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Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires

by | Jul 13, 2021 | Podcasts
DE 42 | Buenos Aires

 

For those who want to immerse their business travel into colorful dances, historic culture, and exquisite wine, there’s no better place than the Paris of South America: Buenos Aires. Emmy-winning host and dancer Mickela Mallozzi shares her experiences with milongas, which is more about connecting with people than just dancing tango. Meanwhile, Juan Melo Pacheco explores the Argentinian hospitality they take pride in at The Faena Hotel, making it an excellent event destination for any purpose. For their destination favorites, Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth look at everything Buenos Aires has to offer by going beyond the wine tastings and tango dancing.

Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth are travel and hospitality entrepreneurs and owners of the global meetings organization, American Meetings, Inc. From sourcing hotels in Buenos Aires to corporate event management around the world, their team selects corporate event venues and meeting planners for a wide array of enterprise business clients, providing ideas for convention themes and strategies for running global meetings and events. Learn more at www.mtgshealth.wpengine.com.

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Buenos Aires

Emmy-Winning Host and Dancer Mickela Mallozzi Shares Tips To Tango and Experience Argentinian Hospitality with the Faena Hotel

Buenos Aires is considered as the Paris of South America, drawing influences from France, Italy, and Spain to create its colorful history and culture. It is known for its unique love for tango and exquisite Malbec wine. Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth explore these amazing things and more, highlighting the incomparable beauty of Buenos Aires.

Mickela Mallozzi, Emmy-Winning Host And Dancer 

It cannot be denied that Mickela Mallozzi produced a great show in the form of Bare Feet, a travel series about dance all over the world. It ranks fifth behind shows with way bigger productions and budgets, such as Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy and Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi.

Mickela credits the strong edge of their show over others to her nature of seeing dance as a universal language instead of just an art form. She doesn’t care so much about her looks or if she’s making a lot of misstep, but uses dance as a way to connect with others and share a personal moment.

With this mindset, Mickela found the milongas of Buenos Aires a really fitting social event for her. It is a tango dance party, where conversations between locals and tourists happen not through words but by the body movements of dancing.

Lots of places where you can attend milongas have appeared throughout Argentina, with some embracing more modern approaches. Mickela still recommends tourists and first-timers to try tango in its traditional form first to fully appreciate the incredible experience it has to offer.

Mickela’s Top Picks On Where To Find Traditional Milonga

  • La Glorieta
  • La Catedral Club
  • Milonga Zona Tango

Andy and Todd’s Destination Favorites

  1. Watching a tango show at El Cabaret
  2. Joining a Malbec wine tasting session
  3. Booking private guided tours of polo stables
  4. Seeing world-class ballet, choir, and orchestra at Teatro Colón
  5. Grabbing a coffee at Café Tortoni, Buenos Aries’ oldest café
  6. Strolling through the colorful streets of Palermo Soho
  7. Attending International Circus and Tango Festivals
  8. Riding a hydrofoil from Buenos Aries to Uruguay
  9. Visiting Casa Rosada
  10. Reflecting in the Recoleta Cemetery

Juan Melo Pacheco, Group Sales Manager at The Faena Hotel

Those looking for a high level of Argentinian hospitality embedded in local history and deep cultural values should definitely visit The Faena Hotel. This five-star building is something tourists must not miss, especially those who want to enjoy an authentic Buenos Aires lifestyle.

According to its Group Sales Manager, Juan Melo Pacheco, it was originally a British-style warehouse converted into a sophisticated building many people know and love today. They also chose red as the color of their brand, symbolizing the passion they uphold in delivering top-notch accommodation that cannot be found anywhere else.

The Faena Hotel’s Dining Options

  • El Mercado, a typical Argentinian restaurant
  • Bistro Sur, an Argentinian food place with modern twists

Juan also presents their wine and cheese tasting experience for VIP guests. It is only available to a select few, offering the best drinks to complete everyone’s stay. They also hold tango shows in the hotel as their most recognized piece of entertainment complete with five-star luxury dining services.

