Johannesburg – Fill in the next deal from Myconos' private infinity pool or brainstorm your team at Orangerley, Sweden a century ago. Does it sound better than a fluorescent meeting room?
Leisure travel has always promoted hospitality innovation. And if the latest Amadeus Travels Trends report is any indication, the rise of experiential stays on holiday travel is set to rebuild corporate travel.
The report highlights several new luxury properties designed around an immersive and culturally rich experience. They weren't specifically designed for corporate travelers, but they reveal exciting changes in what business stays look like. Rather than providing a place to sleep during meetings, it provides an environment that promotes creativity, connection and happiness.
“What you see on today's leisure trips will shape tomorrow's business trip,” says Rategang Moroke, operations manager for Corporate Travelers. “Business travelers end up in a soulless hotel. They want to inspire, rejuvenate and add real value to their work trips.”
Looking at some of the report's most innovative properties gives you a glimpse into what future business trips will look like.
Calling Lake Como: It's the boardroom, but it's Belissimo
For business travelers eager to do their best to inspire the space, the Lake Como Edition could be a dream once it opens this year. Imagine kicking your day in an espresso-fueled strategy session on a private terrace overlooking the lake shore that sparked the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. As the warm Italian sun fades, you can seamlessly transition to your client's dinner party. This is a Michelin star experience overlooking the legendary Bellagio Mountain scenery.
What this means for the future of business travel: With travel experiences like these offered, business retreats and meetings are moving towards destinations that can inspire creativity and new perspectives rather than just functional meeting spaces. Masu.
Kenya's corporate zen zone
At Jannah Lamu, business travelers have the opportunity to take advantage of a new level of focus, connection and happiness. This experience can begin with a lively yoga session in a centuries-old courtyard before the team meeting unfolds in outdoor rooms refreshed by the breezes of the Indian Ocean. Even bonding exercises can get real local spins, from learning traditional handicrafts alongside villagers to Sunset Dow cruises led by Swahili storytellers.
What this means for the future of business travel: Companies are embracing more cultural engagement in corporate travel as a way to build meaningful team cohesion and expose employees to a new mindset.
Mykonos means business (with profits)
Who says business trips aren't slices of paradise? At the Anandes Hotel, business travelers were able to close major deals from the private infinity pool overlooking the iconic whitewashed village of Mykonos. When it's time for wine and meal clients, they will definitely enjoy fresh seafood – the day's catch picked straight from the Aegean sea. The jewels of this boutique could become the ultimate work hard/play hard escape, as the Greek island enchantment and modern productivity features combine.
What this means for the future of business travel: the corporate world is drawn to its intimate and distinctive boutique properties that allow for both focused productivity and luxurious relaxation and reward opportunities.
Hamburg hipster HQ
For teams thriving with innovative energy, Reverb Hamburg could be a game-changing “office” experience. This avant-garde property combines sophisticated design with social buzz and cutting-edge technology to move to craft beer-fueled brainstorming in the street art splash lounge by afternoon Think of a morning meeting in your room. Even interesting clients add an immersive local twist when the hotel's own music venues are lively every night.
This means for the future of business travel. Hotels need to evolve into not only functional accommodation, but also creative hubs and inspirational social spaces to meet the growing demands of an environment that nurtures collaboration and ingenuity.
Sweden CEO Sanctuary
At Maryhill Estate, business leaders can experience an unparalleled level of recovery focus for the best betting meetings and decisions. The grounds offer everything from a stately breakfast salon and strategy room with fireplaces to opportunities to walk through the carved forests and recent supervision within Scandinavian spa circuits. Perhaps most uniquely, property wellness experts can even create custom mindfulness meat production itineraries.
What this means for the future of business travel: As happiness and work-life balance prioritization increases, executive-level business accommodations integrate more rehabilitation and wellness-optimized environments.
Experience is a new business class
Smart companies know where you stay and shape the way you think, create and connect. Certainly, budgets remain important, but coming back from a business trip feels more energetic than exhausted.
“The line between leisure and business travel is blurry,” says Morroke. “Companies that embrace this shift aren't just buying better rooms. They're investing in better ideas, stronger teams and happier employees.”
For more information about corporate travelers, call Lori Cohen on 079 641 4965, or email lori@bigambitions.co.za.
