For this week’s virtual trips we’re going to ask you to Think Pink! Not only does the Hotel Bennett have the most petal-soft pink champagne lounge, and Castle Hot Springs offer views of the pinkest Arizona sunsets... but it’s October, darlings! That means it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we’re honoring that as well!
If you are walking, running, biking, or otherwise using your skills to raise money for breast cancer research this month, email us so we can support you!
So wear your hottest hues or your softest baby pinks this week, ladies- and you too, gentlemen- as we will be sipping pink champagne, baking pastry with an award winning pastry chef, and exploring a legendary hot springs resort tucked into a desert canyon. We say “Cheers!” to all that!
The first five at 3:55pm (no earlier than 3:55, please) to log into the call and be ready to bake, will receive a special gift from the Executive Pastry Chef at Hotel Bennett, to help you perfect your skills!
As an added bonus, each week we’ll award a planner who goes “all in” a special gift from our sweet friend, Kelly McAlister with Maui Jim... so join us this week for the Retreats Resources version of the Great British Baking Show!
Steven Lewis
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M: 843-505-1676
Born and raised in Southern Ohio, Steven began his hospitality career in Hilton Head Island, SC over 10 years ago. Steven will be representing Hotel Bennett in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast markets after holding sales positions with multiple brands throughout Hilton Head, Savannah and Charleston.
The low country will always hold a special place in his heart, meeting his wife and eventually welcoming their two sons throughout the area.
Hotel Bennett
Charleston, SC — The south’s grandest new luxury hotel, Hotel Bennett is inspired by native Charlestonians and European classic design. Located on the fashionable King Street, the prominent entrance opens upon the corner of historic Marion Square. Style and elegance come to life throughout with unique appointments to the accommodations and guest amenities. Custom furnishings and local artwork complement the exquisite dining experiences in Gabrielle, La Patisserie, Camellias, and Fiat Lux. The hotel perfectly blends unparalleled luxury with an unmatched setting of the country’s most beloved city. Hotel Bennett is part of the Salamander Hotel Group.
Rave Reviews!
No need to look any further for validation that this is a one-of-a-kind hotel, than these reviews:
“The hotel’s design and interior finishes evoke European grandeur with extravagant use of marble, limestone, copper and tile but it’s the local touches that impart a unique dose of Carolina Lowcountry soul.”
LIKE YOUR OWN BEDROOM. WITH A BETTER VIEW.
Stay in unparalleled luxury with the Hotel Bennett. Their distinguished service and meticulous attention to detail create the getaway of your dreams. 179 stylish guestrooms and suites transcend traditional upscale accommodations with custom furnishings and design that authentically reflect Charleston’s famed elegance and grace. Indulge in designer pedestal tubs, separate showers, luxurious bedding and locally inspired artwork, among many intricate and thoughtful nuances that embody the Hotel Bennett experience.
SUITE SITUATION
Blessed with gorgeous rooftop vistas, Hotel Bennett offers a few ways to live ‘above it all.’ This Presidential Suite terrace (pictured above) is just one of them.
The King’s Club provides a private oasis for guests seeking exclusive comfort and ease throughout their stay. Guests who reserve a room or suite with King’s Club access are pampered from the moment they check in with meticulous service, distinctive amenities and exclusive access to the city. VIP treatment includes customized itineraries, a dedicated concierge, King’s Club access with stunning terrace views of King Street, and the Chef de cuisine’s food and beverage presentations throughout the day and evening. The King’s Club is an intimate retreat befitting Hotel Bennett and their most discerning guests.
UPSCALE MEETINGS IN THE LOWCOUNTRY
With attentive service, state-of-the-art conference facilities and both indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, the hotel is poised to host conferences, board meetings, fundraisers, galas and incentive trips. Planners will discover a Charleston venue with everything to host their event including:
- Over 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space
- 6,600 sq. ft. ballroom
- Customizable catering menus and exceptional restaurants offering private dining experiences
- Meeting services including event management and design, audiovisual expertise and destination assistance
- Group activities and team-building
Here’s a little light reading for you before our trip: Hotel Bennett Group Brochure.
FRENCH MADELEINES
Remy Funfrock, Executive Pastry Chef, will lead us through the creation of French Madeleines.
Because we know you’re wondering...
The original French madeleine is a small, traditional cake from two communes of the Lorraine region of northeastern France – Liverdun and Commercy. ... It is said that a girl named Madeleine had been given these little cake-like cookies during her pilgrimage, and she brought the recipe back to France with her.
Interactive Pastries! Oui, oui!
Break out your aprons, and use the following shopping list to join chef Remy Funfrock as we learn to make the classic French Madeleine!
