Sam Ring

A Tale Of Two Cities: Madrid and Toledo.

19th December 2019 by Sam Ring

We were lucky enough to be invited away recently on a trip to Spain. Naturally, we wouldn’t dare turn down such a generous offer, or pass up on a chance to escape the office for a couple of days! So, a few weeks ago I found myself headed up to London, preparing to jet off and visit a part of one of my favourite countries that I had never been to before.

Arrival

After touching down in Madrid, I was quickly whisked away for a short, but comfortable ride to the hotel. I would be both inspecting and staying in for the next two nights, the stunning, Eurostars Madrid Tower. Although it was dark by the time I had landed, it was still easy to appreciate just how impressive a building the Madrid Tower is. The first thirty floors of the tower are operated by Eurostars, and during the day they grant guests some stunning views.

Introductions were made and dinner was served. We dined later then we are used to back in Britain, but one must always adhere to the customs of the country one visits! The menu was comprised of both classic Spanish and local dishes. My hosts were overly generous with the wine, causing my memory of the food to be rather foggy, with one marvellous exception. Carrot Cake is not usually my first choice for a dessert, but when served with the deliciously decadent, passionfruit twist that was our meals finale, it’s fair to say I have converted!

A Trip to Toledo

Thanks to a rather jam-packed itinerary for the next two days it was an early breakfast before setting off for Toledo. I was equally as curious to visit this stunning fortress-city as I was to visit Madrid itself. A fairly acceptable drive of about 40 minutes was all it took to put the capital behind us and bring us to Toledo’s stunning cityscape. I’d never seen an image of Toledo before we stopped off at the historic city gate. As a former Citadel, much of the interior layout to the old-town is still preserved, although the once thick curtain-walls are now broken in some sections.

Toledo is protected by the Tagus river on all sides. It’s an impressive natural defence but also a beautiful landscape feature. The view from the surrounding hills across the Tagus of the city is simply magnificent. The most beautiful landmark in a city filled with them has to be the cathedral at its heart. A stunning assembly of baroque and neo-gothic architecture. Filled with frescos, gold, and other precious objects that catch the eye as you wander around the cathedral’s vast expanse. I could have wandered around the cathedral, and indeed, most of the city itself for days. But, duty called, and after a brief tour of the local Eurostars site, it was back to Madrid.

An Evening of Entertainment

Following another brief tour of another property, and a very quick shower, the evening’s entertainment could now take centre stage. We were taken to a quiet street, just across from the cities cathedral, and entered one of the most packed restaurants I’ve ever been to. A legion of smartly clad serving staff attended the few hundred diners who occupied almost every inch of floor space. A podium took up one small corner of the restaurant, the stage as of yet, unoccupied. Soon, after gorging ourselves almost into a stupour the clock struck ten, and the real reason we had arrived at this establishment became obvious.

The Flamenco is one of the most passionate, intense, and fierce performances in dance that the eyes can witness. The crash of every step. The echo of every chord and note. It is both visually and audibly intoxicating to watch. I found myself in awe of the performers, both the musicians and the dancers. It is easy, in our mostly digital world we now occupy, to forget the power of a live performance. Our most-kind and generous hosts had provided a surprise well worth the journey.

More Of Madrid

We departed the restaurant for the more relaxed and less crowded environment of the Madrid Tower. A few drinks and friendly chats were had but there was nothing that could possibly top the earlier performance. We retired once again quite early, for we knew that although the next day was our last, we still had much todo. Another early start saw us take a walking tour of the city centre of Madrid. Our Tour guide was a chap named Sean, one-half Irish, the other Spanish. I can safely say he was the best tour guide I’ve ever had. The tour was slightly hurried, given our busy schedule, but Sean provided more than an insight into the history of the city.

Sadly, we left the beating heart of Madrid and ventured back to the tower. They really had saved the best until last with our final site inspection. The hotel boasts some truly first class meeting and breakout rooms. They have good reason to be proud of their property. It is no wonder why it remains so popular with everyone from foreign dignitaries to the giants of football. Liverpool FC stayed at the Madrid Tower during last years Champions League final in Madrid. I’m told any team who spends the night in the property before a match always wins the next day.

