Work. Play. Repeat. The Power of Bleisure in Event Design
Once upon a time, business travel was all red-eye flights, back-to-back meetings, and room service dinners eaten in silence. But today’s attendees are different. They want more than just a conference—they want connection, discovery, and a reason to remember. Welcome to the era of bleisure, where business meets leisure and event design dares to be both productive and soul-stirring.
At Hosts Global, we believe every meeting can be a moment of inspiration. Our Members across the world are redefining the event experience—proving that when you blend strategy with serenity, and boardrooms with breathtaking views, magic happens.
Let’s explore the destinations where work and wonder go hand in hand:
Malta: Mediterranean Meetings with a Magical Twist
Looking to blend boardroom focus with barefoot beauty? Malta is your destination. Colours of Malta, A Hosts Global Member, makes it seamless to host business programs where strategy meets storybook charm. With luxury five-star resorts and boutique hotels offering fully equipped meeting spaces, the island sets the stage for groups of any size—from high-level summits to intimate retreats.
Imagine concluding a morning session and stepping into the golden streets of Valletta for an afternoon of discovery. Guests can explore the historic Silent City of Mdina, then dine under the stars in centuries-old courtyards. Or escape to sister island Gozo, where coastal hikes, fishing villages, and ancient temples turn team-building into a true adventure.
Colours of Malta specializes in creating tailored programs that flow effortlessly between work and wonder—ensuring your attendees leave feeling inspired, connected, and craving more.
Switzerland: Strategy Meets Serenity
What if your business trip felt like a holiday? In Switzerland, World Events Consulting, A Hosts Global Member, curates experiences that seamlessly weave productivity with pleasure. Start with a workshop in Zurich or Lausanne, then step into a lakeside terrace for lunch—savoring fondue, rösti, or fruit tarts that taste like tradition.
Need a midday refresh? Attendees can explore the Lindt Home of Chocolate, the FIFA Museum, or the Olympic Museum—venues that double as both cultural gems and conversation starters. Boats aren’t just for scenery here—they’re part of the public transport system, offering a relaxed and unforgettable way to navigate the region.
From yoga with mountain views to cocktail-making by the lake, outdoor workshops bring a creative spark. Or picture a nature brunch with elegant boards of Swiss cheese and charcuterie, set against the Alps. And for those who extend their stay? Skiing, wine tasting in Lavaux’s vineyards, and the warm embrace of alpine hospitality await. Business has never felt so inspired.
Washington, DC: Power Meetings with a Side of Discovery
Washington, DC may be the nation’s political epicenter but look a little closer and you’ll find a city full of surprises. Beyond the boardrooms and iconic landmarks lies a dynamic blend of hidden neighborhoods, cultural gems, and culinary hot spots that transform a work trip into something far more memorable.
Hosts Washington DC invites you to explore both sides of the capital: the high-energy downtown that’s perfect for meetings, and the serene escapes that balance it all out. Picture a morning strategy session followed by kayaking on the Potomac or a wellness walk through Rock Creek Park. Just 30 minutes away, Great Falls Park offers stunning waterfalls and peaceful hiking trails ideal for team reflection or solo recharging.
Extend your trip with a visit to Annapolis, where cobblestone streets, waterfront charm, and a sailing excursion on the Chesapeake Bay offer a refreshing change of pace. Crabcakes and coastal breezes? Yes, please.
And don’t miss Virginia wine country, just a short drive from the city. With over 300 wineries across 10 regions, the area is emerging as a serious contender in the world of wine. Guests can unwind with vineyard tours and tastings that pair Old World elegance with bold, local flavors.
Whether you’re here for a board retreat or a major conference, DC and the surrounding DMV region deliver a balanced experience—one that fuels both minds and spirits.
The Netherlands & Belgium: Storybook Settings, Soulful Events
In Amsterdam and Brussels, business doesn’t just get done—it gets remembered. These cities blend historic charm with forward-thinking energy, creating the perfect canvas for events that spark connection and creativity.
In Amsterdam, business travelers linger longer—and for good reason. With walkable canals, world-class museums, and direct access from over 300 global destinations, the city flows naturally from content to culture. Creators of Live, A Hosts Global Member curates experiences like cocktail cruises, canal-side meetings, and progressive dinners in historic homes. Partner programs are just as meaningful, from tulip greenhouse tours to brunch with local historians. And with a strong focus on wellness and sustainability—think rooftop yoga and CSR-driven canal clean-ups—every detail adds purpose and heart.
