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👋 Hi, Tiffany here!
Welcome back to The Velvetstyle Viewpoint—the newsletter where I share my updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments from an event professional.
We’re officially are in the 2nd half of the year! And it’s been busy so far! June has been filled with travel and discovering new destinations. Let’s get into the recap! Keep reading...
What's Inside
The Island Vibe & Luxury Resorts
In June, I traveled to Puerto Rico for Incentive Live, hosted by Northstar Meetings Group. This was my second year attending the event, which brings together professionals focused on the incentive travel market. It also gave me the opportunity to explore Puerto Rico as a potential destination for future programs, retreats, and client events. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico offers many benefits for group travel. No passport is needed, TSA Precheck still applies, most locals speak English, and there are no roaming fees for cell phones. It combines the ease of domestic travel with the feel of a Caribbean escape.
The event was held at El Conquistador Resort, a well-known property that recently reopened under local ownership following hurricane damage. While the venue is fully operational and suitable for large conferences, I found that the room experience and level of service didn’t meet the expectations I typically have for high-end incentive programs. That said, the event itself was valuable. I completed 23 one-on-one appointments with hotel representatives, CVBs, and DMCs who specialize in group experiences and incentive travel.
One property that stood out to me was the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar. Located near El Yunque Rainforest, this recently renovated resort offers spacious rooms with balconies, in-room robes and slippers, private group check-in options, poolside cabanas, and beautiful outdoor event space. Speaking of rainforests, I booked an ATV tour in the rainforest, and it was an hour of exhilarating fun. You can also choose a horseback riding excursion. They have event space where you can host a private gathering and add an excursion for your group. I also had a great conversation with the event manager at Bacardi Rum Distillery, who shared how the venue is available for private receptions, tastings, and even small meetings. While I didn’t visit the space personally, it’s a unique option I plan to explore further.
I also learned about La Concha and its luxury sister property, both located in San Juan. These are now on my radar for future site visits. Overall, Puerto Rico impressed me with its convenience, destination appeal, and variety of venues and experiences available. Whether you want to plan a beachside retreat, an adventurous incentive trip, or a creative client experience, there’s a lot of potential here. I’ll be sharing more in a full blog post soon.
I’d love to highlight more destinations! Reach out if you represent a destination or property I should write about!
A Fresh Destination for Summer Retreats
The following week, I spent four days in Park City, Utah, on a fam trip hosted by Visit Park City. I was invited to see if it was a viable destination for events and retreats. I had connected with their team earlier this year at a conference, where I first learned about some of their unique venue options, including Olympic Park. That space was built for the Winter Olympics, and now they’re getting ready to host again in 2034, which is exciting.
This was my first time visiting Park City, even though I’ve been to Salt Lake City before. And let me just say, the two do not compare. Park City has its own feel. It’s only about a 35-minute drive from Salt Lake City Airport, but it feels like a completely different world. I thought it was a fantastic idea to attend this trip in the summer. While the city has no problem attracting visitors in the winter, summer is actually beautiful and filled with opportunities that a lot of people overlook.
During the trip, I stayed at two different hotels and toured several others. Every property I saw was top-notch and had its own personality. That variety matters when you're matching a venue to a specific group or event. Many of the rooms are individually owned but managed by the hotel, which made them feel more like long-term homes. Some had full kitchens, washers and dryers, and balconies. One of the rooms I stayed in even had a jacuzzi on the balcony, and yes, I took advantage of that.
Park City is a great option for retreats and small events because it offers a little bit of everything. The Main Street area is easy to walk, filled with local shops and restaurants, and the people are incredibly friendly. If you’re looking for activities, there’s hiking, mountain biking, and e-biking. It’s also a solid choice if your group wants fresh air, scenic views, and an intentional space to reset. Speaking of activities, we were able to experience an actual bobsled at the Olympic Park, which also included ziplining and other activities.
The city really shines as a destination for planners looking to create experiences that are both impactful and relaxed. Whether you’re hosting a leadership retreat, a wellness-focused experience, or just looking for something different that’s still within the U.S., Park City should be on your radar. I talked more about the trip and the hotels on a recent episode of On Air with Russell, so be sure to check that out for more behind-the-scenes details.
Are you a planner interested in learning about upcoming FAM trips? Click below.
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