Must-See Locations Near The Faena Hotel

  • Puerto Madero. It is great for long walks and early morning bike rides. It also has two miles of well-known restaurants, giving tourists a chance to have a mesmerizing food trip.
  • San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in town. It served as the hometown of immigrants at the beginning of the 19th century before spreading into the Argentine territory. Tons of flea markets can be found here on the weekends, with couples making the streets lovelier with tango dancing.
  • Boca Juniors Field, home to one of the biggest soccer teams in Argentina. Here, you can play or watch games with family and friends.

About Mickela Mallozi

Mickela Mallozzi is the four-time Emmy® Award-winning Host and Executive Producer of Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi, a travel series highlighting the diversity of dance that airs on PBS stations nationwide and on Amazon Prime Video globally.

A professional dancer and trained musician, Mickela decided to start a journey around the world, taking her camera with her to follow dance in the lives of everyday people wherever she went. From re-discovering her family’s heritage in Southern Italy to dancing tango on the main stage in Buenos Aires, the series covers Mickela’s adventures as she experiences the world, one dance at a time.

She has been featured in The New York Times, O Magazine, AFAR Media, Travel Channel, Dance Magazine, Forbes, National Geographic, Condé Nast Traveler, and more, and she has performed on various television shows including Sesame Street and The Doctor Oz Show. Mickela has learned over 65 dances in over 33 countries in the past decade since she started Bare Feet in 2010.

About Juan Melo Pacheco

Juan was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina; he is a results-oriented sales manager with Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Associate’s degree in Hotel Management.

Juan has been working in the industry for 17 years and specifically in group sales for 11 years, only in luxury tier properties. He has expertise in almost any sort of groups, ranging from leisure tours to high scale incentives; from worldwide renowned artists to official state visits of a king and from a local corporate meeting to a multinational company CEO visit.

Juan has a profound interest in technology and its application in the business world. He normally tells his co-workers to call him before contacting the IT guy (and he won’t ask if they rebooted the pc!). In his spare time, he enjoys video gaming, motorcycle riding, movies or ‘binge-watching’ a new TV series. And a gathering for a nice Argentine barbecue with friends is a must from time to time.

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6 Destinations For A Company Incentive Trip

6 Destinations For A Company Incentive Trip

by | Jul 6, 2021 | Podcasts
DE 33| Incentive Trips

 

Choosing destinations for incentive trips are our specialty. From wine tours in Napa Valley, to hiking Machu Picchu, here is our guide to the top incentive travel destinations. Join in as we rave about six wonderful destinations you’d want to consider for your next company incentive trip. The key to having a successful company trip is proper planning to ensure comfortable accommodations for your members. Don’t miss out on these must-visit destinations! 

Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth are travel and hospitality entrepreneurs and owners of the global meetings organization, American Meetings, Inc. From sourcing hotels to corporate event management around the world, their team selects corporate event venues and meeting planners for a wide array of enterprise business clients, providing ideas for convention themes and strategies for running global meetings and events. Learn more at www.mtgshealth.wpengine.com.

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Watch the episode here:

6 Destinations For A Company Incentive Trip

Planning a company incentive trip brings up a wide array of destination options. You’ll want to ensure your group has an established list of activities and finds comfort in their accommodations. When it comes to coming up with destination options, the sky is literally the limit. Your group could zipline through the Costa Rican rainforest, sip Hardy Cabernet in California’s wine country, or do anything in between.  

We’ve put together a list of destinations that will inspire all types of travelers. Here are top six destinations for a company incentive trip you can try out.

1. Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is located in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. It’s best known as a year-round ski resort destination for outdoor recreation. If your team loves outdoor recreational sports, you should definitely check out Aspen!

Places You Can Visit

  • Maroon Bells
  • Snowmass
  • Glenwood Springs
  • Silver Queen of Gondola

Things You Can Do

  • Skiing
  • Hiking
  • Ski tube snowmobile during winter
  • Zip Line
  • Rope Courses during summer    

2. Napa Sonoma Region In California

Since Napa County is found north of San Francisco, you can easily ride across the Golden Gate Bridge going there. The Napa Valley is known to be the “wine region” because of the hundreds of hillside vineyards you’ll encounter along the way.