In Brussels, elegance meets intimacy. Delegates are drawn in by its ornate architecture, culinary scene, and cultural depth. From tastings in Grand Place to receptions inside the Atomium or dinners in vintage car museums, Creators of Live ensures each program is as immersive as it is seamless. Partner experiences include chocolate workshops, Art Nouveau trails, and sommelier-led beer tastings—making the city a boutique backdrop for impact.
Together, Amsterdam and Brussels offer planners international access, authentic stories, and the kind of destination-driven design that turns any program into an emotional journey.
Montenegro: Adriatic Elegance, Bleisure-Style
Eurotravel Solutions, A Hosts Global Member shares that Montenegro is quickly shedding its “hidden gem” status—and for good reason. Nestled along the Adriatic, this destination balances Mediterranean charm with modern luxury, making it ideal for events where business feels like a breeze. At the stunning One&Only Portonovi in Herceg Novi, panoramic meeting rooms overlook the bay, setting the stage for strategy sessions that feel anything but routine.
Once the day’s work wraps, it’s all about unwind mode: spa escapes, sailing adventures, cycling trails, and historic towns like Kotor and Perast just a short drive away. One standout experience? A visit to a local mussel farm where guests tour sustainable aquaculture sites, sip Montenegrin wines, and taste mussels plucked straight from the sea. It’s a perfect blend of local flavor and eco-conscious storytelling—bleisure at its most authentic.
Aruba: Where Strategy Meets Sand
In Aruba, the line between productivity and paradise blurs beautifully. With direct international flights, a multilingual culture, and world-class infrastructure, this Caribbean gem is more than postcard-perfect—it’s built for business.
De Palm Aruba, A Hosts Global Member crafts seamless programs that flow from beachside breakout sessions to unforgettable island adventures. Think snorkeling the Antilla Shipwreck, off-road Jeep safaris through Arikok National Park, and catamaran cruises under the setting sun. It’s not just leisure—it’s team-building in technicolor.
Wellness is woven into the island’s rhythm: yoga at sunrise, aloe-based spa treatments, and a climate that invites calm. With De Palm’s concierge-style service and flawless logistics, every moment—business or bliss—is handled with island ease.
Whether you’re planning a leadership retreat or a reward trip that inspires, Aruba delivers balance, beauty, and that unmistakable “One Happy Island” energy.
Chicago: Deep Dish, Design, and a Dash of Adventure
In the Windy City, Hosts Chicago turns every itinerary into an invitation to experience more. With iconic skyline views, cultural institutions, and unforgettable flavors, Chicago delivers bleisure with an edge—and a whole lot of heart.
Start your day kayaking the Chicago River, then flow into a rooftop yoga session with sweeping views. Prefer lakeside vibes? Try stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Michigan, followed by a curated wine tasting at City Winery along the Riverwalk.
For hands-on immersion, make your own custom-scented candle, create flower bouquets from upcycled blooms, or roll dough in a deep dish pizza class at Pizzeria UNO—yes, the original. Explore Lincoln Park Zoo with craft beer in hand, or take in the rich stories of the city through a day trip to historic Galena, complete with trolley tours and wine tastings.
Hosts Chicago even styles in surprises: from curated fashion sessions at 900 Shops with local tastemakers like Tali Kogan, to exclusive access at Wrigley Field for the ultimate Cubs game day experience. It’s all about blending big city buzz with moments of meaning.
Kenya & Tanzania: From Boardrooms to the Bush
In East Africa, bleisure isn’t a trend—it’s a way of life. Classic Journeys, A Hosts Global Member invites planners to rethink what business travel can be by blending strategic sessions with safari sunsets, rooftop meetings with rainforest retreats, and cultural deep-dives with coastal calm.
Start in Nairobi, Kenya’s innovation hub, where skyscrapers stand within view of wild giraffes. Host executive workshops at world-class venues, then recharge with yoga in Karura Forest or a game drive through Nairobi National Park. Evenings wrap with rooftop cocktails or dinners at farm-to-table favorites like Cultiva. From there, guests can transition effortlessly to the coast—think white sands in Diani or Swahili charm in Watamu—or head straight into the savannah for a few unforgettable days in the Masai Mara or Amboseli, where strategy gives way to sunrise safaris and fireside storytelling.
Just south in Tanzania, Arusha serves as the launchpad for teams seeking clarity and calm. After boardroom breakthroughs at the Arusha International Conference Centre, explore Mount Meru, wander through coffee estates, or extend your stay into the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti for a safari unlike any other. Zanzibar caps it all off with barefoot luxury, spice tours, and sunset yoga sessions by the sea.
