When Denise Swanson was planning a worldwide sales meeting for 250 last year, she didn't want just another boardroom or ballroom setting.
"People in sales spend most of their time indoors," said Swanson, senior sales coordinator for medical device manufacturer Intuitive Surgical. "I wanted to get them outside for a workout."
The Red Rock Casino Resort Spa in Las Vegas provided the perfect opportunity. Through the resort's Adventure Spa, Swanson organized group outings for mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and traditional spa treatments. Red Rock Resort also offers river rafting adventures, kayak tours, and indoor and outdoor rock climbing.
Adventure spas are popping up throughout the States for leisure and group travelers who need a little more action to cut the traditional take-it-easy approach. Some of these adventure spas have singular focus, while other-more indulgence oriented-facilities are incorporating some pretty strenuous activities into their menus.
"Companies are increasingly looking to blend the outdoors with the indoors for an adventurous twist to their meetings," said Denise Perkins, director of sales and marketing for Red Mountain Spa in St. George, UT, which opened the Red Mountain Conference Center last April to meet the rising number of meeting groups coming to the property.
"They want to see what they can do for employees that benefits their health and gives them something to take away," she said. In this case, according to Perkins, the takeaway is a renewed confidence resulting from being challenged by the activities and inspired by the outdoor settings. "Guests leave here with validation and a sense of accomplishment that they take back to the office."
Perkins has seen this desire for something more active from corporate groups of all kinds, having organized programs for organizations ranging from ExxonMobil, to State Farm Insurance, to Paul Mitchell. The spa's largest marketsCalifornia, New York, and Illinoistend to be where corporate culture is most prevalent.
"The business climate is stressful," Perkins said. "We offer a place where they can take a deep breath and escape from the sensory overload." To that effect, the resort asks groups to leave their suits at home and bring only comfortable attire for the invigorating environment. As part of Red Mountain Spa's "Climb to 'Spa'cess" package, groups will participate not only in outdoor activities, but will benefit from more traditional spa breaks like the popular "Bye-Bye BlackBerry Break," which offers hand massages and berry smoothies to make the office seem far, far away.
Originally published February 25, 2008