4 destinations where a business trip becomes a leisure trip
3 minutes
Travelling for business also becomes an opportunity to discover new places, carve out some relaxing time between meetings, and return home happier.
Not all destinations are ideal: in addition to beautiful views, hospitality and comfort, business travellers have certain requirements that cannot be overlooked, from wifi that must be efficient, to the appropriate venues for organising meetings.
In Italy, all this is possible in numerous destinations, many of them unthinkable.
Work and leisure are a winning combination in Milan
Milan was among the first cities to invest in bleisure, with the Yes Milano Convention Bureau. It was conceived by the city council to promote the city as a venue for congresses, trade fairs and other important events, but also to simply organise smaller events. It is an intuitive idea involving hotels and restaurants. Just go to the site, select the establishment that best suits your needs, and ask for availability.
Once you have shut down your computer, there is time for lots of activities. From cultural visits to shopping, from happy hour to gourmet dinners in Michelin-starred restaurants, also available for business lunches.
Business meetings by the sea in Rimini
If you cannot do without the sea, your temporary office in Rimini could be at the historic Grand Hotel.
Here, business travellers can stay at reduced rates, benefit from a fast connection and the service of the La Dolce Vita restaurant, which also offers quick lunches.
This useful location is also delightful, and only because it’s near the sea. A trip to the spa could change your day, as could an excursion to discover the area. There are many options, from cooking classes to sailing trips with professional skippers, to tours in vintage cars, vespas and e-bikes.
Relaxation even during meetings, in the heart of Umbria
If you are not a fan of large venues, opt for something more intimate, perhaps away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Umbria, for example, is a great choice, with relaxing views, good food and that all-Italian way of being hospitable without being intrusive.
At the La Casella agricultural estate, you will find a true oasis within the Monte Peglia "Mab Unesco World Biosphere Reserve", over 40,000 hectares covering the municipalities of San Venanzo, Orvieto, Parrano and Ficulle.
Rooms and diffused hotels are available, all with wifi connection of course, and in between engagements there is no shortage of alternative activities. From forest bathing, to enter into direct contact with nature, to dinners in the woods, provided the temperatures permit, to yoga and meditation, to be practised in the facility's experiential room, with priceless views of the hills.
If you are not a fan of large venues, opt for something more intimate, perhaps away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Umbria, for example, is a great choice, with relaxing views, good food and that all-Italian way of being hospitable without being intrusive.
Set up a meeting in Palermo at the museum
An ancient residence in the heart of Palermo, where you can breathe history and literature. We are in Palazzo Lanza Tomasi, which was the home of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, author of The Leopard, and which today houses the museum dedicated to him.
Meeting rooms in Palermo have stuccoes and memories: the Conference Suite and Museum can accommodate up to 70 people; it's an elite venue for an important business meeting or conference. Wifi, video projectors, screens and sound system are impeccable, and refreshments and coffee breaks can also be arranged.
Also part of the same structure is the Butera 28 residence, which offers flats of various types where one can stay. Once the work is done, leisure time begins. The Duchess of Palma, hostess of the house, takes guests to the Il Capo market early in the morning, and then offers a cooking class in Palermo featuring local specialities.
Outside there is the beauty of the city, to be discovered alone or in the company of colleagues.