Across both countries, Classic Journeys designs programs where wellness is woven in, partner experiences are purposeful, and logistics are effortless. Whether it’s a Maasai jewelry workshop, forest bathing beneath the acacias, or mobile conferencing with elephants in view, Kenya and Tanzania turn travel into transformation.
Spain: Where Hybrid Feels Effortless
In Spain, business doesn’t just blend with leisure—it flows with it. Spaintacular designs hybrid programs that feel more like curated experiences than conventional events. By weaving together immersive content, dynamic networking spaces, and playful wellness zones, every moment is crafted to spark connection and creativity.
Attendees might move from a high-level strategy session to a rooftop lounge with a live DJ, or take a break in a gaming zone between workshops. Imagine networking over cava beside the pool or enjoying a casual round of ping pong before diving into a panel discussion.
Spaintacular’s signature touch? Integrated environments that allow guests to toggle between productivity and play without ever feeling out of sync. From AR-driven engagement to design-forward lounges, these programs prove that when business meets lifestyle, everyone wins.
Philadelphia: Vineyard Views and Urban Vibes
Philadelphia is where heritage meets hospitality, and with Roberts Events Group, A Hosts Global Member at the helm, events here stretch far beyond the city limits. Whether you’re exploring cobblestone streets lined with Revolutionary history or hosting a rooftop reception with skyline views, Philly delivers culture and connection in every moment.
Just over the bridge in New Jersey, Renault Winery offers an unexpected bonus: vineyard charm with resort-style amenities. It’s a favorite for clients looking to extend their event with a dose of serenity—think wine tastings, garden dinners, and spa treatments, all within reach of the Jersey Shore.
From center city sophistication to countryside calm, Philadelphia is a bleisure dream. A place where you can brainstorm by morning, sip cabernet by sunset, and still make it to the beach by dusk.
Scotland: Strategy in Castles, Play in the Highlands
In Scotland, Spectra, A Hosts Global Member, doesn’t just plan events—they live them. For their own team conference, they swapped traditional boardrooms for castle halls and set the tone for what bleisure truly means. Strategy sessions came with side orders of hawk walks, clay shooting, and rock wall climbs—proving that business can be both focused and wildly fun.
From the rugged beauty of the Highlands to the historic charm of Edinburgh and beyond, Spectra designs programs where every setting tells a story. One moment you’re deep in discussion under vaulted ceilings; the next, you’re walking pups through rolling countryside or toasting victories with a dram of whisky.
With exclusive access to countryside estates, heritage venues, and thrilling outdoor experiences, Scotland is where executive retreats feel regal and every agenda has a touch of adventure.
Maine: Where Business Breathes by the Sea
What if your next offsite could begin with city buzz and end with a clambake by the coast? Just north of Boston, Maine offers the perfect counterpart to the city’s energy—inviting teams to reconnect, recharge, and rethink what a corporate gathering can be.
Portfire Events, A Hosts Global Member, crafts seamless transitions from boardroom brilliance in Boston to scenic serenity in Kennebunkport and beyond. Picture leadership teams networking under a sailcloth tent, the Atlantic breeze setting the tone for open dialogue. When the weather shifts? So does the plan—like pivoting to a cozy indoor art class, painting wildflowers and lobsters with laughter and wine in hand.
Summer brings sailboat sessions and lighthouse views, while fall foliage enhances strategic retreats. Winter warms up with fireside planning at ski resorts, and spring blooms with outdoor workshops that reawaken creativity. Maine’s blend of rustic charm and refined hospitality makes every season a reason to gather differently.
Business may start in Boston—but with Portfire, it finds new meaning in Maine.
The Bleisure Takeaway
Bleisure isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement reshaping the way we gather. Across continents and coastlines, planners are embracing experiences that go beyond the boardroom. From rooftop yoga in Chicago to safari storytelling in Kenya, these programs prove one thing: when people are given space to breathe, they show up more energized, more connected, and more inspired.
At Hosts Global, we’ve seen how seamlessly work and wonder can coexist. Our Members across the globe don’t just plan meetings—they design moments that matter. So, whether you’re looking to brainstorm beneath the boughs of a baobab tree or host cocktails beside a canal, we’re here to make it unforgettable.
Let’s create the kind of event that fills notebooks—and hearts.
Explore our destinations. Revisit past Design Editions. Reach out to start designing your next bleisure-forward experience.
Because in this new era of travel, productivity thrives when purpose meets place. 