Prevue January-February 2014 - (Page 32)

Shades of Scotland [ON LOCATION] JAY CATLETT Glasgow, Edinburgh and the famous Scottish countryside combine for bucket-list incentives and important meetings within a tight geographical package O ne hour northwest of Glasgow in one of Scotland's legendary rolling green valleys, The Rest & Be Thankful Viewpoint is a perfect place for everyone to get out and soak in the jawdropping view. The place gets its name from words inscripted on a stone placed at the bluff in 1753. Some groups arrive by luxury coach but we recommend renting the ﬂeet of classic roadsters at Ecosse Classic Wedding Cars. They have 35 vintage autos ranging from a Bentley S1 to a Volkswagen splitscreen bus. We scrambled around the curvy roads in a 1965 Jaguar, which our driver John said was the car most used by bank robbers and playboys back then due to its speed and good looks. Drivers dress either in casual clothing or full uniform. The innovative city of Glasgow, the historic capital of Edinburgh, and a mesmerizing array of rural offsites are all located within a couple hours of each other, making it easy to create multi-tiered, highly customized programs. EDINBURGH While walking up the brick-paved Royal Mile street in the medieval center of Edinburgh, the regal Edinburgh Castle starts coming into view, overlooking the entire city from its highest point. Just over the large wooden drawbridge guests are transported back to the 13th century. Once the home of Britain's northern royalty, the castle is now a wonderful museum retelling the legend of ancient Scotland. Planners can create private events for up to 500 pax, using three private rooms and the courtyard with panoramic views of this dream-like city. A 5-minute walk down the Mile from Edinburgh Castle, Hotel Missoni is Edinburgh's "hippest" hotel, bearing the name of the edgy Italian fashion label. The modernist architecture stands out amidst the surrounding gothic buildings, and the design drama continues inside. The ﬁrst thing arrivals see when entering the lobby, after the bellmen in Missoni-designed kilts, is the circular shiny blacktop bar that's one of the most popular meeting places for Edinburgh's power players. The 136 rooms are designed with Missoni-style ﬂourishes. Mostly black and white patterns with pops of color, like pink and blue dots painted on a dark wood ceiling. The hotel is meant to feel like a home, with complimentary WiFi and minibar, and a casual, friendly vibe among the staff. There is deﬁnitely a family-style ambiance in the hotel's Cucina restaurant. Several large high tables seat 12 people, where everyone can pass around traditional Italian dishes while they bond over a bottle of Italian wine. For larger groups requiring an on-property hotel spa, the Sheraton Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh is winning all kinds of recognition following its comprehensive renovation over the last few years. In September, the Sheraton was voted "Scotland's Leading Hotel" in the World Travel Awards. The decor is thoroughly cozy and modern with touches of tartan blended with bold colors and designer furniture throughout. Total meeting space is 165,000 sf. The attached 35,000-sf, 4-level One Spa is regarded as the best urban wellness facility in Scotland, with a rooftop hydropool and Thermal Suite housing different heated therapy rooms. 32 | prevue magazine 32-34_Scotland.indd 32 1/8/14 8:36 AM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue January-February 2014

Planner's Pick: Boston
Fresh Meets: Hyatt All-Inclusive
Bureau Buzz: Branson
Good Business: Baha Mar, Bahamas
Sea Shores: Celebrity Cruises
The Art of Roi
Corporate Retreats
Scotland
Florida Special Section
On Location: La Cantera, San Antonio
Convention Centers
On Location: Edgewater, Seatle
On Location: RIU Rivera Maya
On Location: Secrets Vallarta Bay, Mexico
Colombia
Check Out: Hilton Bomonti, Istanbul

Prevue January-February 2014