Departure

After a fantastic lunch, it was time to be on our way again. Despite having just over an hour until the flight home, I did have a nervous glance at my watch anticipating traffic en route to the airport. I needn’t have worried. The journey once again, lasted barely 20 minutes, and still left time to quickly browse duty-free! During the flight, I reflected on the last two days and all that I’d seen during my enjoyable, but brief stay. You can never spend enough time away on trips like these. But of course, the whole point of the trip was to leave me wanting more.

Our hosts were fantastic. The itinerary was put together in order to give us as much to see and do as possible. In that, it definitely delivered, as did our fantastic Eurostars hosts in showing off their properties. Both Madrid and Toledo have much to offer any visitors. For myself, I’ve found another part of Spain to love, and explore. Hopefully, I won’t be waiting too long to return there.

To read more about other destinations, check out our blog, or to view the Eurostars Madrid Tower click here.

Incentive Travel: Make The Most of Out-Of-Office Opportunities.

6th December 2019 by Sam Ring

Employees are happier when they are in dynamic, inspiring, and sometimes even exotic working environments. Now, this does not mean you need to suggest relocating the whole office or even separate departments. You don’t have to move your R&D team to the Canary Islands. Accounting does not have to take up residency in The Emirates. Pulling in new business from abroad does not have to be a priority either. What you can do is far more simple and that is exactly where Incentive Travel comes in.

We are familiar with the age-old sales team prizes. The Range Rover Sport going to the top sellers in departments each week. We have seen the quarterly all-expenses-paid trip away to the Mediterranean. I am sure there are many people we all know who have enacted all manners of subterfuge to secure an invite to the bosses annual golf trip. All of these methods and carrot-dangling tactics are tried, tested, and proven to work. Yet they are just one-side of the Incentive Travel equation. How often have you thought about rather than leaving the office to get away, go away, and take the office with you?

Creating More Incentives to Travel.

Incentive Travel does not just have to apply to your own employees. You have some new clients that are due to arrive in town for a pitch. Rather than bringing them into the familiar environment of your workplace, why not take them, and the whole of the creative team to a more neutral setting? Put them at ease but also build their anticipation. Give your team a little more room to flex their muscles without all the usual pressures of the home office. Creating incentives doesn’t just have to apply to your people, but travelling with them and the people you’re pitching too is an entirely new way of doing business.

It’s approaching the end of the financial year. Accounting is crunching their way through the books and gradually sagging into their chairs with each passing day. Pack them off for a week working where they can see the sun and sea out of their window. Give them a break from the usual stress and the chance to relax. It’s mid-winter. Your team are starting to flag, the usual coughs, colds, and other forms of influenza. Get the jump on inevitable sick days that are coming. Why not find a wellness spa and move them to work there instead of seeing them deteriorate in the office? You don’t have to travel far, or for long, to increase productivity. But sometimes any change of environment is a welcome change indeed.

The Good, The Bad, and The Obvious.

Now it is obvious that Incentive travel comes with a nasty word that unfortunately, must always be considered, Budget. It is an intimidating word to contend with when it comes to ordering the cake and flowers for someone’s birthday, let-alone justifying a work trip of any kind outside of the office zip-code, let alone country. There will always be some who argue as to why Incentive Travel is not a worthy investment for you. But the fact of the matter is that Incentive Travel can offer you a fantastic ROI and boost productivity. Let us not forget an obvious return point also. Morale.

When someone mentions “earnings” or “net profit” next, show them HR’s reports on employee welfare and motivation. Look at the numbers on how much your company or business is losing each year due to “lack of productivity”. Mental Health is now more under more scrutiny in society and the workplace than ever. Providing a positive working environment and motivation to your employees to continue their hard work is difficult. Incentive Travel is a means of letting your employees know you care about them but does not have to result in reduced levels of productivity.

Invest In Your Image with Incentive Travel.

Most importantly, employee welfare should not be something which is settled by digits and decimals. There should not be a number that quantifies their value to a business. Incentive Travel should be exactly that, an incentive to work harder, to work better, and to be rewarded accordingly. Any company that invests so much into their employees will only attract the best applicants for the future. If your business is seen to invest just as much in their clients then who is to say how many more may come your way?

