A shoutout in a team meeting, a Starbucks gift card, a pat on the back—they're all great ways to celebrate a job well done. But when you want to recognize your team for overachieving on something big, like exceeding lofty sales goals, it calls for something better.
Go big or go home, right? When your team achieves the impossible, reward and motivate them to keep producing astonishing results by taking them on an out-of-this-world trip. Incentive travel is about luxury hotels, unique experiences, and treating employees like royalty. And these North American destinations deliver:
1. Maui, HI
2. Banff, Canada
3. Louisville, KY
4. Allison Resort, OR
5. Whitefish, MT
The 5 best destinations for corporate incentive trips
North America is chock full of luxurious getaways where you and your team can sit back, relax, and forget about work for a while. We've rounded up five of the best.
1. Maui, Hawaii
Known for its stunning beaches, sweeping views, and beautiful year-round weather, Maui tops the list of best cities for a motivational incentive trip.
Take advantage of every amenity at one of the dozens of luxury resorts on the island.
Get the team together for some healthy competition at one of the top-rated golf resorts. Surrounded by beauty, they have views anyone will enjoy.
Take a once-in-a-lifetime excursion, like a picturesque helicopter tour or watching the sun rise atop a dormant volcano.
Immerse your team in island culture with a luau, which is truly unforgettable.
Gorge on fine dining, including Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's Michelin-star restaurant.
Charter a private boat for a peaceful cruise in crystal-clear waters or to partake in sport fishing.
Rent a 1957 Porsche or any other premium car and transport your team in style.
Rest and relax at one of Maui's famous day spas.
2. Banff, Canada
If outdoor adventures are more your vibe, look no further than Banff National Park. Famous for Lake Louise's awe-inspiring turquoise water and the towering Rockies, Banff is an outdoor lover's paradise. And yes, it has everything you'd expect of a luxury trip.
Get your golf game on at Banff's top-tier Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course.
Hop on the gondola (enclosed ski lift) and take in the Canadian Rockies before enjoying a meal on the mountaintop.
Explore the mountains without the hike—helicopter tours offer stunning views without the alpine sickness.
Take a cruise through the majestic Lake Minnewanka where you can sip on a few beverages and soak in the sunset.
Get on the water in a traditional canoe at Lake Louise before indulging in afternoon tea, complete with scones, pastries, and sandwiches.
Work up an appetite on a Rocky Mountains tour. Banff has dozens of delicious dining options.
3. Louisville, Kentucky
Kentucky is more than just moonshine. It's known for its boozy Bourbon Trail, world-famous Kentucky Derby, and bluegrass music. While it's a down-to-earth destination, it offers unique experiences and remarkable food that landed it on our list.
Louisville is home to hundreds of distilleries your team can visit along the famed Bourbon Trail. Grab a drink and bourbon-infused cuisine. Want something more exclusive? Book a private tour.
Want to up the stakes? Check out one of Louisville's casinos (before you embark on the Bourbon Trail).
Once called the eighth wonder of the world, the atrium in the West Baden Springs Hotel is one of many things that make it a relaxing luxury hotel. Rest up and do some self-care in the spa.
Treat your team to homestyle southern cooking or book a private chef to teach them how to prepare a meal.
4. Allison Resort, Oregon
In the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley, the Allison Resort is known for its luxury amenities, wine country location, and relaxing ambiance that helps melt away any work stresses.
With a full calendar of events, including musical performances, you and your team don't even need to leave the resort to enjoy local entertainment.
Forget work for a while in the in-house luxury spa, complete with a whirlpool, pool terrace, treatment rooms, and more.
Willamette Valley is full of high-end farm-to-table restaurants. But if you want to make it unforgettable, reserve a private chef to cook for your team.
The wine in the Willamette Valley is award-winning. Indulge with your team over dinner or take a tour of the wineries to sample some of the valley's finest wines, like its famous Pinot Noir.
Surrounded by serene views, your team might just want to hang around the resort and take in the beauty.
Michellin-star restaurants give diners an unforgettable experience, from the ambiance to the food to all the little details. And Ōkta in Willamette Valley is no exception. Treat your team!
5. Whitefish, Montana
Known as the recreation capital of Montana, Whitefish is a resort town that offers everything for a rustic luxury adventure. More adrenaline than relaxation, Whitefish is a great location for teams to explore the outdoors.
Take a step back in time in Whitefish's downtown area. With old western vibes and a vibrant food scene, it's a unique experience (and a great photo opp) for your team.
Check in to a luxury ski resort. Then, relax in the spa or get your team out on the slopes. Big Mountain is a picturesque mountain and popular skiing destination.
Visiting in the summer? Take your team hiking at Big Mountain—the views are unforgettable. You can even go ziplining!
Take a gondola ride to the top of Big Mountain before indulging in a meal or a few beverages atop the mountain.
Whitefish may be known for skiing, but if you and your team go in a warmer summer month, you can enjoy the serenity at the Les Mason State Park beach.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get out on the water. The Whitefish River offers paddleboarding and kayaking.
Give your team an awe-inspiring view of the mountains in Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley. Take a float plane to get an even better view from above.
Pick your location, and let us do the rest
So, you’ve chosen one of our top five destinations on the list or found another locale. Great! Your next step? Planning an incentive trip that gets your team excited and motivated to keep working hard. If you’re unsure where to start or need help planning a truly unforgettable trip, we’re here to help.
We create extraordinary experiences for you and your team and take care of all the mundane planning tasks so you can truly sit back and relax. Contact us to see how we can help plan your next rewards trip!