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Hotel Focus: Penha Longa

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The Penha Longa resort is simply one of the most sublime hotels to visit on the Iberian Peninsula. Boasting not one, but two Michelin starred restaurants, a 27-hole world-class golf course, as well as a 1,500 sqm wellness centre and spa, the word luxury has never been more relevant than when referring to the Penha Longa. Situated in the former grounds of the eponymous monastery, and bordering two of the country’s most notable gated-communities, whilst just a short drive away from the beautiful capital of Lisbon.

For those who may be somewhat deterred by the grandeur of the Penha Longa have no fear of the resort being too exclusive. Mega-celebrities such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bryan Adams may own houses nearby. The pupils and families from the famous Carlucci American School may also frequent the resort, yet the Penha Longa is very much open to all comers.

A Focus On Food

I have mentioned the restaurants. Whilst there are a dozen different gastronomy experiences to try during your stay I’ll focus on the two that stand out immediately. Having one Michelin star restaurant in a hotel anywhere is a significant achievement in the world of hospitality. Having two is nothing short of sensational. LAB by Sergi Arola is famous for its incredible fusion dishes that have been rumoured to reduce some diners to tears thanks to the overpowering emotions that the combined flavours can bring. It also boasts a wine cellar that features an overwhelming 550 references from around the globe.

I dined with LAB’s Michelin counterpart, which is the Japanese (with a slight touch of Portuguese) restaurant, Midori. Midori was my first true experience sampling Japanese cuisine. That was seven years ago and I am still comparing every subsequent foray into Japanese cuisine to that. The food was incredible, the Saki almost blew my socks off, but the overall experience was like nothing I’d ever had in dining up until that point. I will forever associate the word precision, with the methodical, time-honed skill that the chef applied to prepare every dish as it came out for our party as I watched him. It is one of the signature joys of Japanese cuisine that you are able to watch the chefs at work so intimately, and it is a joy I first experienced at the Penha Longa.

Golf, Yoga, Event, Repeat.

The facilities at the Penha Longa aside from the restaurants are equally exceptional. The golf course as I mentioned in the beginning, is world-class for a reason. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, and home to 27 glorious holes amid the ruins of the medieval monastery. It’s easy to see why the course has hosted half a dozen major golf tournaments. The Wellness Centre boasts two outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool, Turkish bath, sauna, Jacuzzi, as well as some fantastic treatment rooms. You can also find a host of daily fitness activities to participate in whilst there. Yoga, Pilates, and outdoor fitness classes all run regularly and are available to guests to join in during their stay.

For accommodation, the hotel offers 194 luxury rooms and suites, all coming with their own balconies. The Penha Longa is a former royal palace of the Portuguese monarchy, and as such has a number of function rooms. These can cater for up to 600 delegates, and in total, there are 25 meeting rooms of different size. The Hotel is just a short drive from both Lisbon city and airport, but also the coastline. High praise must be reserved for the staff at this fantastic resort. Despite the wealth in abundance which resides in close proximity to the Penha Longa, the staff are exceptionally accommodating, towards all guests. Polite, attentive, and genuinely welcoming towards all guests.

The Final Word

The Penha Longa is an amazing location for any event or occasion. Its history is one of opulence and luxury but also quiet and solidarity. It has been a place of worship for both deities and dynasties. It encourages wellness but also indlugnece in some of life’s simpler pleasures. A place open to formality and family. Now all that’s left is to decide when you will go!

For more Infomation about the Penha Longa click here.

Motivation Vacation: Why Team Building Matters

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Team building amongst colleagues is a valuable method of improving co-operation, productivity, and positivity in the workplace. It’s an opportunity to get people out of the office, and their comfort zones, to encourage them to interact and develop better relationships with their colleagues. But is there really more to team building then a break from work?

Causes For Concern?

Sometimes, yes, we all need a break from work. From the pressures and confines of the office, from the constant scrutiny of supervisors, managers, and directors, or just from the people you sit next to every day. It’s natural we are all human, we all cope with stress and expectations in different ways. But if you’re the person in charge, and you see that there are very real divisions if not outright conflicts going on in the office, what do you do?

You might feel like you should step in, but won’t out of fear of escalating the situation, a very real problem and not one to be taken lightly. You might feel that some behind the scenes subterfuge, shakeups in the chain of command, relocating warring colleagues from each other, or thinly veiled directives for everyone to stop causing problems and get on with their jobs or else is the best way to handle a tricky situation.

