To the meetings and events industry, world-class resorts and spas are kind of a paradox. In fact, mention the words “resort and spa” to anyone and, automatically, their minds will conjure up sunny afternoons by a sparkling pool or golden beach, morning pedis and manis while sipping freshly squeezed juice from some exotic fruit not known to mere mortals, a delightful rub-down with nutrient-rich clays from exotic lands to freshen the skin and return it to its once youthful appearance, some downward-dog yoga stretches followed by some rather lofty Zen meditations of course, and anything else that suggests you are in Shangri-La.
Sounds absolutely glorious to me but not exactly the perfect place for a new product launch, a high-energy sales rally, or any other corporate purpose to recharge the troops – or is it? Yes, it can be – especially for a small corporate incentive group. That is, as a special reward for a job well done – like meeting a quarterly sales quota. And what a reward it is when “attendee wellness” is a big corporate issue these days.
Recently, I came upon one that is truly unique: the Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa. Here, it’s all about renewal, refreshment and rejuvenation. And, according to one spokesperson, it’s especially about “meaningful ways to build relationships and foster better communication, collaboration, and camaraderie.” Perfect for C-suite-ambitious individuals.
Located in the southwest part of Colorado, the Durango is famous for, well, its hot springs but recently announced that it is planning to build its own lodging facility in the near future. Meanwhile, it reminds meeting and event planners that it has partnered with a handful of first-class area hotels, some of which are attractions in themselves. Meanwhile, it has added several new private event spaces, just perfect for small incentive groups.
Here planners will find outdoor event spaces that provide an ideal backdrop for corporate meetings, incentive trips, and private events. Here, guests can choose from beckoning hot spring mineral pools to spacious areas with a private cold plunge and fire pit – with catering if so desired.
While these are small additions, a clever planner can weave them into any corporate agenda. “Integrating wellness into events allows guests a chance to take a break from the daily grind and unwind in an intentional setting,” observes Mason Quick, operations manager at Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa. “Wellness retreats at the resort can help build meaningful relationships, while activities like a cold plunge can help build team resilience.”
Overall, the Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa is in the final stages of redesign and expansion of the historic Trimble Hot Springs, located eight miles north of downtown Durango and 15 miles south of Purgatory Ski Resort in the scenic Animas Valley. Surrounded by mountain views, these springs are like no other on Earth, with a perfect blend of minerals and an absence of sulphuric odor. The thermal waters are the only natural hot springs in the world to infuse nano-meter and micro-meter oxygen bubbles, increasing the health benefits and purity of the natural waters. On campus are over 40 unique water features, including 32 different hot springs mineral pools, two cold plunges, a 25-meter resort-style swimming pool, five optional private Japanese-inspired cedar “Ofuro” soaking tubs, a reflexology walking path and its popular mineral water rain tower.
What follows is a brief description new event space at the resort for planners to muse over:
Six Prized Durango Experiences
1 Piedra, Great for Team-Building Activities
Designed for gatherings, Piedra is ideal for elegant dinners and corporate team-building activities and presentations. The Piedra mineral hot springs pool comfortably fits 10 or more guests at a time. The space also includes tables and chairs, a fire pit, and plenty of room to relax and unwind.
2 Purgatory for “Contrast Therapy”
The Purgatory cold plunge and hot springs pool combo gives groups the ability to experience contrast therapy, or going from cold to hot, in privacy. Located next to Piedra, Purgatory can be an add-on for the Piedra event space.
3 Florida Mineral Pool with Views
This mountainside mineral pool sits below Ponderosa pine trees and affords views of the entire property and mountains beyond. One of the largest pools, in Florida, can comfortably accommodate small groups who want to soak, relax poolside, and enjoy the views.
4 Haviland In-and-Out of the Pool Experiences
For small-to-medium events, Haviland provides the perfect mixture of in-the-pool space and out-of-the-pool space. The Haviland pool features views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
5 Electra, Executive-Style
The Electra mineral hot springs pool is perfect for small executive gatherings.
6 Spa Events that Pamper
Make an event a full-fledged wellness getaway with a little pampering like massages, body treatments, and facials. They promise to refresh and renew your attendees.
To discover how Durango can meet your corporate agenda now or in the near future,
visit www.dhsresort.com.
