6 of the Best: Buy-Outs
In a world where remote working and social distancing is now the norm, many event planners are predicting increased demand from clients for exclusive use properties to ensure delegate safety when travel and events return post-pandemic.
So we explore a few of the luxury properties that offer exclusive buy-out options for meeting and incentive groups, from a dreamy escape in the Indian Ocean to a cosy Swiss Alpine retreat…
Kasbah Tamadot
Sir Richard Branson's award-winning luxury Moroccan retreat in the Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Tamadot can be exclusively hired all year. The 28-bedroom hotel, part of the Virgin Limited Edition collection, is perched at the top of a valley with views up to Mount Toubkal. Each of the rooms and suites has been individually decorated to reflect the beautiful architecture of the building and features antiques from all over the world.
With an intimate fireside bar for pre-dinner cocktails and a stunning rooftop dining area complete with wonderful views of the Atlas Mountains, Kanoun Restaurant serves delicious local and international cuisine. Whether you're looking to relax in the spa, soak up the sun by the swimming pool or hike the famous Atlas Mountains, there's a whole host of activities for groups to enjoy.
Constance Tsarabanjina
For the ultimate escape, head to Tsarabanjina, a tiny, lush Madagascan Island with wonderful white sandy beaches, abundant coral and untouched marine life. With just 25 beach villas, this is a real Robinson Crusoe experience with a very relaxed atmosphere.
Fringed by white sandy beaches with extraordinary birds, lush vegetation and encircled by coral reefs, the region is bathed in sunshine all year round. Tsarabanjina lies 60km off the coast of Madagascar.
Guests can feast on fresh seafood and Malagasy specialities in the sand floored restaurant and explore the islands secluded beaches, while the diving, fishing and snorkelling here are hard to beat.
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
For exclusive events in Sicily, check into Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, teetering above the picturesque east coast. Backdropped by one of Italy’s most dramatic landscapes, the property’s luxurious event space also creates an atmosphere ideal for discussion or decision making, while the destination itself is brimming with incentive options.
For a completely custom-made event, groups can reserve the entire hotel for exclusive use. The property boasts 70 splendid rooms and suites, each decorated in a fresh Sicilian style that blends modern innovation with local artisan traditions. The Literary Bar & Terrace is the place to sip cocktails and savour the stunning vistas, while Ristorante Timeo serves up a superb menu of locally sourced Sicilian favourites.
The Chedi Andermatt
Larger groups looking for an exclusive buyout should head to the The Chedi Andermatt.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps, this trendy property blends traditional local hospitality with Asian grace and elegance. Built in the heart of traditional Andermatt, the Leading of the World member offers 123 rooms and suites and 16 event spaces ranging from the intimate Wine Cave accommodating groups of eight to Gotthard & Oberalp for up to 250.
Over 200 fireplaces make sure that the entire hotel feels cosy at all times. In the Open Kitchen, the chefs show their culinary artistry. There's also a cheese cellar, two first-class restaurants, a spa, and e-bikes for rent.
Finca Cortesin
Set on the gorgeous Andalusian coast, near the hills of Casares and close to Sotogrande, Marbella and Málaga, lies the Finca Cortesin. Designed in the style of a ‘finca’, this is traditional Spanish accommodation at its very best – from the antique terracotta floors through to the wooden doors salvaged from castles and the pastel tones inside.
An unparalleled setting comprising a colossal 43,000 sqm, including swimming pools and magnificently landscaped gardens, the property offers exclusive use for weddings and events. Facilities at the 67-room hotel include a golf club, beach club, three restaurants, a luxurious gym and spa and private villas.
Angama Mara
Last but not least, this stunning gem is perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley overlooking the Maasai Mara, on the very site where some of the most romantic scenes from Out of Africa were filmed. The Kenyan lodge comprises two identical, self-contained camps, each with 15 tented suites. Groups can either take over each of the camps – North and South – with 15 tents each, or the whole property with 30 units.
Angama Mara also offers a wide range of safari experiences, as you’d expect. The Mara Triangle is home to Africa’s great mammals, a mere ten-minute drive from the lodge, where guests can experience hot air ballooning, game drives, walking safaris, and cultural visits to neighbouring Maasai villages.