Different situations call for different measures but, sometimes, it’s better to take these problems out of the office. Put them and the people with them, in a different territory where they can be wrong-footed, challenged, put-on-the-spot and made to step-up and tackle issues in a more productive and hopefully, more positive manner. Perhaps I’m overselling it to you at this point and what you actually have is an office or workspace full of disgruntled, unmotivated, and anti-social colleagues who really just need a chance to lighten up.

Enter: The Team Building Trip

Team building getaways are an ideal way of beating all of these problems if not just short of being a guaranteed solution. Raft building in Tenerife. No one would ever think they would be there doing it, let alone doing it with the people they spend 40 hours a week with, yet here they are. Having the time of their lives, on an expenses-paid trip with work, learning to laugh and get on with each other. A fire-pit at night, people are actually talking to each other, engaging in levels of discourse previously unheard or even thought of, helping to embolden employees to communicate with each other in a way they never had previously.

Picture this. The first day back at work, post-trip, and people are smiling. There is laughter, genuine laughter being heard in the office for the first time in months, unforced, as people chat with each other with genuine interest and enthusiasm. Colleagues who were once animous are now amicable. The relationship between management and staff is more relaxed and informal, more open, communicative, better for both parties. The team-building process is complete and you now have a happier and better-connected staff then you did previously.

But Can We Really Achieve That Much From Team Building?

Beach Team Building

If I have said it once I’ll reiterate it now; there are no guarantees when it comes to these trips. You cannot always pick a venture or an itinerary which satisfies anyone (which is also why in my opinion you are better off going into these things blind and leaving it to the pro’s like us), and some issues just cannot be resolved in a weekend or a week, and neither should you try to force them to be, because your focus shifts away from the enrichment of your staff as a whole, and you will end up scrutinising (possibly unfairly as well) a few select individuals.

But if you’re smart, you pick the right time of year, end up in the right environment and atmosphere (which should come courtesy of yours truly at Conference-Desk) then there is no reason why you will not end up going on the team-building adventure of your workplace lifetime. In fact, the only problem you should ever have after a successful motivation vacation is that everyone won’t stop asking you when the next one is!

To enquire about booking your next team-building trip click here.

Destination: Prague “The City of a Hundred Spires”.

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Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There is a good reason for that. For centuries, it has managed to hold on to its distinctly medieval and Gothic feel, thanks to the fantastic restoration and maintenance of its many historical buildings. The Old Town square, Charles Bridge, and the former royal palace are just a few of the more recognisable attractions. Even some of their older Trams are a part of the cities iconic imagery!

More Than Touch of History…

Located on the banks of the river Vltava, Prague has been a key city in Europe for centuries. The castle of Prague and a fledgeling settlement had existed since 800 AD, and the city was occupied in some form before that for much of the last thousand years. The city was relatively obscure however until the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, designated Prague the new capital of the empire. Prague was transformed and became the third most populous city in Europe. The Saint Vitus Cathedral was constructed, and its Gothic design influenced the construction of many other projects in the city.

Despite numerous civil disorders and being ravaged by war throughout the centuries Prague has endured. After the “Velvet Revolution”, and subsequent divorce at the start of the 1990s, Prague was reinvigorated by the collapse of the Iron Curtain. Today it is a hub for tourism in central Europe, and an important cultural centre for the arts, hosting numerous festivals throughout the year.

A City of Food...

There are other attractions to Prague aside from Architectural and artistic delights. The local cuisine deserves special mention. Contrary to popular belief, Goulash is not a dish native to the Czech Republic but instead comes from neighbouring Hungary. However, you may still Goulash in just about every restaurant in Prague, and the local variety is delicious. Served typically with the trio of traditional Czech dumplings or as a soup, it’s perfect at any time of year. Svickova is a local classic that contains beef pierced with speck, as well as dumplings. Kulajda is a creamy potato soup served with mushrooms, and usually a poached egg on top. Carp is an interesting acquisition to the Czech national cuisine from the orient but is now the most farmed fish in the Czech Republic. For those who are fans of fish, it is definitely worth trying some of the “local” servings.

