We don't always travel for pleasure, but business meetings outside the office are on the increase year after year and also enhance the executives' experience. Closing deals in the Caribbean was never as rewarding as it is today.

Being on holidays is one of life’s greatest pleasures. However, the truth is that depending on the country, the average paid holiday time for workers ranges between 20 and 30 days per year, meaning we spend most days of the year working. Another thing is combining travel and business, a growing trend that mixes, where possible, the best of leisure and entertainment with working days.

MICE, for those unfamiliar with the term, is the acronym used for this type of travel which perfectly sums up the meaning of this ever-expanding niche market: Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. There’s nothing new about business travel, but the latest trend is the term Bleisure, a portmanteau of business and leisure that refers to a way of travelling that’s changing companies. Business travellers know that if they organise their time correctly, they can make the most of their trips to explore new destinations and enjoy unique experiences. Learning new words, trying new dishes and adapting to cultures is just one part of their lifestyle.

Disconnecting the Caribbean

Can you imagine an incentive trip on a beautiful Caribbean beach? A meeting in Riviera Maya’s classiest hotel? A conference overlooking the sea? A temazcal ritual team building session?

Although at first, it might all seem like fantasy, it can be done thanks to BlueBay Hotels. The hotel group has two 5-star resorts in the Riviera Maya, Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel*****GL and BlueBay Grand Esmeralda*****, both of which are perfect for an incentive trip, where work and pleasure go hand in hand. Fairy-tale settings are combined with facilities equipped with all the latest tech tools and services needed for any type of event. From large conference centres to small, elegant meeting rooms, or even spectacular strategic location with great views, customers will find the perfect setting for any occasion. The group also has a wide range of services that can be adapted to customer’s needs and an expert team of event coordinators to ensure the success of every activity. And because it’s impossible (and ill-advised) to work 24 hours a day, BlueBay has reinvented the traditional concept of working meetings by offering special and personalised packages that include additional services such as spa treatments, excursions, gourmet experiences and yoga sessions on the beach to help reduce stress, calm your nerves and alleviate the long working days commonly associated with the executive sector.

The Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel*****GL, only adults, adds a special touch with a distinctive style to any business meeting. The hotel is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) and has been awarded the prestigious AAA 4 Diamond Rating, which guarantees the hotel offers the highest standards of luxury, quality and service. The hotel’s convention centre comfortably holds 150 people and is equipped with the latest technology. The multipurpose 210m2 room can be divided into three different segments to create the perfect environment for management and board meetings.

Guests staying at Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel*****GL can also choose from a wide range of leisure options including an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea, cenotes, temazcal experiences, gourmet experiences and a fully equipped spa covering more than 2200m2 that provides an exclusive atmosphere by blending traditional Mayan philosophy with the healing rituals of ancient Asia.

For conferences and events, BlueBay Grand Esmeralda***** in Playa del Carmen offers a large area of up to 2000m2 for events and can accommodate up to 600 people. It can be adapted to hold conferences or any type of event and is equipped with the latest technology and the best possible services. The resort offers the possibility to hold meetings and special events both indoors and outdoors. There are more than 900 spacious rooms surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. The hotel also features all the facilities necessary to relax and unwind after work with a modern spa covering 2500m2, a fully equipped gym and a recreational area with non-motorised water sports, and a wide range of restaurants to enjoy local cuisine and international specialities.

The business tourism industry has grown strongly over the last few years, especially in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. These destinations were previously seen more as holiday destinations but are now being chosen more and more by international companies for business travel. Sun and beach, exceptional quality infrastructure and a great choice of leisure activities make the region ideal for hosting these types of groups. Taking into account the importance of these new customers, Bluebay Hotels offers premium quality bleisure experiences with suitable facilities to work in different areas of our hotel complexes: terrace overlooking the sea, swimming pool areas with spacious conference rooms, beach club restaurant, relaxing tropical views, perfect location for easy mobility in the area, personalised concierge service, transfer service from the airport and to different parts of the city, room amenities, special rates and a frequent customer club reward programme.