verted into a prayer room for the men's use on Saturday, and - best of all - the property’s staff organized a surprise family “Olympics” game to take place on Saturday when most of the group would be adhering to specific guide- lines (i.e.,bicycles,but no cars).
The games included balloons and cer- tificates for winners, and while the birthday girl was desperate to take pho- tos, but was prohibited from doing so, the Inn at Perry Cabin staff took photos of her with her family and presented themall to her the in a beautiful album.
“Clearly the cultural training staff underwent in anticipation of this group stay paid off,as one of the family mem- bers wrote us to say that ‘even the small- est details were executed flawlessly’,” notes Shatwell.
From the luxury travel agent who arranged this visit, "A million thank yous for making us look like heroes. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. ... Thank you for reminding me why I love this business somuch ...Youmade them [this family] feel loved,welcomed and comfortable to let their guard down. Youmade themfeel important and spe- cial. Indeed, this is what luxury hospi- tality is all about..."
If a group desires a fantastical faraway- in-mind-and-spirit adventure, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains will take them out of the office and into six nations of Africa.
Invigorated by the intrigue of the conti- nent, Kalahari Resorts dramatizes two bold destinations for group travelers. The convention center offers 65,000- square feet of space in an unconven- tional
setting. From handpicked
Rwandan coffee beans that are brewed on the property to handcrafted artwork, to music recorded on the streets of Cape Town,ameeting here dazzles with enchantment.
Kasia Siwulec, spa manager for the resort, shares a possible escape day in
44 March April 2017
the lives of attendees meeting at Kalahari. “The whole spa is booked and guests enjoy our Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy
area.There are nine shower heads allowing hot and cold water to treat different parts of the body in unison. They may have facials, full body massages, or foot and hand massages with special African-inspired scrubs.Appetizers are served, and they float out on a cloud.”
Siwulec has seen many groups over the holidays. “Last December, a local doc- tors’ office treated 11 ladies for spa and hydrotherapy treatments. They had a lovely lunch and, at the end, received Kalahari gifts purchased by their employer. It was a beautiful time.”
“We frequently take the spa to themeet- ing floor,” adds Michael Levine, director of sales. “If there is a break, participants can have a chair massage or foot and hand treatments. More and more planners are including relaxation in programs. After long days of being on their feet or sitting listening to speak- ers, spa treatments improve well being.”
Levine chuckles as he recalls the last visit Jim Cohn (Mid-Atlantic EventsMagazine’spublisher) made to Kalahari. “Right there in the mid- dle of a corporate event, a sunset wedding was held. Jim thought we were pranking him. Not so! A local couple just got news that the groom was soon to be deployed. They want- ed to be married right away, and we were happy to make that happen.”
Kalahari and its team do the same for groups and their families. There is entertainment for all. Kids can bowl, playminiature golf or spend all day in a 40-experience room. Spouses may browse and buy in the Shops of Marrakesh. They are mesmerized by gypsies, snake-charmers, wandering minstrels, magicians, folk singers and street artists. It’s a dreamlike tour of Morocco without ever leaving the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.
“There is so much to offer for young, old and in between,” asserts Levine. “Combining a getaway with a conven- tion, meeting or trade show is easy. No one ever sits in their room looking for something to do while they are here. Being at Kalahari is a celebration!”
“Nor do they have to say, ‘I’m going to the convention. See you in a week’,” sums up Siwulec.
West Virginia beckons and groups are responding. A top venue on planners’ lists is Oglebay Resort, located just out- side of Wheeling. The site, which dates to the late 18th century, offers 1,700- acres of recreational opportunities throughout the year.
Wilson Lodge atop a high hill includes 258-plus guest rooms and there are estate houses designed as executive retreats. Camps, picnic shelters and a 1,400-seat amphitheater are excellent spots for meetings and getaways. A recreation specialist is eager to help plan perfect team building exercises in order to motivate corporate groups.
Additional Oglebay highlights include: two championship golf courses, the newest designed by Arnold Palmer; the Good Zoo - the only accredited zoo in the state; while The Glass Museum and Environmental Education Center are must-see stops for any group, as well.
“Anyone can delight in something at Oglebay,” exclaims general manager for the resort,Rico Coville. “We have acres of breathtaking gardens, a three-mile biking course, multiple-mile walking trails, and Benedum Theater where laser light shows are presented. The zoo has more than 50 species of animals, while Mr. Oglebay’s estate, Mansion Museum, is a huge draw.”
Coville reports that groups staying for longer events like to host meetings the first day and devote the next to a range of activities.“Maybe, they will play golf in the morning and visit the zoo later. Many groups give participants ample
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