Check in
Buffet lunch & check in
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Gala Dinner & Party ď‚–
Cocktail ď‚–
Presentation ď‚–
Children Chorus ď‚–
Special Potato Menu ď‚–
Outdoor Activities Andean Ritual ď‚–
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MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS FEATURES
One-of-a-Kind Resort Experiences Make the most of a resort's location with unique group activities by Michael J. Shapiro | March 01, 2014
Plenty of your attendees have done beach Olympics, but how many have built and launched a rocket, raced cars through the desert, golfed on a frozen lake or woven alpaca wool? For truly memorable group activities, look for experiences unique to a property's location or natural surroundings. For inspiration, consider these examples (and see Short Cuts for more). Dye and weave alpaca wool Groups that check in to Peru's JW Marriott Cusco, above left, receive a cultural and historical education just by entering the hotel. The 153-room luxury property, two blocks from the main plaza, is built on the grounds of the 16th-century San AgustĂn Convent. The hotel was constructed around an impressive amount of the pre-Inca walls and architecture that remained, ensuring that guests never really forget where they are. Stunning stone archways and ancient walls are present throughout the resort, and guided tours can be taken around the grounds.
The hotel offers nearly 1,500 square feet of meeting space, including the 872-square-foot Gallery Courtyard, which is the very same open-air courtyard of the original convent. For sit-down banquets for up to 350 people, the Inca theme can be carried through to the menu, with traditional dishes and regional specialties such as quinoa, local vegetables and roast alpaca. http://www.meetings-conventions.com/print.aspx?id=57658
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Because potatoes are such a staple of the Peruvian diet - more than 3,000 varieties are grown in the country - a menu can be built around them, from appetizers to even cocktails and desserts. As for the llama-like alpacas, they aren't just an item on the dinner menu. They provide the wool for traditional Inca textiles. For weaving demonstrations and wool-dyeing team-building exercises, the hotel brings in a local artisan. Or, group excursions can be arranged to a nearby district that is home to several weaving cooperatives. For a slightly longer excursion - and more strenuous team building - Machu Picchu is three hours away by train. JW Marriott Cusco, (011) 51-84-582200; marriott.com/hotels/event-planning/travel/cuzmcjw-marriott-hotel-cusco
Make your own wine The Vines Resort & Spa, tucked in among 1,500 acres of vineyards at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Men​ doza, Argentina, offers out-of-the-way luxury for oenophiles. Small groups (the property features 22 oneand two-bedroom villas) can work in the vineyards alongside acclaimed consulting Rustic luxury: The Vines Resort & Spa sits among 1,500 acres of
winemaker Santiago Achaval, on hand to
vineyards at the foot of the Andes Mountains. Small groups at the
share secrets and explain all aspects of the vineal process.
resort, as well as those who invest in a private vineyard, can participate in the winemaking process.
The property's in-house experts know of what they speak: The Vines of Mendoza-produced Recuerdo wines received high marks from Wine Spectator, with 91 points going to the 2011 Gran Corte and 92 points awarded to the 2011 Reserva. Indoor gatherings, whether wine-related or not, can be accommodated in the resort's private event space. The property also offers a spa, an infinity pool, horseback tours, bike trails, yoga, and private soaking tubs and plunge pools, among other draws. The particularly oenophilic and well-heeled among the group even have the option to invest in their own private vineyard, a 3- to 10-acre plot to be professionally managed and maintained by http://www.meetings-conventions.com/print.aspx?id=57658
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Home > Destinations > International
International
A Spotlight on Cusco, Peru By Deanna Ting February 4, 2014 Latin America, as a region, is an emerging one for meetings and incentives, and Cusco, Peru, is one such destination that is garnering interest from more U.S.-based companies and organizations. We recently interviewed Cecilia Rispa, a sales executive at the JW Marriott Cusco, to ask her about meeting and incentive trends in the popular South American destination. Are you seeing more U.S.-based groups heading to Cusco or to Peru in general for meetings or incentive trips? Why or why not? Rispa: While most of our meetings and incentives business come from Lima, Peru, and other locations in Latin America, we’re seeing a gradual increase in U.S.-based groups who are choosing Cusco as a destination for both meetings and incentive trips, because of the rich cultural experience the destination provides and accessible price points that vary by season.
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Why do you think U.S. groups should consider traveling to Cusco for a meeting or incentive? What kind of value proposition or ROI can a group have by meeting or traveling there? Rispa: Cusco is one of the world’s most cultural destinations and because of its proximity to Machu Picchu, one of the most desired places to visit. We are also famous for our gastronomy and historical sites and attractions, all of which our team can incorporate into the meetings and/or incentives trip experience. The addition of our JW Marriott property assures visitors a high level of products and services that only our brand can provide. What makes Cusco and the property a unique site for meetings and incentives? Rispa: The JW Marriott Cusco was built at the site of the 16th century convent of San Agustin and was restored to preserve an amazing amount of history. Some of our hotel rooms have pre-Inca walls and there are archeological ruins on suite for guests to enjoy. Although the property is steps away from Cusco’s Main Square, guests are submerged in the city’s culture without even stepping outside. Our team embraces and takes pride in the destination and its culture, and incorporates it all into group itineraries. What unique activities can groups engage in when they are in Cusco? Rispa: Our team has become very creative in providing groups with a rich cultural experience. On property, we create magical Inca themed parties and corresponding menus, working with local vendors to make sure all of the details are as authentic as possible. Our outdoor courtyard, which keeps the same dimensions as the original 16th-century convent, can host lunches and/or dinners for up to 350 guests. In addition to Cusco city tours, popular activities off property include outdoor barbeques at the picturesque Urubamba Valley and sit-down dinners in La Merced Convent and the palace of Archbishop of Cusco, which we coordinate with offsite vendors using Marriott product. We also arrange teambuilding exercises like dyeing alpaca wool. The city is also home to many acclaimed restaurants and we’re able to coordinate meals off property as part of the experience. What are some misconceptions that you find among U.S.-based travelers when it comes to Cusco or to Peru? Rispa: Some tend to perceive Cusco as an unsafe destination. Other believe it is a poor city with no infrastructure when, in fact, this is a fully developed area that provides travelers with modern amenities and brands they can trust, like the JW Marriott, for instance. How can meeting planners or incentive planners work with the hotel to create memorable meetings, events, and trips?
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Rispa: Our staff can work with planners to accommodate the needs of any group. The hotel has a trusted network of vendors, including travel agencies with which we schedule off-property tours, and designers to craft unique experiences. Can you give any examples of groups that have had a meeting or incentive at the hotel and what they did that was particularly unique or special? Rispa: One group wanted us to create a menu around the potato, of which there are more than 3,000 varieties grown in Peru. From cocktails to desserts, we created an entire menu that gave them an understanding of the different shapes, colors, and flavors of potatoes found in the region. It’s all part of providing a memorable experience for the client, and using the property’s resources and those found around this spectacular destination.
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