California is redefining the meetings and events industry by seamlessly integrating health and wellness into corporate gatherings. From serene coastal retreats to luxurious inland escapes, the Golden State offers a plethora of venues where nature, relaxation, and productivity coalesce. This innovative approach fosters creativity, enhances mental clarity, and promotes overall well-being among attendees.
Tranquility Along the Coast
Lodge at Marconi: A Northern California Gem
Nestled on 62 sprawling acres within Marconi State Historic Park, the newly reopened Lodge at Marconi offers a unique blend of luxury and natural beauty. Managed by Oliver Hospitality, this upscale retreat overlooks Tomales Bay and is surrounded by scenic hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for disconnecting from digital distractions and reconnecting with nature.
Meeting attendees at the Lodge at Marconi can wake up to the soothing sounds of chirping birds and breathe in the fresh coastal air. The lodge’s Marketplace and Espresso Bar provide convenient refreshments, while activities like West Marin Food & Farm Tours, Blue Water Kayaking, and yoga classes on Tower Hill offer rejuvenating experiences. Nearby trails such as Chimney Rock Trail, McClures Beach Trail, Kehoe Beach Trail, and the iconic Tomales Point Trail provide diverse environments for exploration.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach: A Southern Oasis
In South Laguna Beach, The Ranch at Laguna Beach offers an 87-acre sanctuary nestled in Aliso Canyon, just moments from the Pacific Ocean. This hidden gem features 97 cottage-inspired rooms, nine picturesque fairways, a boutique spa, and a biodynamic farm. Group activities at the resort include restorative yoga, HIIT fitness classes, farm-to-table tours, and guided starry night walks, all designed to enhance well-being and foster team bonding.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Pebble Beach Resorts: Open Air and Open Water
Located on Central California’s spectacular coast, Pebble Beach Resorts is a premier destination for meetings and events. Companies increasingly opt for outdoor meeting programs, leveraging the benefits of fresh air and scenic views to improve social interactions, brain health, stress relief, and creativity.
At Pebble Beach Resorts, groups can enjoy kayaking on Stillwater Cove amidst sea otters and dolphins or participate in friendly golf competitions at The Hay short course, designed by Tiger Woods. The Pebble Beach Golf Academy also offers lessons to enhance team skills and camaraderie.
Dawn Ranch: A Riverside Retreat
Dawn Ranch in Guerneville spans 22 acres and features a river, apple orchard, and meadow, making it an ideal location for significant events and corporate gatherings. The resort’s core programming focuses on wellness and restoration, offering yoga, meditation, sound baths, forest bathing, and creative workshops.
The resort’s six new event venues can accommodate groups ranging from 50 to 1,500 attendees, making it perfect for retreats seeking a city escape. The Lodge, Dawn Ranch’s Argentinean dining concept, provides catering for all group sizes, ensuring a seamless and memorable event experience.
Unique Classes & Learning Experiences
Asilomar Conference Grounds: Oceanfront Wellness
Asilomar Conference Grounds, located on an oceanfront campus in Pacific Grove, offers 65,000 square feet of stunning venue space. Embracing wellness initiatives, Asilomar provides team-building activities such as kayaking, biking, hiking, scenic scavenger hunts, beach Olympics, and group problem-solving challenges.
For relaxation, private docent-guided Point Lobos State Natural Reserve tours offer opportunities to engage with nature. These tours cover geology, cultural history, marine life, tide pooling, and birding, providing a comprehensive escape from work distractions. Asilomar’s catering emphasizes sustainability, sourcing seasonal, fresh ingredients from local farmers.
Mendocino County: Farm-to-Table Excellence
Mendocino County combines luxurious inns, natural beauty, and a rich farm-to-table culture. Known for its heritage farmers, cheesemakers, cider apple growers, and craftspeople, the region offers unique team-building experiences.
Groups can participate in the “Art of Cooking and Cider Tasting” class at The Apple Farm. This rural farm, owned by French Laundry’s Sally Schmitt, provides an immersive experience in crafting new recipes, blending techniques, and understanding the farm-to-table lifestyle. Participants will leave with renewed creativity and an appreciation for quality cuisine.
California’s innovative approach to integrating health and wellness into meetings and events is setting a new standard in the industry. From the serene coastal landscapes of Lodge at Marconi and The Ranch at Laguna Beach to the dynamic venues at Pebble Beach Resorts and Dawn Ranch, the state’s diverse offerings provide an unparalleled backdrop for productivity and relaxation. By prioritizing well-being, California is not just hosting events but transforming how we connect, create, and thrive.
Written by: Michelle Warner