Places You Can Visit

  • Opus One Winery
  • Viansa Sonoma Winery Tours and Activities
  • Castello di Amorosa Tours and Activities
  • Opus One Winery
  • Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Tours and Activities

Things You Can Do

  • Ride on hot air balloons
  • Private wine tasting

3. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a breathtaking country of rainforests located in Central America. It contains over 5% of the world’s biodiversity. If you’re into ecotourism, you should definitely check out Costa Rica! Also, did you know that it’s known as one of the happiest countries in the world?

Places You Can Visit

  • Monteverde and the Cloud Forests
  • Tortuguero
  • Arenal Volcano
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Mal Pais and Santa Teresa

Things You Can Do

  • Cabby tours
  • Rainforest surf lessons on the Pacific or the Atlantic
  • Yoga Retreat
  • Waterfall rappelling
  • Zip line
  • Rafting tours
  • Visit a coffee plantation

4. The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a chain of islands within the Lucayan Archipelago of the West Indies in the Atlantic. We’ll focus more on the properties around Paradise Island.

Places You Can Visit

  • Vacation Resort Atlantis Paradise Island.
  • Cove Luxury Bahamas Resort
  • Baha Mar Resort Complex
  • Harbor Island
  • Abaco Beach Resort
  • The Capital City Nassau

Things You Can Do

  • Swim with dolphins in the Cove
  • Island hopping

5. Ireland

Ireland is a country in Western Europe that holds many unique experiences for you. If you want to be able to take folks to Europe without having to spend a whole lot of time getting there, Ireland is a great choice.

This country is also known as the “Emerald Isle” and “The Land of Saints and Scholars”. It’s famous for being the home to more Nobel Prize winners for literature than any other place in the world.

Places You Can Visit

  • Dublin (UNESCO City of Literature in 2010)
  • Shannon
  • Castles across the country

Things You Can Do

  • Pub crawls in Dublin
  • Golf

6. South America

South America is a continent of the superlatives. It houses the longest mountain range in the world (Andes), the greatest biodiversity (Amazon rainforest), driest non-polar desert (Atacama Desert), and more!

Places You Can Visit

  • Lima
  • Cuzco
  • Machu Picchu (with a sanctuary resort at the top)

Things You Can Do

  • Hiking
  • See Inca culture
  • Taste southern American food

That concludes this episode for top incentive destinations. To learn more about Andy McNeill & Todd Bludworth’s travels visit https://www.destination-everywhere.com/ Don’t forget to like and subscribe. Until next time and safe travels! 

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Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic

by | Jun 29, 2021 | Podcasts
DE 41 | Casa De Campo Resort

 

The Caribbean is home to many outstanding incentive spots and luxury resorts, but very few are as prestigious as La Romana’s first private resort, the Casa De Campo Resort & Villas. Whether you’re into golf, adventure treks, scuba diving, all-night parties or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of a private island, this resort in the Dominican Republic has got it all for you. Join our hosts Andy McNeill & Todd Bludworth as they talk to Jason Kycek, the Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Casa De Campo about what makes his resort so great. Jason delves into the many amenities and activities found on the resort, as well as giving us a look at the resort’s best-kept secrets. If you are looking for a Caribbean destination, then this episode is a must-catch.

Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth are travel and hospitality entrepreneurs and owners of the global meetings organization, American Meetings, Inc. From sourcing hotels in the Dominican Republic to corporate event management around the world, their team selects corporate event venues and meeting planners for a wide array of enterprise business clients, providing ideas for convention themes and strategies for running global meetings and events. Learn more at www.mtgshealth.wpengine.com.

