U.S. locations offer convenience, quality, and reliability for incentive travel programs. Top performers can be motivated by 50 states of variety – the beaches of California or Florida, the expansive Rocky Mountains, bucket-list golf resorts, big cities with bright lights, and the perennial #1 Hawaii.
The finance and insurance industries often prefer 5-star domestic resorts to recognize their top sellers or best customers. Regulated businesses, such as phone companies, often opt for the PR message of keeping their travel spending in America. Other common use cases are first-time trips, industries with less-seasoned travelers (call centers, restaurants, retail, etc.), and shorter 3-4 night trips.
In the recent Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) report on Attendee Preferences for Incentive Travel, the USA held 5 of the top 10 preferred destinations – in order, Hawaii (#1), Western US (#2), Eastern US (#4), Southwest US (#5), and Southern US (#7).
Maui, Hawaii
Maui
If a company is making its first incentive trip to Hawaii, then Maui is the place to start. Maui has long been the most popular Hawaiian island. It’s not too big and not too small. After the Lahaina fires, Maui tourism has declined 20%, so investing in their local economy with travel spending is a positive social endeavor, too. Maui has 5-star options in Wailea and Kapalua – plus better-than-most 4-star hotels in Kaanapali. Restaurants and activities are plentiful to build an agenda that is certain to please any top achiever.
Four Seasons Resort Maui
As Maui’s only Forbes five-star and AAA five–diamond resort, The Four Seasons Maui offers the serenity of a secluded beachfront enhanced by the best-in-class guest service the brand is known for. The vast majority of the 380 rooms and suites enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean. Resort amenities include complimentary cabanas, so every winner feels like a VIP. Other special touches include chilled towels, Evian spritzes, fragrant sunscreen, and frozen fruit iced treats. Fantastic service; fantastic dining options.
Four Seasons Resort Maui, courtesy of the hotel
Fairmont Kea Lani
The Fairmont Kea Lani makes each guest feel as though they scored an exclusive upgrade by offering the state’s only all-suite, oceanfront design. Every run-of-house room is 860 sf for extra value. The gorgeous beach is very private. The outstanding services of The Willow Stream Spa have earned it the title of the “Best Spa in Hawaii” by the discerning critics of Travel + Leisure magazine.
Because so many travelers to the islands are intrigued by the unique culture of Hawaii, Fairmont Kea Lani has worked extensively to provide their guests with a deeper connection to the island’s heritage and earned them the honor of the “Best Hawaiian Cultural Program” in Maui.
Fairmont Kea Lani, courtesy of the hotel
Grand Wailea
Since opening in 1991 to critical acclaim, the Grand Wailea – a Waldorf Astoria Resort, has wowed groups with its massive, 28,000 square foot Haleakala Ballroom (the largest in Maui) and its Wailea Canyon Activity Pool with waterslides, rapids, a rope swing, and even a water elevator. With 780 guest rooms, suites, and villas, “grand” is the keyword. It’s excellent for large groups, but small groups could get lost (or enjoy the privacy of not seeing each other).
Grand Wailea, courtesy of the hotel
Hyatt Regency Maui
The Hyatt Regency Maui has 810 guestrooms and seven restaurants on site, so it too can accommodate larger groups. The popular Drums of the Pacific luau have been voted the best on the island and offers a superb experience without putting the group on a bus. Championship golfing is available on two separate courses, as is extensive shopping at the always-bustling Whaler’s Village. Pro Planner Tip – Brightspot hosted several club trips here. The Sales team is very flexible and works hard to build win-win budgets.
Sheraton Maui, courtesy of the hotel
Sheraton Maui
Don’t overlook this Sheraton. It’s not your mother’s Sheraton; it is the very best in their brand. The Sheraton Maui has low-rise buildings with ample lawns and a large pool area, making the resort spacious. The beachfront snorkeling at the world-famous Black Rock is the best of any resort. Each day ends with a long-time crowd favorite: the nightly torch lighting and cliff diving ceremony.
Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, courtesy of the hotel
Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Few hotels worldwide can boast of the extensive oceanfront expanse The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua has to offer. It spreads over a historic 23,000-acre pineapple plantation, including an impressive 54 acres of beachfront at the award-winning D.T. Fleming Beach. The property includes two championship golf courses (with the Plantation Course regularly hosting the PGA Tour each January). Pro Planner Tip – The Ritz stands alone on the island’s North end, enjoys more breeze and cooler temperatures, and often offers an affordable rate for this 5-star brand.
