Beachside destinations are not just saved for the realms of social media, which are awash right now with pictures of idyllic sandy beaches and sublime coastal vistas. In the world of event planning, destination weddings have always been popular. But there has been a real growth in booking coastal destinations for business events too. Our five of the best beach event destinations are places that TLC clients have selected for corporate events recently, and they continue to grow in popularity for business and private celebrations.
Why? Clients have the urge to explore the world. Potentially, it’s also because the need to reward, retain and thank their staff for loyal service is increasing. There is also the fact that beachside locations provide a natural, relaxed vibe. It’s perfect for a less formal senior business meeting. Or the calm backdrop to a difficult negotiation or exciting deal making moment.
Undoubtedly, destination events provide that wow factor too. A chance to host your event in some of the most special places on earth; and set your company apart as an employer or business associate. Destination weddings have always been a special opportunity to really enjoy the company of your wedding party, by stretching the celebrations over a few days and without the distractions of home. It could be a meal by the coast on the eve of the wedding or a lovely brunch in the sunshine the day after. And the photos …. are wow!
Whatever the occasion though, a destination event planner can design a bespoke gathering in some of the most spectacular places around the globe. You may have limits on budget, but never on imagination!
THE BENEFITS OF A BEACH EVENT
Before we cut to the chase and share five of the best beach event destinations, let us take you through the benefits of organising your next private party, wedding or corporate event at a beachside venue. Of which there are many.
NATURE IS YOUR DÉCOR
Undoubtedly one of the biggest pros of a beach location for an event is that you can let the landscape do the talking and use your décor to complement the natural surroundings.
Think about the natural habitat, utilising local flora and fauna when dressing your venue. Embrace a subtle beach vibe by bringing in coastal blues and driftwood for your table centres or locally found shells for place markers.
You can find lots of coastal-inspired ideas and ways to use a pale blue colourway in this blog: https://www.tlc-ltd.co.uk/bring-bright-skies-thinking-wedding-day/
Elegant pastel blue and cream beach design
An alternative is to bring in the beach club styling, popular in lots of high-end venues in locations like Marbella and Barbados. Navy and white stripes, a hint of red for the versatile nautical vibe. With lots of comfy loungers and seating providing the necessary luxury touch. A striking, clean and timeless beachside style that suits a more formal dinner on a table with crisp, white linens. Or a more causal vibe on wooden, rustic tables.
Crisp white and navy-blue colour ways
OUTDOORS ALL YEAR ROUND
Outdoor summer events were historically reserved for June-August only in the UK. Whilst they have increased in popularity for May and September, the risk of a downpour is ever present. You don’t need to worry about the weather when you’re flying your wedding party or company group out to the sunshine. Yes, most UK venues are much better prepared now for managing the weather in their outside spaces. But outdoor winter events are definitely less viable and riskier. And yet this is exactly the time of year that people need that burst of warmth.
So, if you’re chasing the sunshine, the consistency and all-year option of some international destinations means there’s one less thing to think about. It gives businesses the opportunity to plan an incentive event for quieter commercial times, allowing key staff to attend the event. And for brides, the chance for a welcome winter wedding on the beach. Which brings me on to …….
SUNSHINE PLANNING
There’s safety in predictability. Most foreign climates have more stable weather systems that we do at home and that’s a bonus that can’t be underestimated. When you know it’s 99% likely to be sunny, people can plan what to wear, what to pack etc. You are able to design the event around this fact. Factoring in the sunshine is a new issue in the UK, but one we have dealt with on international events for quite some time.
Important issues such as the time of day the event is held, where the sun will be shining during the Chairman’s or best man speech, keeping guests cool and hydrated – must all be factored into your planning. You can choose outdoor venues as opposed to meeting rooms or ballrooms. Your event food selection needs to reflect the oceanside setting with more cool, fresh options to choose from. And cocktails – should be iced-cold!
IT BRINGS THE WOW FACTOR
Undoubtedly the biggest benefit is that a destination event provides a unique and memorable experiences. It’s an opportunity to show your guests, be they there for business or pleasure, something they’ve never seen or experienced before.
Many will use this destination format to hold the meeting in the daytime and an incentive event in the evening. It could be a mountainside restaurant reached by cable car or a sunset boat trip followed by dinner served on the beach. We once organised a corporate event near Marrakesh where the entire company was taken out for dinner in a Bedouin restaurant in the middle of the Sahara dessert. These ‘wow’ factor moments are what stays on people’s lips for many years to come and elevate your event to a new level.