There is no possibility of talking about Prague and not mentioning one of its most famous delights. Beer, or Pilsner for the more cultured visitor. The town of Plzen may hold the name and fame for the original amber delight, but Prague is where you go to find if in a thousand other forms. Craft beer was probably a thing in Prague before it was ever a thing. Budapest may be famous for its ruin bars but Prague is a paradise for those who love all things beer. Make that beer cellars too… There are hundreds of subterranean bolt-holes to escape the crowds or bad weather and indulge yourself in the flavours of one of the world’s best beer-making nations. Failing that, it’s a pretty incredible place to go absinthe tasting too!

A City For Every Event…

Prague is an amazing destination for events of any kind. The city is a natural home for conferences thanks to the presence of so many buildings of grandiose designs from both past and present. The hotel industry is thriving thanks to the boom in tourism, which is now a full-time economy to the city and sees millions of visitors throughout all months of the year.

We haven’t even begun to cover some of the attractions that are located just outside of the city that offer a break from the crowds during the high-season. A perfect location for a short trip of two-three days, and with a variety of options to entertain yourself and your party once there. Prague is one of the most exciting destinations conference-desk has the pleasure of doing business in. To find out more about bookings for Prague, click here.

Hotel Focus: Asia Gardens

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The typical trip to Benidorm is not one where the word “luxury” may spring to mind straight away. The towering skyscrapers and the sizeable number of apartment blocks that dominate its skyline are more reminiscent of Las Vegas then they are of a seaside city on the Costa Blanca. The famous Hotel Bali may look impressive thanks to its considerable size, but is this the place you would choose to go for immersing yourself in your surroundings, or for holding a conference? Fortunately, just a few short miles into the hills away from the Playa Levante, we find the hidden oasis of the Asia Gardens.

The Gateway to The Orient

Oasis is the exact term I would use to describe my first thought upon visiting this other-worldly hotel. Once you make it through the rather spectacular lobby and atrium the fun really begins when you see the start of the signature gardens. Bamboo trees line the perimeter of the entire hotel, conveniently shutting out any intrusive buildings, encasing you in a jungle-like environment. There is a vast network of connecting paths that take you through over 150,000 immaculately maintained shrubs and bushes. On your travels, you will constantly traverse alongside countless ponds and other water features. Shangri-La, as it turns out, does exist after all. But instead of the dense jungles of south-east Asia, you can find it on the Costa Blanca.

Business or Pleasure, The Asia Gardens can be enjoyed at your leisure.

It is fortunate that some of the larger ponds come with signs to advise you not to swim in them. Thankfully, the hotel boasts an impressive amount of pools. Seven larger ones, as well as a host of smaller ones used for treatments and adults only. Most of the pools are heated also which makes swimming outdoors available almost the entire year. The food as you may have also guessed is exquisite. Eight restaurants, offering not only traditional dishes from both the Orient and the Mediterranean, but also a wonderful assortment of gastro and fusion in other restaurants. Each dining area also presents a different environment and theme in which to gorge yourself senseless in.

The Spa at the Asia Gardens is also worth mentioning. I say mention. What I mean is it should be the first thing you incorporate into your trip itinerary. Every professional on the Asia Gardens Spa team has trained at the Wat Pho temple in Bangkok. Why such a big deal? It is one of the oldest in the city and considered the first University ever established in Thailand. Each professional on the team is a master of technical practice that has been passed down and taught for two and a half thousand years. I feel relaxed just writing about it. Booking in advance is mandatory as the demand for treatments is naturally very high!

More Than A Hotel: An Incentive For Experience.

The Asia Gardens is so much more than a hotel. It is one of the most perfect destinations for any kind of event or corporate trip. It offers considerable space, with over 300 Balinese style rooms for guests. The impressive conference and meeting room facilities can hold up to 800 delegates. The atmosphere is tranquil and intimate, yet open and engaging at the same time. The region around the hotel has plenty of options for exploration and travel with Alicante being a half-hour drive away, and the coastline up to Valencia is worthy of exploration. But on a short trip of two-three nights, you will struggle to fully explore all that Asia Gardens has to offer.

The Asia Gardens is a truly remarkable experience for any type of stay. The hotel has an uncanny ability to replicate the surroundings of its oriental inspiration. You will feel like you have been transported into another world during your stay there, and with its impressive facilities and staff (who I have not mentioned nearly enough but are all wonderfully accommodating and friendly). It is a sure-fire winner for any event or occasion.

For more Infomation about booking the Asia Gardens and to view Conference-desks rates and enquire about bookings, click here.

ABU DHABI Conferences & Events – Ever thought of holding your event here!?

