bali might sound amazing,

there are plenty of more-practical destinations that do not even require a passport.