Times are now changing within the world of meetings and hospitality. Gone are the days when meeting attendees were content inside a hotel meeting room for the day. Over a period of time, meeting requirements have evolved and delegates are looking for enhanced experiences and venues that can offer that little bit more. The introduction of activities into the meetings schedule now promotes the idea of fun, movement and inspiration to break up the day. Delegates are also being enticed to take note of their surroundings if their event takes place in a destination they are not familiar with thus creating a unique travel experience.
Deer Park, Honiton, Devon has engaged an authentic approach to this idea. Recently changed from a hotel to an events venue, your arrival to the house, down a secluded lane through fields and woodland, gives visitors the sense they are entering a different, secluded world. The venue is set in 80 acres of spectacular countryside, and offers bespoke events for clients that are looking for ‘out of the ordinary’. In terms of activities, their private estate is at your disposal. Book a wood-fired cookery class, use of the vintage car collection garaged on-site, or water-colour painting. There are three private Alfresco dining locations within the orchard woodland, which are perfect for summer parties, corporate lunches and dinners. Your clients can also experience an overnight stay in the luxury treehouse suite overlooking the acres of woodland and gardens.
Chewton Glen, New Milton, Hampshire is a privately owned luxury Country House Hotel & Spa on the edge of the New Forest. With just a two hour drive from London, this venue is surrounded by countryside, whilst being a walk away from the sea. Choose team-building exercises from water-based activities, night golf, bespoke cookery classes at their stand along cookery school and their own personal Chewton Glen hidden quest treasure hunt. Or why not stroll down to the sea via Chewton Bunny. For a more relaxing time after a day of meetings, perhaps spend a couple of hours using their luxury spa facilities.
Only a 45 minute drive from central London, Amber Lakes is a spectacular events venue that is situated between Heathrow Airport and Windsor. Hidden away from the world is 120 acres of fishing lakes within their private nature reserve, which can offer endless amounts of events…especially in the summer months. Their team-building activities are of course water-based such as dragon-boat racing and kayaking as well as offering private cinema screenings. A popular sport at Amber Lakes is in fact golf. They use the edge of their lake as a driving range so guests can aim directly into targets set on the water, also using biodegradable golf balls that turn into fish food for their under-water residents! Now who came up with that idea……