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Abu Dhabi is the wealthiest of seven oil-rich states, it is the Jewel in the United Arab Emirates, cultural crown- a multi-island, mega flush destination for 5-star play and stay where event the police drive Rolls Royce Phantoms.

Majlis is Arabic for a top-level meeting place and in Abu Dhabi; the traditional majlis – a tented meeting place where hospitality abounded before negotiations began – it has been the setting for business meetings from the heyday of the silk route. The tradition, which characterised the early signing of petroleum concessions, lives on today and our majlis is now among the most advanced and competitive around. Abu Dhabi has taken the best of the past and refreshed it with the finest for the present and future.

Overview of Abu Dhabi….

What was 50 years ago no more than a fishing village, Abu Dhabi now straddles some 200 islands in the Arabian Gulf. Most of the action is in the west, around pristine beachy corniche. The finance district sits astride Al Reem and Al Maryah Island and NW is Arty Smart Saadiyat (with the imminent Louvre & Guggenheim). East is the water Parks, Mega Malls and Motor madness of Yas Island.

Here are some tips & facts!

Weather. Best Time to visit is November – April, pack a shawl for cooler eves. July to September soar to the high 40s.

Don’t use suncream USE SUNBLOCK!

English is widely spoken and the locals are very friendly

The city is very safe  there’s virtually no crime

EVENTS: Volvo ocean race  (Jan)  Hot Yaughts; Abu Dhabi Food Festival (Feb)  Abu Dhabi Classics (Oct May)  Raising the Baton Art Fair ( Nov) F1 ABU Dhabi Grand Prix ( Nov)

The weekend is Friday to Saturday, Sunday is their first day of the week.

Conference Venues in Abu Dhabi

At Conference Desk, we have chosen and selected only the very best hotels in which we wish to work with and here are a few…

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr 

   

Modish dandy for work and play with spacious suites, vast toe dipper, stagger waterside views of the grand mosque, plus top tables Marco Pierre White and Frankies Italian. The  Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. Offering superior hospitality, state-of-the-art technology and more than 2,500 square metres (26,900 square feet) of meeting space, the business-friendly hotel in Abu Dhabii is your gateway to the wonders of the Middle East.

Ritz Carlton

  

Set against a backdrop of the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal offers a wide array of facilities including 447 luxurious guestrooms and suites, 85 private villas, ten food and beverage options, and an expansive outdoor pool. With 14 meeting rooms and the magnificent 1,550-square meter (16,685 square foot) Roma Ballroom that is divisible by three, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal can accommodate groups of all sizes for an inspiring meeting experience

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

   

Dazzly, a comtempo corniche side pillar of swish apartments with private beach, label stable avenue and fab Talise Spa.

Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche

Gaze over the Arabian Gulf from Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche a skyscraping luxury 5-star hotel in Abu Dhabi with 280 rooms. Discover pan-Arabic opulence blended with French art de recevoir. Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is a landmark of Abu Dhabi. Its chic facade and modern interiors are inspired by French Art Deco and designed by London WA International.

Emirates Palace

  

The premier meeting and conference destination in the city, Emirates Palace attracts business drivers and key decision makers from around the world to its beautiful front steps. A royal wedding, an auditorium hosting the world’s greatest orchestras, operas and 42 meeting and conference rooms, Emirates Palace offers a world-class award winning venue and the most flexible and technologically advanced conference expertise.

ACTIVITIES 

If you are looking for a destination that offers fun-filled activities for your Team then Abu Dhabi has it all..! We work with only the best Destination Management Companies in Abu Dhabi who will provide you and your team a bespoke activity and event package.

   

Explore the seemingly endless Empty Quarter on a desert safari with an exhilarating ride over sand dunes in a four-wheel drive. Followed by a sunset barbecue at a Bedouin-style campsite, where you can climb aboard a camel, have a go at sandboarding and watch peregrine falcons in flight.

If you’re after an active experience, leave the city behind and take a kayaking or paddleboarding trip through Abu Dhabi’s vast and peaceful mangrove forests.

Yas Island is the emirate’s entertainment hub. Non-stop fun awaits at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, which has 45 rides and slides across four thrill levels, and budding Lewis Hamiltons will love racing go-karts around Yas Marina Circuit. Adrenalin junkies can ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and little ones can enjoy the driving school.

CONTACT US NOW FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOLDING AN EVENT HERE.

info@conference-desk.com