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Dominican Republic

Luxury Caribbean Experiences With Casa De Campo Resort & Villas

The sunny municipality of La Romana in the Dominican Republic is home to one of the top luxury resorts in the country, The Casa De Campo Resort & Villas. Opened nearly 50 years ago, the Casa De Campo is one of the first and is arguably the best luxury resort in the country. In this episode, Todd and Andy talk to Jason Kycek, the Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing of Casa De Campo about the many amenities and experiences available at the resort.

Casa De Campo is a sprawling 7000-acre resort with beautiful villas and breathtaking views of the sea. The resort started life as a golf course development that has evolved into an exclusive, private gated community. The villas come with private staff and are reasonably priced for vacation-goers.

Originally established in 1975 by Charles Bluhdorn, the former CEO of Paramount Pictures, there is a thriving art school and artist community at the village of Alto De Chavon, headed by Charles Bluhdorn’s daughter, Dominique. The art school also hosts children from all over the world who are studying art. An incredible museum that boasts artifacts that would not be out of place in The Smithsonian rounds out the arts and culture experience.

Avid golfers will enjoy the experience of teeing off on the #1 golf course in the Caribbean, Teeth of the Dog, and two other just as renowned courses, Dye Fore and Links.

Dining and nightlife experiences abound. The main hotel hosts a live band and boasts a discotheque while The Genesis Nightclub in Altos De Chavon keeps the beats rolling throughout the night. Casa De Campo is also called home by many restaurants, seven of them owned and operated by the hotel. The marina is another top spot to go to for parties, so go check it out.

If you are in the mood for an adventure, either solo or in a group, then a day trip to nearby Catalina Island is just the ticket. Go fishing, scuba diving or snorkeling in the calm, beautiful waters. An hour away by boat is the resort’s best-kept secret: a sunken ship that has become a prime diving site. If you aren’t up for the dive, then lunch and sightseeing at the private island would be more your speed.

Polo is another fun activity for many, except, in Casa De Campo tradition, the mounts used are donkeys, instead of horses. A rodeo area is also available for more adventurous guests who wish to go horseback riding.

The resort is easily accessible, with its own airfield. You can also reach the municipality easily from the Punta Cana Airport, or the capital city, Santo Domingo, which takes a 45-minute drive. Traffic is virtually non-existent, making the drive a breeze. With the weather almost always at a balmy 80 degrees, you are guaranteed great weather nearly all year round.

Casa De Campo takes pride in being one of the top luxury resorts in Latin America and strives to ensure guests have an enjoyable stay. Recent upgrades include a family pool area and an adult Infinity Pool. A brand-new indoor and outdoor meeting space has been added too. The Riverside Marina has been spruced up with new rooms, activity areas and dining options for everyone staying to party.

With continuous improvements and changes, Jason and the rest of the staff at the Casa De Campo are not resting on their laurels, and they aim to make every stay at the resort a memorable one for every guest. SO the next time you’re in the mood to take a group to a Caribbean luxury resort, make Casa De Campo Resort & Villas your top choice.

About Jason Kycek

DE 41 | Casa De Campo ResortWith over 15 years of professional experience as a global hotelier, Jason Kycek joined Casa de Campo in the year 2016 and since then had facilitated the company’s growth and marketing strategy with a profound commitment to excellence, improving the satisfaction of our guests and securing the profitability for the shareholders.

Previously, Kycek was Vice President of sales and marketing for the Edgewater Hotel & Spa. Prior to this, he held the position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Occidental Hotels and Resorts, overseeing the U.S. sales and marketing initiatives for the company’s Caribbean, Mexican, and Latin American properties. Jason has also worked with Capella Hotels and KSL Resorts along with the luxury consortia markets.

He holds a degree from the University of Wisconsin. Kycek is acknowledged for his achievements in luxury resort, spa, & golf brand positioning, technical services, hotel openings, revenue management, operations and sales and marketing.

