Spain Incentive Travel Guide: Three Can’t-Miss Destinations

Incentive Travel to Spain is on the Rise

With a rising interest in European president’s club trips and sales contest prize destinations, incentive travel to Spain has never been more appealing. Spain offers an incredible range of incentive-level hotels and activities that are sure to cross more than a few items off any bucket list. Madrid, Marbella, and Barcelona are an excellent trio of Spanish destinations that provide the most authentic experience at the highest quality, but don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path either!

Madrid

Spain’s central capital city is full of rich history, European art, and beautifully manicured parks. It is renowned for its museums – including the Prado Museum that houses some of Europe’s finest works. Due to its central location, Madrid is a great starting point for a split-program – starting in the city and ending in one of the other beautiful regions Spain is known for.

Incentive-Quality Hotels

The Westin Palace, Madrid is one of the most iconic properties in the city. Situated on a full city block across from the Plaza de Neptuno and crowned by an ornate stained-glass cupola, it is in the perfect location for attendees to walk to the city’s top spots.

Another incentive worthy property is the Gran Melia Palacio de Los Duques. This luxurious hotel – which is part of Leading Hotels of the World – offers updated old-world charm. Housed in a building from the 19^th-century, some of the highlights include designs inspired by Velazquez, a 10,000-SF historic garden perfect for a Welcome Reception, and a cocktail bar tucked away in the attic with views of the Royal Palace.

Incentive Travel Activities

What better way to experience a city than through their food? A tapas walking tour of Madrid is a great group activity that allows attendees to learn about the history and culture of the city while sampling some of the best tapas in the country. Small groups can depart directly from their centrally located hotel, visit 2-3 historic tapas restaurants for small bites and then meet back together as a whole group at a local restaurant for a late lunch to complete their gastronomy tour.

Prado Museum is one of the most famous art museums in Europe. Situated near The Westin Palace and along the Paseo del Prado, it hosts the Spanish Royal art collection and contains the largest collection of Spanish paintings. Works range from the 12^th to 19^th century and feature notable paintings by Velazquez, Goya, Rubens, and Rembrandt.

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest in Western Europe, boasting over 3,000 rooms. Top sites to see include The Royal Armory and the Painting Gallery, The Royal Kitchen, Throne Hall, and the Royal Chapel (which houses a collection of Stradivari string instruments).

Unique Event Venues

Spain, particularly Madrid, is known for its rich art history – including flamenco dancing. Corral de la Moreria is the most famous flamenco tablao in the world and a great option for a group dinner. While enjoying delicious Spanish cuisine, attendees are immersed in the performance and will have an up-close experience with the flamenco dancers, guitarists, and singers.

Teatro Real – the Opera House – is in Plaza Isabel II and near the Royal Palace. Constructed in 1818, it is one of the great theaters in Europe and offers guided tours along with opera and theater performances. The main auditorium, along with many of the smaller rooms and foyer, can all be reserved for private events and would be a great way to end an incentive and WOW attendees with a ‘Night at the Opera’ Farewell Dinner.

Marbella – Costa del Sol

Marbella is a beautiful resort town in the Andalusia region, situated on Spain’s Costa del Sol. The Sierra Blanca Mountains frame the background, while private villas, luxury hotels, and world-renowned golf courses dot the golden sandy beach along the Mediterranean. West of Marbella, you’ll find the Golden Mile, filled with prestigious nightclubs and restaurants, and ending at the luxurious Puerto Banus Marina.

Incentive-Quality Hotels

Hotel Puente Romano on Marbella’s Golden Mile between Puerto Banus Marina and Marbella. The property has a unique village-style ambiance, with lush botanical gardens and winding walkways. It has 14 on-property dining outlets, including Nobu, Serafina, and Teller of Tales Restaurant – led by triple Michelin-starred chef Dani Garcia.

Marbella Club is an upscale boutique hotel situated on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s history dates to the 1940s and has hosted aristocrats, celebrities, and royalty since it was first transformed into a hotel by Prince Alfonso in the mid-1950s. Marbella Club has eight on-property food and beverage outlets, a wellness center focused on fitness and nutrition, and an 18-hole golf course just minutes from the lobby. The property also has numerous private villas – perfect for a VIP reception or dinner.

 

Incentive Travel Activities

Old Town Marbella is a must – attendees are greeted with charming shops that line the winding streets, surrounded by whitewashed buildings with colorful flowers spilling over the balconies. After a short walking tour and time on own to explore, a stop in Plaza de Los Naranjos (one of the cities oldest squares) for lunch is a perfect ending to the day.

Just a few miles away from Old Town Marbella is Puerto Banus – where superyachts, luxury cars, and high-end shopping abound. Attendees can spend the day shopping, having coffee in one of the marina cafes, or just taking in the sites – including a large sculpture by Salvador Dali.

A trip to the Costa del Sol is not complete without a beach day. Marbella has over 20 beaches and includes the Golden Mile, a long stretch of luxury stop-and-shops that dot the coastline.

Barcelona

Incredible architecture, late nights, and strong coffee. Barcelona is the perfect balance between metropolitan culture, pulsing nightlife, and exceptional beach-going. The only downside for the city has something for everyone is that everyone wants to visit. Planning experiences and finding accommodations that avoid tourist traffic will be key to providing a first-rate incentive trip to Barcelona.

Incentive-Quality Hotels

Majestic Hotel & Spa is located on the Passeig de Gracia – one of the most exclusive avenues in the city. Known as the hotel of arts, this property first opened its doors in 1918 and has been an icon of luxury in the city since. The property displays more than 1,000 pieces of artwork, holds the honor of having one of the best rooftop bars in Barcelona – perfect for a VIP cocktail reception – and has the largest Penthouse suite in all of Barcelona.

Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is also centrally located on Passeig de Gracia and offers stunning views of the city and Gaudi’s Casa Batllo. Attendees can take a plunge in their rooftop pool and then enjoy Catalan cuisine at one of their five food and beverage options on-property.

Incentive Travel Activities

Some of Barcelona’s most famous attractions have one thing in common – architect Antoni Gaudi. His highly unique, one-of-a-kind designs can be found throughout the city with famous landmarks such as Park Guell, Casa Mila, and Casa Batllo. His most notable work, still unfinished after almost 150 years, is La Sagrada Familia.

Las Ramblas is one of the most famous promenades in Barcelona. Attendees can shop, explore the city’s small cafes and try unique, Basque-style snacks called pintxos and stop into Mercat de la Boqueria – the city’s oldest open market dating back to medieval times.

Transportation to Spain

Madrid has daily airlift from most of the world’s leading airport hubs – including non-stop flights from Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City.  Upon arrival, transportation throughout Madrid can easily be arranged using a local Destination Management Company or on the Spanish high-speed train network – Renfe. Many of Spain’s most famous cities and regions can also be easily reached using the train network, including Andalusia, which includes major attractions such as Costa del Sol, Seville, Malaga, and Granada, Castilla.

With so many accessible options, Spain is truly a top-tier incentive travel destination worthy of your next President’s Club trip!

Elevate your incentive travel with a free consultation from Brightspot’s veteran planners. Drop us a line; we’re happy to evaluate your program and come up with fresh ideas to excite your participants and create unforgettable experiences.