Hyatt Regency Maui, courtesy of the hotel
Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai & Big Island
If your President Club winners may have visited Maui, then Kauai and the Big Island offer new, undiscovered adventures because fewer people have seen these Pacific paradises. Unique activities on Kauai include zodiac boat tours of the rugged Na Pali Coast, hiking the North Shore, and helicopter tours of the Waimea Canyon, the ‘Grand Canyon of Hawaii.’ On the Big Island, catching a glimpse of the active Kilauea volcano must be checked off a savvy traveler’s bucket list.
Grand Hyatt Kauai
Escape to the soothing golden sands of Poipu on Kauai’s sunny south shore at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. This luxury oasis with lush gardens and acres of pools offers ocean-view dining, rooms with private lanais, championship golf, and Anara Spa.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, courtesy of the hotel
Four Seasons Hualalai
Surrounded by white sand beaches and black lava landscapes, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is ideally situated for all kinds of island adventures. The spirit of Hawaii, from its long-held traditions to its inspired art, informs every detail of the idyllic retreat.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, courtesy of the hotel
Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort
They don’t often build new resorts in Hawaii, but the shiny new hotel is – Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort on the Big Island. The individual “hales” feel similar to Tahitian bungalows, but on land rather than over water, with modern luxuries and high-end materials. Each guest enjoys a bike, which is a surprisingly fun way to get around the iconic 80-acre resort. They say Steve Jobs visited the old retreat 60 times to unplug before a tsunami destroyed it in 2011. (I agree with Mr. Jobs; it’s inspiring.)
Fairmont Orchid, courtesy of the hotel
Fairmont Orchid, courtesy of the hotel
Fairmont Orchid
Hawaii’s warmth and serenity are reflected throughout the design of the family-friendly Fairmont Orchid with 540 spacious guest rooms, suites, and the exclusive Fairmont Gold concierge floor. The property is undergoing a large renovation, including luxurious new guest rooms, set to be complete in 2025.
Auberge Mauna Lani
On the dramatic Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani’s secluded beaches, coral reefs, and ancient fishponds set the stage for transformative experiences. Gather at the open-air village center that serves as the vibrant heart of Auberge Mauna Lani. After a recent, major renovation and new brand flag of Auberge, the new Mauna Lani is attracting more group interest.
Auberge Mauna Lani, courtesy of the hotel
Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is enjoying a renaissance of renovation to shopping and dining, and it delivers a podium-power cache of upper-class elegance. Long sandy beaches, glamorous surroundings, and world-class resorts are to impress top sellers and the C-suite, too. Trip winners will enjoy window shopping at exclusive boutiques on Worth Avenue or making a fashionable purchase they will remember forever.
Eau Palm Beach
Eau Palm Beach is a former Ritz-Carlton (so it has good DNA) that switched to an independent hotel after a multi-million dollar renovation. The only independent property in Palm Beach to earn the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star recognition and one of ten in Florida to earn the AAA Five Diamond Award, Eau Palm Beach is a top-tier choice for domestic incentive travel.
Eau Palm Beach Resort, courtesy of the hotel
The Breakers
This historic Palm Beach resort has been an iconic staple for over a century. Today, the story of The Breakers continues, holding fast to the ideals that put it on the map—unapologetic luxury, seaside glamour, and world-class service.
Eau Palm Beach Resort, courtesy of the hotel
Boca Raton Beach Club Resort
Located a few miles south along the coast, ” The Boca” is a short drive from Palm Beach and offers another option for elite programs. Extensive renovations were revealed in 2022, making it a hot spot for new trips. Its massive and spectacular spa has over 44 treatment rooms, so be prepared to set aside time in the itinerary for some pampering!
The Boca Raton Beach Club Resort, courtesy of the hotel
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston and The Deep South
Charleston consistently ranks high with leisure travelers in the Top City awards from Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler magazines, yet many incentive buyers overlook this “Low Country” gem. The Deep South offers plentiful golf options, lots of culture, and superb dining.
Hotel Bennett
Charleston’s grandest new luxury hotel, Hotel Bennett, is inspired by native Charlestonians and classic European design, creating a new nexus of culture and splendor in the Holy City.