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How To Have An Incredible Experience When Choosing Rural Destinations

How To Have An Incredible Experience When Choosing Rural Destinations

by | Jun 22, 2021 | Podcasts
DE 35 | Rural Destinations

 

Andy McNeill talks with Adam Stoker, the President and CEO of Relic, an advertising agency that specializes in the tourism industry, about rural destinations and why companies should consider going to these places rather than conventional destinations. Adam tells Andy that one of the unique things about rural destinations is the ability to offer a more unique experience than major destinations, making meeting and event travel a more memorable experience for the team. He mentions that rural destinations have Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) and Destination Marketing Organization (DMOs) that work together to promote these locations to bring in events and continue to generate visitation.

 

Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth are travel and hospitality entrepreneurs and owners of the global meetings organization, American Meetings, Inc. From sourcing hotels to corporate event management around the world, their team selects corporate event venues and meeting planners for a wide array of enterprise business clients, providing ideas for convention themes and strategies for running global meetings and events. Learn more at www.mtgshealth.wpengine.com.

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How to Have An Incredible Experience When Choosing Rural Destinations

Traveling for business doesn’t have to be plain and boring. But how do we get away from the usual places everyone’s been to? In this spotlight episode of Destination Everywhere on how to have an incredible experience when choosing a rural destination, Andy McNeill invites Adam Stoker to talk about rural destinations and how you can choose one for your meeting and travel locations.

Adam Stoker is the President and CEO of Relic, an advertising agency specializing in the tourism industry. Adam has worked with destinations for nine years, consulting with leisure travel, stakeholder engagement, destination branding, meeting planner, convention meetings, and marketing.

First, Adam tells Andy about the Convention and Visitors Bureaus and Destination Marketing Organizations present in different states in the country. They work together to promote the destination and, depending on the location, have a marketing team and convention and events sales team whose job is to bring in events and place them in a hotel with the right destination. These organizations are funded by transient room tax or lodging tax.

Different ways rural destinations promote themselves:

  1.   Podcast
  2.   Social Media

 

Adam goes on to share the rural destinations he frequents and thinks would be great choices for others.

  1.   Bryce Canyon, Utah

This destination in Utah has no traditional convention center, but they used their resort called Ruby’s Inn to host smaller meeting areas. Since the start of COVID, they had a campaign called “Upgrade Your Dust” which aims to promote visiting their place to go hiking and use hiking equipment again and upgrade your dust from your garage to the dust in Bryce Canyon.

 

Destination Highlights: 

They offer an intimate outdoor experience opportunity with an incredible view of Bryce Canyon a hundred yards from the rest.

 

  1.   Beaufort, South Carolina 

Beaufort, South Carolina is a beautiful destination located right in the middle of Charleston, South Carolina and Hilton Head, South Carolina. It was a challenge for them to compete with these major destinations with budgets and media spending to promote themselves. To stand out from the competition, Beaufort South Carolina launched a podcast called The Inner Coastal podcast and brought in local stakeholders to talk about the destination and the unique experiences it can offer.

 

Destination Highlights:

They have the Kazoo Factory and museum. A lot of films have been made in this location as well and visitors can fully experience these .

 

  1.   Vernal, Utah

Vernal, Utah is two and a half hours outside Salt Lake City and three and a half hours west of Denver. It’s a big oil community, and they built a state-of-the-art convention center with breakout rooms unique features for catering, so organizations don’t have to worry about food when they come here.

 

Destination Highlights: 

They have a Dinosaur Land with a wall of bones, a rock wall on the side of the mountain where you can find chiseled out hundreds of dinosaur bones. They also have white water rafting that is great for summer.

 

  1.   Knoxville, Tennessee

This is a place with welcoming people and great dining choices. They have a town square with dining establishments and musicians that play music in the middle of the town square.

 

Destination Highlights:

Best dining experience for a great family trip and has great natural beauty.

 

  1.   Laredo, Texas

What is typically perceived as cowboy Texas has so much more to offer. Although it’s a border town, it’s a peaceful town with agencies to keep everyone safe.

 

Destination Highlights:

You can experience authentic Mexico without leaving the USA.

Discover other great destinations at www.destinations-everywhere.com.

