Art of Saki tasting experiences at the Grand Hyatt Vail Resort & Spa.

Hotels Tap Local Culinary Connections for Groups

Art of Saki tasting experiences at the Grand Hyatt Vail Resort & Spa.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sprouting this spring: new immersive group experiences spotlighting local artisans, culinary talent and wellness experts.

Following are a few of the options:

Hyatt Regency Lake Washington

Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport has unveiled a new menu of curated group experiences designed to immerse guests in the culture and creativity of the Pacific Northwest. Through partnerships with local businesses and artisans, the hotel offers hands-on programming ranging from floral design workshops to interactive culinary classes and elevated wine tastings.

  • Floral Creations
    The hotel has partnered with local floral designer Athina Balahoutis of Athina’s Floral Studio to offer hands-on floral design workshops with step-by-step instruction to guide participants in creating professional arrangements, complete with a ceramic keepsake vase.
    Groups can also opt for a “Create Your Own Bouquet” Floral Bar, a more social-style activation where guests design and wrap their own custom bouquets.
  • Italian Cooking Experience
    In collaboration with Sketch of Italy, these immersive culinary classes are customizable based on group size and preferences, with options including full hands-on cooking classes, collaborative team cooking sessions and chef-led demonstration experiences.

    A candle-making group experience.
  • Private Wine Tastings
    The hotel has partnered with On Blended Knee, a premier Black-owned winery based in nearby Woodinville, to offer private wine tasting experiences for groups. Led by founders and wife-husband duo La’Rissa and Michael O’Dwyer, these tasting provide insight into the winery’s story, the unique terrain of Washington State and the artistry behind each blend.
  • Paint & Sip + Candle-Making Experiences
    Seattle-based artist Jonarra Swanson, known for highly detailed works celebrating her African heritage, guides participants to create their own works of art.
    Pair the experience with a candle-making session with Noir Lux Candle Bar, allowing groups to craft their own luxury candles selecting from a variety of fragrances.

Hotel Yountville, CA

The newly renovated Hotel Yountville—a vineyard estate-inspired retreat in the heart of wine country, has introduced the Working Wellness Group Offer, designed for teams looking to recharge while staying productive.

Inspired by the growing interest in longevity, cognitive wellness, and functional nutrition, the program blends thoughtful culinary offerings with restorative practices to help guests recharge and reconnect.

The Working Wellness Group Offer includes:

  • A complimentary room upgrade for every 10 rooms booked
  • Farm-to-table dining with organic, nutrient-rich menus designed to energize and restore
  • Daily group wellness sessions led by a Hotel Yountville spa expert, including restorative yoga, flow yoga, sound healing, or chakra balancing
  • 10% off spa treatments (Monday–Thursday)

Beyond the programming, Hotel Yountville offers a calm, walkable setting just steps from Napa Valley’s top restaurants and wineries, allowing groups to balance structured wellness with time to unwind and connect.

Grand Hyatt Vail Resort & Spa

At Grand Hyatt Vail Resort & Spa, group travel is taking on a more immersive, hands-on approach this summer through Makoto, the resort’s refined Japanese dining concept from Chef Makoto Okuwa. The Sushi Rolling Class and Art of Sake tasting experiences are interactive culinary events designed to bring groups together in a more meaningful way.

  • Sushi Rolling Class: Guided by expert chefs, guests learn the fundamentals of sushi-making—from rolling and slicing to presentation.
  • Art of Sake: Features four unique sake styles—each hand-selected from different Japanese prefectures. Guests can enjoy 3-oz. pours as experts take you through the flavors, history, and craftsmanship behind each variety.

Whether corporate retreats, celebrations or friends traveling together, these experiences tap into a growing appetite for culturally driven, participatory programming for a memorable way to connect beyond traditional resort activities.

Beach bonfire at Ocean’s Edge.

Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club

Book at this Cape Cod resort by July 31, 2026 and enjoy a complimentary beach bonfire, wine tasting and arrival experience your team is unlikely to forget. The offer includes:

  • A private beach bonfire on Cape Cod Bay
  • A curated wine tasting experience
  • Seasonal mocktails + s’mores
  • Optional hosted or cash bar

More information: Ocean Edge Meetings

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