Group clients can now have an entire luxury resort or hotel to themselves with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts their new exclusives and buyout program.

“At Four Seasons we’re in the business of making memorable experiences happen for our guests, and that includes our group clients,” explained Four Seasons senior vice president global sales, Jonathan Sicroff.

“On many occasions, the needs and ambitions of our clients are so big that we open up entire properties exclusively for their use, resulting in a world of benefits for both hosts and participants.

With 60 per cent of meeting professionals planning to increase incentive eligibility in the next year, and 49 per cent planning to increase their incentive travel budgets, industry executives are looking for ways to take group events to the next level.

“There is nothing more appealing than a hotel buyout.

“Meeting planners are judged by our clients on creativity, flexibility and our ability to maximise marketing opportunities, and when you have a property on an exclusive basis, it opens so many possibilities to execute top tier events,” Richard Calcaterra, co-founder and officer, Enterprise Events Group.

Reaping the benefits of full or partial buyouts is easier than ever as Four Seasons builds on its unique experience and expands the program across its portfolio.

Beginning later this year, planners will also find enhanced tools on the company’s meetings and events website, allowing them to quickly understand the opportunity at specific hotels.

When booking a Four Seasons buyout, groups secure all hotel rooms and suites, all function spaces and all outdoor pools, with selected restaurants and lounges, spas and fitness centres, golf courses and public areas potentially available.

The latter may need to remain available to outside guests and/or residents of the hotel or resort.

When booking a Four Seasons exclusive, the group enjoys a complete takeover of the property, including all hotel rooms and suites, function spaces, restaurants and lounges, spas and fitness centres, public areas, and, where applicable, all pools and golf courses plus any other recreational facilities such as private beaches and tennis courts.

Debbie Parsons, president Performance Group, believes there are additional benefits once the event is in progress: “To know that every guest in the hotel is part of the same group creates a very powerful cultural experience than transcends the agenda.

“When the entire hotel staff is focused solely on one client, it’s like a dance or orchestra performing at the highest level, something truly special that will be remembered by participants long after it’s over.”