About Adam Stoker

Adam Stoker is President/CEO of Relic. He’s been working with destinations for nine years, consulting with leisure travel, stakeholder engagement, destination branding, and convention/meetings marketing. He has been featured in the Utah Business and Utah Valley Business Magazines’ 40 Under 40 issues. He now speaks on different industry subjects at tourism conferences across the country, most recently including Utah Tourism Conference and the Texas Travel Summit. As one of the up-and-coming industry thought leaders, Adam’s impact on the industry is just beginning.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://mtgshealth.wpengine.com/podcast

Lisbon

Lisbon

by | Jun 15, 2021 | Podcasts
DE 36 | José Avillez

 

A city steeped in the Mediterranean Sun, history, and full of great culinary traditions, Lisbon is today’s destination. Join our hosts, Andy McNeill & Todd Bludworth as they explore the city for the best restaurants. Bringing two prominent people of the city, they talk to Michelin Star winning chef José Avillez and the General Manager of the iconic hotel Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa, Miguel Garcia. José shares his views about the best restaurants in Lisbon, the culinary traditions of Portugal, and his venue, Barrio do Avillez. Miguel then lets us in on his experiences running the most iconic 5-star hotel, what sets apart the Tivoli from others, and what he thinks are the must-dos in the city. Take a trip to Lisbon as you join today’s episode.

Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth are travel and hospitality entrepreneurs and owners of the global meetings organization, American Meetings, Inc. From sourcing hotels in Lisbon to corporate event management around the world, their team selects corporate event venues and meeting planners for a wide array of enterprise business clients, providing ideas for convention themes and strategies for running global meetings and events. Learn more at www.mtgshealth.wpengine.com.

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Watch the episode here:

Lisbon

Portuguese Michelin Star Chef José Avillez Talks Best Restaurants In Lisbon, And Meet Miguel Garcia, General Manager Of The Iconic Hotel Tivoli Avenida Liberdade

The city of Lisbon is the shining capital of Portugal, steeped in the Mediterranean Sun, history, and full of great culinary traditions. In today’s episode, Todd Bluddworth and Andy McNeill talk to Michelin Star winning chef José Avillez and the General Manager of the iconic hotel Tivoli Avenida Liberdade, Miguel Garcia.

José Avillez is considered one of the country’s most renowned chefs, receiving his first Michelin star in 2012 for his work with Belcanto, and winning his second Michelin star in 2019. José starts off this interview with a short but sweet introduction to the best of Portuguese cuisine, including the vaunted Bacalao.

Todd and Andy discuss José’s phenomenal rise in the culinary industry. José talks about the increase in growth of his restaurant when it won its first and second Michelin stars. He talks about gaining international guests and becoming the face of Portuguese cuisine, and how amazing the past 15 years have been.

The discussion moves on to Barrio do Avillez, a food venue where food meets entertainment. The venue includes a Taberna(Tavern), a Pateo focused on fish and seafood, a minibar, and a pizzeria. José notes that his restaurants are located in Chiado, a neighborhood steeped in literary and artistic tradition and history. You can get lost in Lisbon, but this can turn into an adventure, a feast for the eyes, mind and stomach. You can wander along the riverside, visit the historic churches and monuments, have a Pateis de Nata at one of the many small cafes, bask in the friendly neighborhood feel, and finally wind down with dinner at a Chiado restaurant with some fine Portuguese wine, cheese, and seafood.

Next up, we meet Miguel Garcia, the General Manager of the iconic Hotel Tivoli Avenida Liberdade. The hotel is the first 5-star hotel in Portugal and is located smack dab in the beating heart of the city.

Miguel offers authenticity and the historicity of the hotel as one of its great selling points. The staff is dedicated to providing the greatest experience they can for the guests. The Tivoli also hosts the GQ Man of the Year Event, an exclusive, black-tie event, and also an annual New Year’s Eve.

Miguel explains the origins and allure of Fado music and talks about the many Fado restaurants in the city. His three absolute must-dos in the city are:

  • Taking a tuk-tuk tour across the city
  • Visiting the castles and monasteries
  • Hitting up a Fado restaurant to close out the experience.