Hotel Bennett, courtesy of the hotel
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
Reminiscent of a grand seaside mansion, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort was designed to feel like it has been on Kiawah Island for centuries. Its magnificent setting, luxurious amenities, and warm, attentive hospitality await President Club Trips from all over the US. Pro Planner Tip – Golf groups love The Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, courtesy of the hotel
Montage Palmetto Bluff
Montage Palmetto Bluff is 2 hours south of Charleston (or 1 hour north of Savannah). It encompasses an extensive nature preserve, two picturesque villages featuring eight Southern-inspired dining options, a riverfront marina, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Pro Planner Tip – Go for the river cottages if your budget allows!
Montage Palmetto Bluff, courtesy of the hotel
The Cloister Hotel on Sea Island, South Carolina
Sea Island
Voted the #1 Best Island in the Continental USA in Travel + Leisure’s 2023 World’s Best Awards, Sea Island is south of Charleston, SC, and north of Jacksonville, FL, and can be accessed by Brunswick Golden Isles regional airport. The Golden Isles of Georgia offers three acclaimed Forbes 5-star resorts.
The Cloister has hosted Presidents and Global Summits. It’s historic, classic, elegant, and luxurious. The Beach Club is contiguous and sits right on the Atlantic Ocean beach. A few miles away, The Lodge is the perfect spot for golf groups, sitting on three championship courses.
Austin, Texas
Austin
The slogan, Keep Austin Weird, is well-known, as are its music scene and quirky bars. The central location provides quick access, which is a nice convenience for shorter trips and meetings. It’s also a superb option if the trip combines relaxation, socialization, and business meetings.
The Cloister has hosted Presidents and Global Summits. It’s historic, classic, elegant, and luxurious. The Beach Club is contiguous and sits right on the Atlantic Ocean beach. A few miles away, The Lodge is the perfect spot for golf groups, sitting on three championship courses.
Fairmont Austin
Fairmont Austin is a fantastic option for raising your attendee experience to the next level. This 37-story luxury hotel directly connects to the convention center and has nearly 140,000 square feet of meeting space.
Fairmont Austin, courtesy of the hotel
Four Seasons Austin
Austin’s particular brand of cool is evident in every detail of the downtown Four Seasons Austin, from local art to Texas-inspired spa treatments. Incredible margaritas, miles of lakeside trails, and spacious rooms overlooking idyllic Lady Bird Lake make it a top Texas incentive travel option.
Four Seasons Hotel Austin, courtesy of the hotel
Omni Barton Creek Resort
Omni Barton Creek is located outside the downtown area, nestled into the hills west of Austin. Top performers appreciate the perfectly manicured grounds, and golfers love the 4 highly-rated courses. Omni Barton Creek is a perfect property for hosting a VIP corporate gathering.
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, courtesy of the hotel
Commodore Perry Estate
The Commodore Perry Estate brings a new level of contemporary glamour and whimsical soul to Austin. The picturesque grounds offer a welcoming 10-acre setting in the heart of the city. Luxury and seclusion make it the perfect choice for a domestic C-suite or Director-level retreat.
Commodore Perry Estate, an Auberge Resorts Collection, courtesy of the hotel
Hyatt Lost Pines Resort
A short 20-minute drive from Austin-Bergstrom airport will shift attendees to a down-home, Texas relaxation. Hyatt Lost Pines Resort rests on 405 acres along the Lower Colorado River and features the Lazy River Water Park for children and golfers, an award-winning 18-hole course. Activities include horseback riding, archery, trap shooting, biking, and fire pits for night s’mores.
Hyatt Lost Pines Resort, courtesy of the hotel
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe
Like Charleston, Santa Fe regularly ranks in America’s Top 10 Best Cities. Southwestern charm mixed with Pueblo-style architecture makes for a completely unique travel experience to expose winners to something outside the typical sun and sand. Pro Planner Tip – Brightspot travel pros believe that Santa Fe deserves fresh consideration with the current emphasis on unique, authentic experiences and new destinations.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado
In Santa Fe, it’s hard not to feel a little spoiled by the rugged beauty surrounding the intimate, 65-room Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado. Set in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, and just 10 minutes from downtown’s shops and galleries, Rancho Encantado is an undeniably top-tier Santa Fe resort.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, courtesy of the hotel
Rosewood Inn at Anasazi
Located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi celebrates the region’s enduring creative spirit and traditions, offering incentive winners an elegantly modern take on Pueblo life. Pro Planner Tip – The Inn is a small resort with 58 rooms, but if your group fits, it offers an ambiance unlike any other.
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, courtesy of the hotel
La Posada de Santa Fe
At La Posada de Santa Fe, the rich history of New Mexico meets modern amenities. This member of Historic Hotels of America recognizes and celebrates the architecture and culture that make Santa Fe so unique.