Hotel Focus: Penha Longa

3rd December 2019 by Sam Ring

The Penha Longa resort is simply one of the most sublime hotels to visit on the Iberian Peninsula. Boasting not one, but two Michelin starred restaurants, a 27-hole world-class golf course, as well as a 1,500 sqm wellness centre and spa, the word luxury has never been more relevant than when referring to the Penha Longa. Situated in the former grounds of the eponymous monastery, and bordering two of the country’s most notable gated-communities, whilst just a short drive away from the beautiful capital of Lisbon.

For those who may be somewhat deterred by the grandeur of the Penha Longa have no fear of the resort being too exclusive. Mega-celebrities such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bryan Adams may own houses nearby. The pupils and families from the famous Carlucci American School may also frequent the resort, yet the Penha Longa is very much open to all comers.

A Focus On Food

I have mentioned the restaurants. Whilst there are a dozen different gastronomy experiences to try during your stay I’ll focus on the two that stand out immediately. Having one Michelin star restaurant in a hotel anywhere is a significant achievement in the world of hospitality. Having two is nothing short of sensational. LAB by Sergi Arola is famous for its incredible fusion dishes that have been rumoured to reduce some diners to tears thanks to the overpowering emotions that the combined flavours can bring. It also boasts a wine cellar that features an overwhelming 550 references from around the globe.

I dined with LAB’s Michelin counterpart, which is the Japanese (with a slight touch of Portuguese) restaurant, Midori. Midori was my first true experience sampling Japanese cuisine. That was seven years ago and I am still comparing every subsequent foray into Japanese cuisine to that. The food was incredible, the Saki almost blew my socks off, but the overall experience was like nothing I’d ever had in dining up until that point. I will forever associate the word precision, with the methodical, time-honed skill that the chef applied to prepare every dish as it came out for our party as I watched him. It is one of the signature joys of Japanese cuisine that you are able to watch the chefs at work so intimately, and it is a joy I first experienced at the Penha Longa.

Golf, Yoga, Event, Repeat.

The facilities at the Penha Longa aside from the restaurants are equally exceptional. The golf course as I mentioned in the beginning, is world-class for a reason. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, and home to 27 glorious holes amid the ruins of the medieval monastery. It’s easy to see why the course has hosted half a dozen major golf tournaments. The Wellness Centre boasts two outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool, Turkish bath, sauna, Jacuzzi, as well as some fantastic treatment rooms. You can also find a host of daily fitness activities to participate in whilst there. Yoga, Pilates, and outdoor fitness classes all run regularly and are available to guests to join in during their stay.

For accommodation, the hotel offers 194 luxury rooms and suites, all coming with their own balconies. The Penha Longa is a former royal palace of the Portuguese monarchy, and as such has a number of function rooms. These can cater for up to 600 delegates, and in total, there are 25 meeting rooms of different size. The Hotel is just a short drive from both Lisbon city and airport, but also the coastline. High praise must be reserved for the staff at this fantastic resort. Despite the wealth in abundance which resides in close proximity to the Penha Longa, the staff are exceptionally accommodating, towards all guests. Polite, attentive, and genuinely welcoming towards all guests.

The Final Word

The Penha Longa is an amazing location for any event or occasion. Its history is one of opulence and luxury but also quiet and solidarity. It has been a place of worship for both deities and dynasties. It encourages wellness but also indlugnece in some of life’s simpler pleasures. A place open to formality and family. Now all that’s left is to decide when you will go!

For more Infomation about the Penha Longa click here.

Motivation Vacation: Why Team Building Matters

27th November 2019 by Sam Ring

Team building amongst colleagues is a valuable method of improving co-operation, productivity, and positivity in the workplace. It’s an opportunity to get people out of the office, and their comfort zones, to encourage them to interact and develop better relationships with their colleagues. But is there really more to team building then a break from work?

Causes For Concern?

Sometimes, yes, we all need a break from work. From the pressures and confines of the office, from the constant scrutiny of supervisors, managers, and directors, or just from the people you sit next to every day. It’s natural we are all human, we all cope with stress and expectations in different ways. But if you’re the person in charge, and you see that there are very real divisions if not outright conflicts going on in the office, what do you do?

You might feel like you should step in, but won’t out of fear of escalating the situation, a very real problem and not one to be taken lightly. You might feel that some behind the scenes subterfuge, shakeups in the chain of command, relocating warring colleagues from each other, or thinly veiled directives for everyone to stop causing problems and get on with their jobs or else is the best way to handle a tricky situation.