Todd and Andy next give a bucket list of some great activities to get into while in Lisbon:

  • Live music and great dining at one of the many Fado houses in the city. Listen to great music and enjoy wonderful food.
  • The Eduardo VII Park, named after English monarch Edward VII, who visited the country in 1903. Enjoy the park’s view of the city while enjoying a picnic with family and friends.
  • The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, found along the riverbank in the Belem district. The museum is open to the public.
  • Play golf in one of the many beautiful golf courses in the city, with great views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean
  • Surfing in Ericeira, the only European location listed in the world’s surfing reserves. It is 40 minutes out of Lisbon and a great place to catch the waves.
  • A sailing excursion along the Tagus River, with views of Belem and the Plaza de Commercio. Great for family outings and team-building events.
  • Join up with the private tram tours and see the city sights while enjoying pastries and wine.
  • Enjoy a culinary and artistic experience at the hip urban environs of the LX Factory, Lisbon’s cutting-edge hub of creativity.
  • Join the Sensorial Lisbon, a guided tour of the city of Lisbon while blindfolded, letting your other senses take over.
  • A quick flight to the Azores to explore the volcanic archipelago.

About José Avillez

DE 36 | José AvillezPortuguese and a chef, José Avillez’ main focus is to promote Portuguese gastronomy and contribute to making Portugal a top gastronomic destination. He’s considered one of the great references of gastronomy in Portugal and has stood out because of his enterprising spirit and drive to keep pushing further.

Currently, José Avillez has several restaurants in Portugal, in Lisbon and Porto, and also in Dubai, each with a different concept, but all expressing his passion for cuisine: Belcanto, distinguished with two Michelin stars and elected one of the 50 best restaurants in the world by the prestigious “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants”, Mini Bar, Bairro do Avillez (with Taberna, Páteo), Pizzaria Lisboa, Cantinho do Avillez in Lisbon (Chiado and Parque das Nações), Cascais and Porto; the three restaurants in the Gourmet Experience of El Corte Inglés Lisboa, Tasca Chic, Jacaré, Barra Cascabel (in partnership with Mexican chef Roberto Ruiz); Tasca, José Avillez’ first international restaurant project, at the 5 stars hotel Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, in Dubai.

Together with José Bento dos Santos and the Quinta do Monte D’Oiro vineyard, José Avillez produced the JA wines with his signature: JA Red, JA White and JA Rosé. José Avillez has also contributed to countless Portuguese and foreign books, authored and hosted TV and radio shows.

About Miguel Garcia

DE 36 | José AvillezMiguel Garcia, General Director of the Hotel Tivoli Avenida Liberdade and Regional Operations Director of Minor Hotels for Urban Hotels Portugal (the city hotels segment). Miguel Garcia, a passionate hospitality professional with 20 years of experience in the national and international hotel sector, has been Managing Director of Tivoli Avenida Liberdade since 2018. He accumulates the general management of Tivoli Avenida Liberdade with the responsibility of Regional Director of Operations for Urban Hotels since February 2020.

Miguel Garcia started his career going through several hotels in Portugal, but also abroad, at Le Meridien Copacabana Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel & Resorts in Lisbon and Geneva. He spent nine years in Brazil where he was General Director of Hotel Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort, Relais & Chateaux, located in Florianopólis. He was also Operations Director of Belmond Copacabana Palace (three years) and General Director of Tivoli São Paulo Mofarrej, located in the Jardins district, in the capital of São Paulo, transforming and repositioning the Hotel, being today recognized as a reference in this great city.

In 2018 he returned to Portugal to take over two units of Minor Hotels in the center of Lisbon, where he had the objective of reinforcing the positioning of Tivoli Avenida Liberdade, the historic hotel in the city of Lisbon that belongs to the Leading Hotels of the World.

