{"id":14403,"date":"2011-05-23T07:00:52","date_gmt":"2011-05-23T12:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=14403"},"modified":"2016-12-15T10:49:02","modified_gmt":"2016-12-15T16:49:02","slug":"caribbean-vacations-business-meets-pleasure-at-all-inclusive-resort","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2011\/05\/caribbean-vacations-business-meets-pleasure-at-all-inclusive-resort\/","title":{"rendered":"Business meets pleasure at all-inclusive resorts"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Mark Chesnut<\/em><\/p>\n

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Biz travelers will capitalize upon event facilities, a spa and world-class golf at the new Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal.<\/p><\/div>\n

All-inclusive resorts may bring to mind a sun-soaked Mexico vacation<\/a>, but as these beachfront hotels become increasingly upscale and diverse, they\u2019re also offering more for business travelers, whether it\u2019s a small executive getaway or a major convention.<\/p>\n

Many luxury all-inclusives have some sort of meeting space, and can also arrange for private group dining and themed events for business groups both large and small. Inaddition, a growing number have full-fledged convention space with audiovisual equipment and business services.<\/p>\n

Among the newest players in the field is Starwood Hotels & Resorts<\/a>, which in May announced the opening of its first all-inclusive resort: The Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal in Costa Rica. The property, which was formerly known as the Paradisus Playa Conchal<\/a>, is being upgraded and renovated in phases and will be complete in December. And while the property is clearly geared for relaxation \u2014 its offerings include a spa, lagoon-style pool with Jacuzzi and easy access to a golf course \u2014 business-minded guests may also make use of 6,500 square feet of meeting and event facilities.<\/p>\n

New business-friendly choices in the Caribbean include the Riu Palace Bavaro, slated to open in December in the Dominican Republic, which \u2014 like its sister properties, including the Riu Palace Punta Cana<\/a> \u2014 will have dedicated conference space. Or consider the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso<\/a>, an adults-only resort in Mexico\u2019s Riviera Maya, where guests can meet at the resort\u2019s Playa Paraiso Convention Centre, which has multiple meeting rooms that seat between 22 and 1,200 people. If there\u2019s time after work, you can always head to one of the swimming pools or the silky sand along Mexico\u2019s Caribbean coast.<\/p>\n

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