Luxe retreats and historic hotels from Yosemite to St. Louis welcome small meetings and incentives.
Destination immersion. Activities in nature. Digital detox. Cultural and historical connection. All of these are trends that resonate with today’s meeting and event attendees—and are especially applicable for small meetings and incentives. Read on for our curated coverage of hidden gem retreats and boutique properties in the U.S.
The Great Outdoors
Waybound Yosemite opened in summer 2026 with 50 premium cabins called The Haven and a central hub for dining, recreation and gathering called The Commons. Located in Fish Camp, California just outside the south entrance of Yosemite National Park, the two-bedroom cabins are nestled in a pristine setting that serves as a contemporary basecamp for exploration and reflection. Each cabin features spacious interiors with large picture windows and front porches and back patios that bring the outdoors in. Planners can arrange access to signature amenities such as Cocktail Chests offering craft mixology and Spa Boxes providing wellness items. The nearby Commons features the Coffee Counter with breakfast bites, the Plates and Pours restaurant, and a general store for provisions and grab-and-go options. Just outside The Commons, there’s a resort-style swimming pool and hot tub, with lounge seating on the pool deck. In the evenings, complimentary s’mores are served around fire pits next to the bar. All told, Waybound Yosemite offers a comfortable, high-end retreat for small groups and individual incentive attendees to recharge and deepen their connections with nature.
Wilderness Buyout
Tucked away in a spectacular wilderness setting near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Flat Creek Ranch welcomes buyouts for groups of up to 15 attendees and shorter stays of 3-4 days as well as weeklong retreats. Rustic yet luxurious historic cabins built by a countess and a cowboy in the 1920’s were elegantly restored back in the early aughts, when Flat Creek was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Popular group activities include exclusive access to a mile and a half of a private Blue-Ribbon stream, with all-skills-level fly fishing clinics included in every stay, and guided trail rides and backcountry hikes led by professional wranglers and wilderness experts. Protected backcountry trail networks lead to unobstructed views of the Teton Range. Back on the ranch, a 2,500 sf lodge serves as a central gathering place, with a wraparound porch overlooking a private lake, a dining room with a wood-burning fireplace serving locally sourced Teton Valley farm-to-table fare, a cozy sitting room, an open kitchen with guest access and an outdoor fire pit, grill and smoker. Groups can also use a 500 sf multipurpose studio space with a wood-burning stove for wellness experiences, small workshops, etc.
History Meets Modern Reimagining
Reopened in September, 2026 after a nearly two-year closure and property-wide restoration, the 96-room Le Méridien St. Louis Downtown juxtaposes modern flair with historic architecture. The 1913 building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, retains many of its original details, while interior design reflects Le Méridien’s signature European-inspired decor and contemporary accommodations. The hotel has more than 1,200 sf of flexible meeting and event space that can accommodate groups of up to 100 attendees. It is steps away from America’s Center Convention Complex, the Gateway Arch and many of the city’s other popular attractions. Guest rooms were re-designed with clean lines, warm finishes, plush bedding, spacious work areas and modern amenities. A new signature dining concept, Pine Street Social Kitchen & Wine Bar, is due to open soon.
