Author Staci Lichterman is the founder of Pop Culture Travel.

Each company retreat is an opportunity not only to regroup and revitalize an organization but where you go also says something to your employees about the values of your company.  Every destination and property has a unique personality.  It’s fun to find that perfect spot for a working vacation. 

If you need a place in Metro Phoenix for a board meeting, the new Andaz Scottsdale has a secluded location as well as a lot of space to make your feel as though you are visiting Palm Springs or another breezy destination, while saving on plane tickets.  Their meeting spaces have windows which look straight at Camelback Mountain, for a meeting with a view.  Your company can be one of the first to experience the modern luxury of this new addition to the Scottsdale resort scene.  Similarly, The Hermosa Inn offers a discreet setting in town for an exclusive board meeting. 

If you want to take the board out of town this summer, Park City is a great off-season escape in the summer.  The flight from Phoenix to Salt Lake is only 90 minutes and the mountain greenery is an ideal change of pace from Phoenix’s desert landscape.  Montage’s Deer Valley, The St. Regis & Sundance Resort all offer summer specials because Park City is traditionally considered a ski destination.  Personally, I think escaping to the mountains is perfect for the Phoenician executive.

If you are planning an incentive trip for your top performers, all-inclusive is the way to go!  Food and drinks are included in one package price so your top performers truly don’t have to worry about anything. Most salespeople like to party, if that’s how you want to reward your staff, send them to a Hard Rock Resort. The Hard Rock Punta Cana has the best casino in the Dominican Republic and the pools are a great party. You wouldn’t think it but the Hard Rock hotels are great family resorts and clients rave about their kids & teen clubs, so your top performers’ families can all have their own adventures. Hard Rock is even opening up a Woodward facility for teens this summer.  And of course, they’ve got a spa. Visiting the Dominican Republic is easy; all you need is a Dominican Republic e Ticket for each person attending to get the retreat started in style. 

If your top performers don’t have passports and you still want to send them to let off some steam, instead of Las Vegas, I’d suggest sending your employees to New Orleans. The food is amazing and you can still dance all night in the French Quarter. If you want to stay in the French Quarter, The Royal Sonesta has great rooms and an amazing jazz club. The Saint is a Design hotel two blocks from the French Quarter – just far enough away for it to be quiet. 

Whether your next meeting is big or small, it is a benefit to talk to your local travel agent for recommendations on how to maximize your meeting dollars so you and your employees can work hard, play hard and come back refreshed. 

Staci Lichterman, founder of Pop Culture Travel has more than 14 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry. Lichterman was ranked as one of the top-ten agents at American Express travel and has received sales recognition from other luxury brands. Lichterman, a passionate traveler, experienced event planner and customer service guru founded Pop Culture Travel to help take the confusion and hassle out of planning a trip. For more information visit popculturetravel.com/