When orchestrating the perfect meeting or conference, choosing the right destination involves more than just logistics; it also includes crafting an experience that beckons attendees to embark upon the journey. Amid the myriad of options available, none stir the imagination and captivate the senses quite like the allure of an island destination. With an intoxicating blend of sun-kissed beaches, azure waters, and tropical breezes, an island offers adventure and relaxation—making it the ultimate magnet for attendees seeking to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. But beyond the postcard-perfect scenery, islands offer a treasure trove of amenities that create an ideal sanctuary where productivity meets paradise. From intimate beachfront meeting spots to luxurious resorts in lush landscapes, these island destinations are guaranteed to make waves with attendees and set the stage for a successful event.
Amelia Island, Fla.
Nestled in the northeast corner of Florida, near the state line with Georgia, is Amelia Island, a captivating destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty with a rich tapestry of history and island charm. With its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and thriving downtown, Amelia Island offers visitors a unique retreat where they can immerse themselves in the serene ambiance of coastal living while exploring its fascinating past—all within an easy drive of the Jacksonville International Airport. From historic landmarks to outdoor adventures, Amelia Island beckons visitors to discover its hidden treasures and create unforgettable memories against the backdrop of its picturesque setting.
“Amelia Island offers 12 miles of pristine white sand beach and a sense of escape, yet at the same time all of the amenities a planner or convention is looking for,” says Paul Beirnes, vice president of Amelia Island CVB.
Fernandina Beach, a 200-year-old historic area, offers entertainment, retail, and restaurants within a 50-block walkable area. Plus, visitors can get anywhere on the entire island in a little more than 10 minutes, so there is no need for long shuttle rides to area attractions, he adds.
Amid the beauty of the island is The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, a luxurious award-winning property equipped with 446 guest rooms, each with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, the resort features 48,000 square feet of indoor function space and more than 80,000 square feet of outdoor space, all of which can be customized to set the stage for an unforgettable experience. “Whether it is breakout sessions out on the lawn or wine and smores along the beach at night, experiences here are tailor-made for meetings,” Beirnes says. “And there is nothing better than starting the meeting day with coffee and a walk down the beach, watching the sunrise—and those staples are all here.”
Key Largo, Fla.
The first and largest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is a captivating destination that effortlessly combines natural beauty with a relaxed, tropical atmosphere that is an easy drive from the mainland, making it an ideal choice for hosting a meeting or event. “Key Largo is a perfect way to introduce meeting attendees to the Florida Keys, with easy access from southeast Florida airports, including Miami International Airport, just about an hour’s drive but seemingly a world away,” says Jack Meier, group sales manager for the Keys’ Monroe County Tourist Development Council, which also includes Key West (below).
Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Key Largo is known as the “Diving Capital of the World” for its coral reefs and marine life, creating a unique backdrop for memorable teambuilding activities or leisurely breaks.
Beyond the marine allure, Key Largo boasts several meeting spaces to create the perfect event, such as the Playa Largo Resort & Spa. Situated on 14 secluded beachfront acres, the 178-guest room Playa Largo puts a luxurious twist on the laid-back meetings in the Keys with its plethora of meeting and event space options. “Playa Largo Resort & Spa is the perfect setting for events and meetings,
with all of the inspiration that the Keys can provide,” says Heather Turkay, director of sales, catering, and marketing for Playa Largo. “We have 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting, entertainment, and event space, so the possibilities are endless.”
Key West, Fla.
Key West, Fla., is the southernmost point of the continental United States, and a vibrant and eclectic area known for its laid-back atmosphere. Situated among the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, the island is also renowned for its stunning tropical beauty—especially the sunsets. Combined with its welcoming atmosphere, charming streets lined with colorful homes, lively ambiance, and an endless array of outdoor activities,
Key West is a paradise destination that is sure to captivate the hearts and stimulate the minds and imaginations of meeting attendees.
“With nature as a backdrop and our fresh seafood cuisine, Key West is a setting for unforgettable, unplugged meetings,” says Jack Meier, group sales manager for the Keys’ Monroe County Tourist Development Council. “It is also an ideal place for attendees to extend their stays with family and friends.”
Meeting attendees can soak up the island atmosphere of Key West at a legendary area landmark resort: the 311-room Casa Marina, Curio Collection by Hilton. Built in 1920 by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, the resort is home to the largest event space in Key West. The resort also overlooks the island’s largest private beach.
Casa Marina recently unveiled a $79 million renovation, expanding three outdoor patios overlooking the resort grounds and adding a new 5,000-square-foot oceanfront event lawn to its existing 11,000 square feet of indoor event space. Each indoor venue has also been enhanced with new furnishings, including the property’s iconic 3,100-square-foot Flagler Ballroom and the versatile Keys Ballroom, further solidifying Casa Marina as a premier destination for meetings and events of all sizes.
Longboat Key, Fla.
Nestled just off the coast of Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf Coast is Longboat Key, the epitome of coastal perfection. With its pristine beaches and azure waters, Longboat Key has long been a haven of tranquility and natural splendor, drawing visitors eager to experience its serene ambiance and idyllic beauty. Adventure abounds on the barrier island and its surrounding area, which includes five other barrier islands, with everything from kayaking through mangrove tunnels and fishing charters to the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.