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Top 6 Hotels In Philadelphia

Top 6 Hotels In Philadelphia

by | Jun 8, 2021 | Podcasts
DE 33| Incentive Trips

 

Planning a meeting in Philadelphia is easy when local hotels are historic, award-winning, and offer luxury amenities. From short walks to the Liberty Bell to dinner with panoramic city views, here are our top hotels in Philadelphia. Fall in love with history in this mesmerizing city while enjoying top-notch cuisine from the best restaurants. Business travelers will be sure to find great lodging in these most exquisite amenities. 

Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth are travel and hospitality entrepreneurs and owners of the global meetings organization, American Meetings, Inc. From sourcing hotels in Philadelphia to corporate event management around the world, their team selects corporate event venues and meeting planners for a wide array of enterprise business clients, providing ideas for convention themes and strategies for running global meetings and events. Learn more at www.mtgshealth.wpengine.com.

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Watch the episode here:

Top 6 Hotels In Philadelphia

With just a one-hour train ride south of New York, you will reach Philadelphia. A place rich in history, the City of Brotherly Love is home to the Liberty Bell, the famous Rocky steps, and the house of Betsy Ross, among many others. It is also where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. 

If you plan to visit Philadelphia, one of the first things you should be looking for is the hotel. But besides its room accommodations and housekeeping services, you must also take into consideration its overall feel and the most exciting amenities it houses. 

Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth have visited Philadelphia many times before. Besides their personal travels, they have also done a lot of business here. Revisiting their memories and experiences, they explore six of the most beautiful and elegant hotels in Philadelphia. They dive deep into what to find within its walls, the food it offers, and the nearby places for each establishment that every visitor would love to see. 

1. Four Seasons Hotel

Originally located in the Logan, the Four Seasons Hotel at Comcast Center is now downtown. Andy and Todd’s favorite feature is the mesmerizing panoramic view that offers an amazing sight when the whole city lights up at night. 

Hotel Highlights: 

  • Jean-Georges Restaurant is located on the hotel’s 59th floor. The place has floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a lovely view. 

2. Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Even with several branches worldwide, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at Philadelphia stands out because of its unique architectural design. Located at the former Girard Trust Building, this place is a favorite choice for business meetings and events. 

Hotel Highlights: 

  • The bank’s former vault is now one of the most requested meeting places, which is now known as the Grand Ballroom. All the walls are warped and carry great history. 

3. Rittenhouse Hotel

Featuring high-end service and experience, the Rittenhouse Hotel was voted as the top hotel in the Mid-Atlantic by Condé Nast Traveler in 2020, receiving a score of 99.55. It is known as the gem of the city center. 

Hotel Highlights: 

  • The hotel restaurant features a chef’s table and six custom menu options for a wholesome and memorable dining experience.
  • The Library Bar located across the street from the hotel offers easy access for a place to unwind. 

4. Logan Hotel

Formerly the Four Seasons, the Logan Hotel takes pride in its helpful staff, fashionable amenities, and overall luxurious atmosphere. 

Hotel Highlights: 

  • An enticing farm-to-table restaurant. 
  • Philadelphia’s City Hall, located near the hotel, is arguably the prettiest one in the entire United States. 
  • The Philadelphia Museum of Art down the road, where the famous Rocky Stairs can be found. 

5. Hotel Monaco

Hotel Monaco is a paradise for history lovers since it can be found near the most important landmarks in the foundation of the United States. 

Hotel Highlights: 

  • The Independence Hall nearby where the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were signed. 
  • Betsy Ross’ house down the street, known as the birthplace of America. 

6. Loews hotel

Similar to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in terms of history, it is located in the city’s first skyscraper and landmark of the PSFS Building, which was once a bank. 

Hotel Highlights: 

  • The bank’s old banking room is now a three-story banquet space. It is a wonderful space for single events or those traveling in the city, complete with the original marble safe and cardiac clocks. 
  • A butcher’s block restaurant right off the lobby, featuring great steaks and cuts. 

See more of Andy and Todd’s many escapade reviews at www.destination-everywhere.com. 

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