THE DREAM DESTINATIONS
Are you sold on the idea of taking your event to far flung shores? If so, then read on for our guide to five of the best beach event destinations.
The Lone Star, Barbados
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BARBADOS
Barbados is not just a sublimely romantic setting for a wedding. Or a lively, paradise in which to hold your next party. It’s also becoming more and more popular for corporate events, conferences, and seminars. It has a superb range of upmarket hotels, plus its size (just 166 square miles) allows for easy travel between venues.
Our collection of five of the best beach event destinations in the world HAD to include our favourite venue on this idyllic island, The Lone Star. A boutique hotel with a restaurant that is set right on the spectacular beaches of the west coast. It is favoured by the likes of Simon Cowell – who has a soft spot for the Shepherd’s pie! TLC is currently planning a luxury wedding at this venue so keep an eye on our social media for behind the scenes highlights of the destination wedding planning process (you’ll soon realise why this is our favourite Barbados wedding venue).
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IBIZA
Repeat visitors to this Balearic gem say there’s something magnetic about the white Isle. Tourists flock to Ibiza for its hedonistic summer club scene but head out into the quieter parts of the island and this is where you will fall in love with island life forever. Venues such as the Elixir Shore Club or the Maya Beach Club offer mesmerising views and luxurious surroundings for a wedding or private party. If you’re a clubber at heart and want to sample a piece of the Island’s unique history, then head to Pikes and throw your own Club Tropicana pool party. You’ll see just why the likes of Freddie Mercury, George Michael, Kylie, and Kate Moss got lost in the pursuit of pleasure here. It’s magical setting for a party.
Alternatively, you could hire out an entire luxury villa in the Ibiza countryside and bring in outside caterers for complete privacy.
Ibiza Beach Party
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CROATIA
It’s said that Croatia is home to Europe’s best beach club in Hvar. This offers a unique combination of panoramic views of the Adriatic Ocean, a luxurious beachfront terrace, and heavenly interiors inside a venue with a heritage dating back to 1927. The photos don’t do it justice. You do have to visit in real life to see just how spectacular this Croatian event venue really is.
Aside from unique locations, Croatia has so much to offer anyone planning a wedding, private party, or conference. Just a 2.5-hour flight from the UK, Croatia is a jewel in Europe’s crown.
With its storybook Medieval cities. Warm friendly locals. Outstanding food. And an established events industry. It’s easy to see why it’s turning into a favoured beach event destination. Dubrovnik, Split, The Dalmatian Coast, Rovinj – the list of places to visit is endless.
Look at this list of special outdoor venues as a starting point: https://kongres-magazine.eu/2021/04/top-20-outdoor-special-venues-in-croatia/
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MIAMI
This one is a lively one. Miami has built its reputation on being a beach destination that never sleeps. The perfect combination of Cuban influence. Award-winning hotels. Clubs. Bars. And restaurants. Its sweeping shorelines and year-round sunshine make it a celebrity hangout that draws in the partygoers.
There are so many venues to choose from but just look at the stunning spaces on offer at The Cruz Building – http://cruzbuildings.com/. Unique, memorable and unlike anything your party will have experienced before.
Miami at Night
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MADIERA
Our list of the five of the best beach event destinations wouldn’t be complete without some winter sun that’s a little closer to home. Madeira is famous for its lush yet imposing landscapes and of course – the wine! What’s not to love? Oh, and it has clement temperatures of around 20 – 25 degrees for most of the year. Dropping to its lowest point of 16 degrees in January. Madeira has a wealth of beaches to choose from. And given that it is a volcanic island there are plenty of golden sands too, not just pebbles.
Our top choice for an event or wedding must be Machico Bay Beach. Just five minutes away from Funchal airport. It is surrounded by restaurants and is the perfect beauty spot. There are plenty of secret hidden coves here too so do your research if you want a quieter, more private beach party.
FURTHER BEACHSIDE READING
Beachside venues make the perfect backdrop for a wedding. But if you’re a same sex couple you will need to do your research to make sure gay/same sex weddings are permitted in the country you’re travelling to. Read our guide to destination weddings for gay couples here:
https://www.tlc-ltd.co.uk/destination-weddings-gay-couples/ and see a brilliant list of LGBTQ+ venues here: https://www.buzzfeed.com/skarlan/17-of-the-most-beautiful-lgbt-friendly-wedding-venues-from-a