Perfectly suited to serve as a home base for groups is The Resort at Longboat Key Club, a luxury property that ensures a stay of comfort, relaxation, and event success. Spanning 410 acres on the Gulf of Mexico, The Resort at Longboat Key Club offers 12,000 square feet of “tech-rich” meeting rooms and outdoor spaces with breathtaking views. In addition, the resort’s culinary and planning team works with planners to ensure inspired island meetings.
Marco Island, Fla.
Marco Island is distinguished as the only developed island among the state’s Ten Thousand Islands, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience unspoiled natural beauty. Its allure lies not only in its pristine landscape but also its blend of luxury and family-friendly options. “Marco Island is a special part of our destination, which we call Florida’s Paradise Coast,” says Sandra Rios, public relations and communications manager for Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB. “It is a destination where chic and luxurious meets quaint fishing town, resulting in a unique and laid-back beach destination.”
Set along the shores of Marco Island, the JW Marriott Marco Island sets the stage for an unforgettable gathering. Boasting more than 800 guest rooms and 100,000 square feet of event space, including indoor ballrooms and scenic outdoor venues, the resort caters to gatherings of all sizes and types, from corporate conferences and teambuilding retreats to board meetings. “With more than 100,000 square feet of flexible event space, the possibilities are vast,” says Sharon Lockwood, area general manager for the property.
Beyond its meeting facilities, the 10-acre JW Marriott Marco Island embodies the vibes of an island paradise, offering attendees activities and experiences set amid southwest Florida’s natural beauty, including two golf courses, a spa, 12 restaurants, and a variety of water sports. “JW Marriott Marco Island transcends the typical notion of a venue,” Lockwood adds. “The expansive stretch of pristine beach sets an idyllic backdrop as a blank canvas for creating anything you can imagine.”
Singer Island, Fla.
Just off the mainland of southeast Florida—and just north of Palm Beach—is Singer Island, a destination that features seven miles of shoreline and a year-round temperate climate that makes for a prime meeting locale any time of year. Also adding to the appeal
of Singer Island is its ease of accessibility, located just 20 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport or the Brightline West Palm Beach train station. “It is an enticing destination for attendees, with multiple oceanfront properties boasting flexible meeting space and a sense of insulation, not isolation,” says Kelly Cavers, chief sales officer for Discover The Palm Beaches.
One of those oceanfront properties is the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, the only all-suite beachfront property in Palm Beach County. Besides 239 suites offering spacious condo-style living—ideal for meeting attendees seeking to bring their families to create a bleisure vacation—the property offers everything needed in a getaway so that visitors need not step foot inside a vehicle for the duration of their stay, including multiple dining options and a variety of meeting spaces. Overall, the property offers seven newly renovated event rooms, four breakout rooms, and two outdoor options: a gazebo and a veranda.
“Even when indoors, guests are connected to the outdoors,” adds Chelsea Casagrande, director of public relations for the resort.
“The main restaurant is oceanfront, allowing guests to look right out at the ocean, and the veranda connects to the indoor space to create an indoor/outdoor flow to enhance what is going on indoors.”
Jekyll Island, Ga.
A unique blend of history and unspoiled natural beauty is found on Jekyll Island, a quiet island situated off the shores of Georgia. Once serving as a secluded spot for the nation’s elite, Jekyll Island today beckons visitors with its pristine beaches, maritime forests, and historic landmarks. “With 10 miles of beaches and an overall scenic landscape, it is an ideal backdrop for any meeting or event,” says Kathryn Hearn, marketing communications manager for the Jekyll Island Authority. “At one time, one-fifth of the world’s wealth was on the island, so it is unique to look back and learn about the rich history that has been a part of Jekyll Island for so many years.”
The island’s 200-acre National Historic Landmark District offers a variety of unique spots for group activities to learn about the destination, such as the Mosaic Museum and the Jekyll Island Club Resort, with many available as rentals to serve as part of the meeting themselves.
A hotspot for many meetings on the island is the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott Jekyll Island, a dual-branded property under one roof. The property offers 114 hotels on both the Residence Inn and Courtyard sides, which makes it ideal for individuals, couples, or families who want to explore the island after the meeting. It also features two event rooms and more than 2,500 total square feet of event space, an onsite restaurant, and one of the largest pools on the entire island.
Jeff Zegler, area director of sales and marketing for New Castle Hotels & Resorts, adds, “Attendees love it because the meeting space is adjacent to an outdoor patio, so they can wander in and out throughout the day to take in the ocean views.”
St. Simons Island, Ga.
Located in the Golden Isles on Georgia’s southeast coast, St. Simons Island features long, warm summers and short, mild winters, with a temperate climate for hosting groups any time of year. “Whether a meeting is taking place in February, late spring, or November, the weather is always really enjoyable,” says Marcie Kicklighter, senior director of marketing and communications for Golden Isles CVB. “It provides an opportunity to
break out of the boardroom, go for a walk between sessions, and take in the ocean views and scenery.”
St. Simons Island includes miles of undisturbed beachfront, a charming downtown, and plenty of attractions. Groups can take an excursion over to Little St. Simons Island, an 11,000-acre private barrier island nature preserve accessible only by boat. For a truly memorable experience, add a stay and meetings at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, with 189 guest rooms and 10,000 square feet of meeting space.