La Posada de Santa Fe, courtesy of the hotel
Deer Valley, Utah
Deer Valley
After landing in Salt Lake City, a quick 40-minute drive whisks club trip winners up the mountains and into another world. Home to the 2002 Winter Olympics and the future 2024 Olympics, which will increase interest and new development, winter activities include skiing and snowmobiling. In the mountains, the locals say, “They came for the winter but stayed for the summer.” In the summertime, the stunning mountain views, greenery, and fresh air offer glorious hiking, and the Utah Olympic Park has summer adrenaline activities such as ziplining and extreme tubing.
St. Regis Deer Valley
Ski-in and ski-out access and a private ski valet make The St. Regis Deer Valley the perfect option for incentive travel groups seeking to hit the slopes in the most luxurious fashion.
St. Regis Deer Valley, courtesy of the hotel
Montage Deer Valley
Located just five minutes from Main Street, Montage Deer Valley is home to a 35,000 sq ft spa sanctuary, locally-inspired dining, and year-round activities from mountain biking to fly fishing. There’s a fireplace in every room and smores with housemade, flavored marshmallows; what’s not to love?
Montage Deer Valley, courtesy of the hotel
Stein Eriksen Lodge
Spacious rooms, award-winning cuisine, and après cocktails. The Stein Eriksen Lodge is a wonderful incentive travel option for mountain-bound programs that could benefit from a world-class offering of amenities.
Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley, courtesy of the hotel
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona
The red rock backdrop of Sedona, Arizona, is a breathtaking array of colors that acts as a monument to the unforgettable experience that awaits a Circle of Excellence club trip. Domestic incentive travel locations that thrive tend to be those that break the mold, and Sedona is anything but ordinary.
Enchantment Resort
Nestled at the base of Boynton Canyon, in the heart of Sedona, Enchantment Resort provides the perfect escape for tranquility, connection, and exploration. Over 140 weekly resort activities make for a varied itinerary that has something for everyone.
Enchantment Resort, courtesy of the hotel
L’Auberge de Sedona Resort & Spa
L’Auberge de Sedona is at the center of Sedona’s majestic scenery, inspired by the stunning environment. Each amenity is fine-tuned to create unforgettable moments, from the world-class golf course to the forest-entrenched spa.
L’Auberge de Sedona, courtesy of the hotel
Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach
The Pacific Coast Highway has famous views of the Pacific Ocean from SoCal to San Fran. A 20-mile stretch of the “PCH” passes through the Orange Coast communities of Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Monarch Beach, and Dana Point, which are home to 4 spectacular resorts for incentive club trips. With exceptional weather all year long, these resorts are safe picks for the 5-star treatment of top sellers.
The Resort at Pelican Hill
Perched upon 504 acres of unrivaled coastal beauty, The Resort at Pelican Hill is set apart as a world unto itself, offering a secluded sanctuary. Private, residential-style villas and bungalows are all spacious and casually elegant, with an attentive staff to anticipate guests’ needs at every turn.
The Resort at Pelican Hill, courtesy of the hotel
Montage Laguna Beach
This beachfront sanctuary features two outdoor pool decks, a 20,000 sq ft spa, and three award-winning restaurants with spectacular views of the California coast. Montage Laguna Beach sports one of the most refined incentive travel experiences on the Orange Coast.
Montage Laguna Beach, courtesy of the hotel
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
The Five Diamond-rated Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach perfectly blends Southern California’s laid-back luxury and iconic True Waldorf Service. This sophisticated beach-house retreat offers a private beach club, three pools, oceanfront golf, a luxury spa, unique coastal activities, and California cuisine.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, courtesy of the hotel
Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is a coastal paradise with a playful side. Stroll along winding ocean paths that lead to Salt Creek Beach, where crashing waves attract surfers from around the world.
The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, courtesy of the hotel
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara
Thanks to its ideal location on the Pacific coast with dramatic mountain views, Santa Barbara is often called the American Riviera. Santa Barbara is a fabulous incentive trip destination known for its Spanish architecture, relaxing spas, luxury resorts, and miles of pristine beaches. If Los Angeles is too familiar, escape to the foothills of Santa Barbara or travel up to Ojai for a secluded retreat.