Different situations call for different measures but, sometimes, it’s better to take these problems out of the office. Put them and the people with them, in a different territory where they can be wrong-footed, challenged, put-on-the-spot and made to step-up and tackle issues in a more productive and hopefully, more positive manner. Perhaps I’m overselling it to you at this point and what you actually have is an office or workspace full of disgruntled, unmotivated, and anti-social colleagues who really just need a chance to lighten up.

Enter: The Team Building Trip

Team building getaways are an ideal way of beating all of these problems if not just short of being a guaranteed solution. Raft building in Tenerife. No one would ever think they would be there doing it, let alone doing it with the people they spend 40 hours a week with, yet here they are. Having the time of their lives, on an expenses-paid trip with work, learning to laugh and get on with each other. A fire-pit at night, people are actually talking to each other, engaging in levels of discourse previously unheard or even thought of, helping to embolden employees to communicate with each other in a way they never had previously.

Picture this. The first day back at work, post-trip, and people are smiling. There is laughter, genuine laughter being heard in the office for the first time in months, unforced, as people chat with each other with genuine interest and enthusiasm. Colleagues who were once animous are now amicable. The relationship between management and staff is more relaxed and informal, more open, communicative, better for both parties. The team-building process is complete and you now have a happier and better-connected staff then you did previously.

But Can We Really Achieve That Much From Team Building?

If I have said it once I’ll reiterate it now; there are no guarantees when it comes to these trips. You cannot always pick a venture or an itinerary which satisfies anyone (which is also why in my opinion you are better off going into these things blind and leaving it to the pro’s like us), and some issues just cannot be resolved in a weekend or a week, and neither should you try to force them to be, because your focus shifts away from the enrichment of your staff as a whole, and you will end up scrutinising (possibly unfairly as well) a few select individuals.

But if you’re smart, you pick the right time of year, end up in the right environment and atmosphere (which should come courtesy of yours truly at Conference-Desk) then there is no reason why you will not end up going on the team-building adventure of your workplace lifetime. In fact, the only problem you should ever have after a successful motivation vacation is that everyone won’t stop asking you when the next one is!

To enquire about booking your next team-building trip click here.

Destination: Prague “The City of a Hundred Spires”.

25th November 2019 by Sam Ring

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There is a good reason for that. For centuries, it has managed to hold on to its distinctly medieval and Gothic feel, thanks to the fantastic restoration and maintenance of its many historical buildings. The Old Town square, Charles Bridge, and the former royal palace are just a few of the more recognisable attractions. Even some of their older Trams are a part of the cities iconic imagery!

More Than Touch of History…

Located on the banks of the river Vltava, Prague has been a key city in Europe for centuries. The castle of Prague and a fledgeling settlement had existed since 800 AD, and the city was occupied in some form before that for much of the last thousand years. The city was relatively obscure however until the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, designated Prague the new capital of the empire. Prague was transformed and became the third most populous city in Europe. The Saint Vitus Cathedral was constructed, and its Gothic design influenced the construction of many other projects in the city.

Despite numerous civil disorders and being ravaged by war throughout the centuries Prague has endured. After the “Velvet Revolution”, and subsequent divorce at the start of the 1990s, Prague was reinvigorated by the collapse of the Iron Curtain. Today it is a hub for tourism in central Europe, and an important cultural centre for the arts, hosting numerous festivals throughout the year.

A City of Food...

There are other attractions to Prague aside from Architectural and artistic delights. The local cuisine deserves special mention. Contrary to popular belief, Goulash is not a dish native to the Czech Republic but instead comes from neighbouring Hungary. However, you may still Goulash in just about every restaurant in Prague, and the local variety is delicious. Served typically with the trio of traditional Czech dumplings or as a soup, it’s perfect at any time of year. Svickova is a local classic that contains beef pierced with speck, as well as dumplings. Kulajda is a creamy potato soup served with mushrooms, and usually a poached egg on top. Carp is an interesting acquisition to the Czech national cuisine from the orient but is now the most farmed fish in the Czech Republic. For those who are fans of fish, it is definitely worth trying some of the “local” servings.