Ritz-Carlton Bacara
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, combines this coastal city’s appeal with its natural surroundings’ beauty. Relax in spacious suites or indulge in the region’s abundant locally sourced cuisine.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara, courtesy of the hotel
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore is temporarily closed for renovations and is expected to reopen in 2025. The updated Spanish Colonial villas and bungalows will invoke the same casual glamour that first delighted Hollywood’s power players in the 1930s. Go for a stroll along Butterfly Beach, spend the day lounging poolside at Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club, or pay a visit to the award-winning spa. Keep an eye on this reopening.
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore, courtesy of the hotel
Belmond El Encanto
Spread across seven acres of secluded gardens, Belmond El Encanto opened in 1918 and has been part of Santa Barbara’s social scene ever since. The resort is gleaming and glamorous, yet relaxed and low-key. It’s the kind of place that invites you to recline poolside, breathe in the ocean air, and sip a glass of crisp local wine.
El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, courtesy of the hotel
Rosewood Miramar Hotel
Set on the American Riviera along one of Southern California’s most beautiful and exclusive coastlines, Rosewood Miramar Beach offers a captivating estate-style atmosphere and the finest leisure amenities.
Rosewood Miramar, courtesy of the hotel
Ojai Valley Inn
Ojai Valley Inn is a premiere Southern California luxury resort that gives incentive travel groups a secluded option away from LA. This hotel in Ojai, CA, features an award-winning on-site spa and golf course to help escape the city.
Ojai Valley Inn, courtesy of the hotel
Napa Valley, California
Napa
Always popular for wine and food; however, harvest season in September is usually high season, and resorts typically exclude groups. Group incentive travel can benefit from the shoulder seasons and achieve better value on the Napa experience.
Auberge du Soleil
Showcasing breathtaking views, Auberge du Soleil is the dream of French restaurateur Claude Rouas. Nestled within a terraced hillside amid 33 acres of heritage olive and oak trees, the hotel’s 50 contemporary guestrooms and suites effortlessly blend relaxed sophistication with understated elegance, earning a long-standing reputation as wine country’s most iconic luxury property.
Auberge du Soleil, courtesy of the hotel
Carneros Inn
Surrounded by rolling vineyards and picturesque countryside, Carneros Resort and Spa offers a private retreat that delivers a relaxed and luxurious quintessential Napa experience.
Carneros Resort & Spa, courtesy of the hotel
Meritage Resort
The Meritage Resort’s luxury Napa Valley accommodations welcome you with warm Tuscan-inspired décor. Offering exceptionally designed Napa hotel rooms and suites, this award-winning resort features custom furnishings and colors that evoke the earth, sun, and sky of California.
Meritage Resort & Spa, courtesy of the hotel
Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley
After opening in late 2021, Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley is the new kid on the block and offers a mix of five-star guestrooms and private estates that can accommodate the most high-class VIPs. President Club Trips looking to impress elite individuals need to keep an eye on this new Napa Valley fixture.
Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley, courtesy of the hotel
Montage Healdsburg
With one-third of each space dedicated to outdoor living, 130 bungalow-style guestrooms and suites blend contemporary influence with environmentally conscious design. Montage Healdsburg is a premium option for groups looking to stay as close to the vine as possible.
Montage Healdsburg, courtesy of the hotel
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa offers exceptional accommodations in the heart of Wine Country, with guest rooms to suit every taste. The famous golf course treasured as a relic from the ‘golden age of golf’ is a must-play for club trip winners looking to hit the links.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, courtesy of the hotel
The Green O, courtesy of the hotel
Montana
Incentive travel groups that seek to be steeped in the great outdoors should try a one-of-a-kind glamping experience unlike no other in America’s wilderness. Paws Up Resort in Montana or Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming blend the luxury of incentive-quality resorts with the freedom and immersion of being in the free range of the Wild West.
Pick a Boutique
Most groups play it safe at 4-star brands such as Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton, or the 5-star Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton, so try something different and pick a boutique brand. But, be cautious of choosing a boutique that is too small to understand groups. Brightspot recommends the “incentive quality” resorts of Auberge, Belmond, Kimpton, Montage, Rosewood, and LHW (the Leading Hotels of the World). Expose your winners to something out-of-the-box and make new memories.
Are You Ready to Work With Us?
Whether you’re eager to explore international incentive trips, or looking to enhance your club trip with fresh ideas, Brightspot is here to help you every step of the way. Discover more about the exceptional services we provide or get in touch with us today to begin planning your extraordinary incentive program! Our team of experienced professionals is ready to assist you in seamlessly coordinating all the logistics and will help you create a corporate trip that your group will never forget.