There is no possibility of talking about Prague and not mentioning one of its most famous delights. Beer, or Pilsner for the more cultured visitor. The town of Plzen may hold the name and fame for the original amber delight, but Prague is where you go to find if in a thousand other forms. Craft beer was probably a thing in Prague before it was ever a thing. Budapest may be famous for its ruin bars but Prague is a paradise for those who love all things beer. Make that beer cellars too… There are hundreds of subterranean bolt-holes to escape the crowds or bad weather and indulge yourself in the flavours of one of the world’s best beer-making nations. Failing that, it’s a pretty incredible place to go absinthe tasting too!

A City For Every Event…

Prague is an amazing destination for events of any kind. The city is a natural home for conferences thanks to the presence of so many buildings of grandiose designs from both past and present. The hotel industry is thriving thanks to the boom in tourism, which is now a full-time economy to the city and sees millions of visitors throughout all months of the year.

We haven’t even begun to cover some of the attractions that are located just outside of the city that offer a break from the crowds during the high-season. A perfect location for a short trip of two-three days, and with a variety of options to entertain yourself and your party once there. Prague is one of the most exciting destinations conference-desk has the pleasure of doing business in. To find out more about bookings for Prague, click here.

Hotel Focus: Asia Gardens

20th November 2019 by Sam Ring

The typical trip to Benidorm is not one where the word “luxury” may spring to mind straight away. The towering skyscrapers and the sizeable number of apartment blocks that dominate its skyline are more reminiscent of Las Vegas then they are of a seaside city on the Costa Blanca. The famous Hotel Bali may look impressive thanks to its considerable size, but is this the place you would choose to go for immersing yourself in your surroundings, or for holding a conference? Fortunately, just a few short miles into the hills away from the Playa Levante, we find the hidden oasis of the Asia Gardens.

The Gateway to The Orient

Oasis is the exact term I would use to describe my first thought upon visiting this other-worldly hotel. Once you make it through the rather spectacular lobby and atrium the fun really begins when you see the start of the signature gardens. Bamboo trees line the perimeter of the entire hotel, conveniently shutting out any intrusive buildings, encasing you in a jungle-like environment. There is a vast network of connecting paths that take you through over 150,000 immaculately maintained shrubs and bushes. On your travels, you will constantly traverse alongside countless ponds and other water features. Shangri-La, as it turns out, does exist after all. But instead of the dense jungles of south-east Asia, you can find it on the Costa Blanca.

Business or Pleasure, The Asia Gardens can be enjoyed at your leisure.

It is fortunate that some of the larger ponds come with signs to advise you not to swim in them. Thankfully, the hotel boasts an impressive amount of pools. Seven larger ones, as well as a host of smaller ones used for treatments and adults only. Most of the pools are heated also which makes swimming outdoors available almost the entire year. The food as you may have also guessed is exquisite. Eight restaurants, offering not only traditional dishes from both the Orient and the Mediterranean, but also a wonderful assortment of gastro and fusion in other restaurants. Each dining area also presents a different environment and theme in which to gorge yourself senseless in.

The Spa at the Asia Gardens is also worth mentioning. I say mention. What I mean is it should be the first thing you incorporate into your trip itinerary. Every professional on the Asia Gardens Spa team has trained at the Wat Pho temple in Bangkok. Why such a big deal? It is one of the oldest in the city and considered the first University ever established in Thailand. Each professional on the team is a master of technical practice that has been passed down and taught for two and a half thousand years. I feel relaxed just writing about it. Booking in advance is mandatory as the demand for treatments is naturally very high!

More Than A Hotel: An Incentive For Experience.

The Asia Gardens is so much more than a hotel. It is one of the most perfect destinations for any kind of event or corporate trip. It offers considerable space, with over 300 Balinese style rooms for guests. The impressive conference and meeting room facilities can hold up to 800 delegates. The atmosphere is tranquil and intimate, yet open and engaging at the same time. The region around the hotel has plenty of options for exploration and travel with Alicante being a half-hour drive away, and the coastline up to Valencia is worthy of exploration. But on a short trip of two-three nights, you will struggle to fully explore all that Asia Gardens has to offer.

The Asia Gardens is a truly remarkable experience for any type of stay. The hotel has an uncanny ability to replicate the surroundings of its oriental inspiration. You will feel like you have been transported into another world during your stay there, and with its impressive facilities and staff (who I have not mentioned nearly enough but are all wonderfully accommodating and friendly). It is a sure-fire winner for any event or occasion.

For more Infomation about booking the Asia Gardens and to view Conference-desks rates and enquire about bookings, click here.