- Whole Eggs – 3 each
- Brown Sugar – 15 grs or 1 TBS
- Sugar – 112 grs or ½ cup
- All-Purpose Flour – 135 grs or 2/3 cup
- Baking Powder – 4.5 grs or 1 tsp
- Salt – 1 pinch
- Lemon Zest – 1 each
- Melted Butter – 135 grs or 2/3 cup
- Vanilla Extract – 2 grs or ½ tsp
- Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Bar (or choice of chocolate or colored chocolate for dipping)
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowl
- Madeleine Tray (or cupcake tray with paper cups for tray)
- Pastry Bag
- Cooking Spray
Method
- Mix the eggs and all sugars together until it reaches light ribbon stage.
- Add salt, vanilla, and zest and mix to combine.
- Add the sifted flour and baking powder, mix well.
- Add melted butter in a thin stream.
*For best results please make the above mix up to this stage the day prior to the event - Fill pre-buttered madeleine molds
- Bake 375ºF for approximately 12 minutes or until golden color.
- Unmold while still hot.
- When cool dipped madeleines in your choice of colored chocolate.
- Madeleine will stay fresh for a week when stored in an airtight container.
- Makes approximately 12 madeleines
Tina Newman
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O: 602-761-4582
C: 480-815-6991
Having more than 30 years of venerable experience in the travel industry, Tina is known for her well-established network of relationships as well as her ability to create and promote unparalleled brand standards.
Thrilled to be part of the Castle Hot Springs experience, she says, “it has been an amazing year as we have presented this unique resort to market and worked on refining the brand.”
Previously Tina was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Enchantment Group and its award-winning properties, Her career started in the food and beverage industry before joining a small group of luxury hotels in Mexico where she changed her focus to sales with an emphasis in the incentive market. A member of HSMAI’s Resort Marketing Best Practices group, her passion for data and analytics marketing are what truly inspire her!
Tina lives in Scottsdale, AZ with her husband where they enjoy summer boating and as much experiential travel as schedules will allow.
Castle Hot Springs
Following a dusty dirt road you will find the lush and magical oasis of Castle Hot Springs. Whether you’re looking to unwind in the hot springs or go on an adventure in the Sonoran Desert, their inclusive experience takes you on a memorable journey and you’ll leave there feeling better than when you arrived.
This may very well be the most interesting resort you never heard of! If you have 30 minutes to take a virtual journey back in time, check out this Emmy award winning documentary which traces it’s days as a legendary wellness retreat from the early 1900s to it’s present rebirth as a luxury resort perfect for this moment in time! It’s called “Oasis of Time” and you can watch it here.
AN INCLUSIVE WELLNESS EXPERIENCE...
Daily Meals + Gratuity
Experience five-star dining with farm fresh ingredients sure to spoil you during your stay, all included.
Access to the Hot Springs
Take a dip knowing that you’re one of the lucky few to float in these waters and emerge feeling refreshed.
Daily Activities to Entertain
From pickleball to guided hikes, there are endless activities to explore during your stay at this oasis.
HOT SPRINGS, HOT DESTINATION
You’re invited to revive your soul in the deep rock waters that have for centuries lent their restorative properties to pilgrims willing to trek into the Bradshaw Mountains. Today, these waters are yours to encounter. Nestled in a secluded Arizona canyon, time feels like it stops when you enter the hot springs pools and everyday worries evaporate. The crisp desert air and serene sounds envelope you and you emerge from your soak renewed and revitalized.
Long before the resort at Castle Hot Springs existed, those needing restoration and care — from Native American tribes, to frontier ranchers and explorers, to celebrities and dignitaries — found their way to these hot springs.
ALL IN
All of the beautiful, finely crafted, and well-appointed rooms at Castle Hot Springs were designed to envelop you in unparalleled luxury that anticipates your each and every need. You’ll begin to unwind the moment you open the door to your private oasis. Their rooms are fashioned to deliver complete relaxation, sparing nothing to ensure you are completely at ease. Fall into a deep, uninterrupted sleep in the rich and luxurious bedding. Wash away your worries in their deep soaking tubs. Enjoy a world free from electronics and reconnect with what is truly important. Best of all, dine with delight knowing that three farm fresh gourmet meals will be covered with each night’s stay.
BUNGALOWS IN HIGH DEMAND
These Bungalows are designed for pure luxury and relaxation. Bathe in the healing properties of the natural spring waters in a private, custom Sonoma stone tub as you gaze on the quiet peaks around you.
Luxurious king beds complete with Red Flower bath amenities, robes, luxurious bed linens, Nespresso machines, reading books and board games. A creek originating from the hot springs meanders down the gentle hill slope past these individual buildings. An inviting outdoor covered deck with comfortable lounge furniture and a fireplace provide comfort year round.
SET THE MOOD FOR OUR CALL...
Here are a few things to get you into the mood of these two destinations:
Arizona
- Make Castle Hot Springs special Roasted Tomato Salsa by following this simple recipe: https://vimeo.com/403508535
- Visit Arizona - get a sneak peek of this fascinating state
- Best heat-tolerant plants - for all of you with green thumbs
- 8 facts about the Grand Canyon you never knew
Charleston
- Bless your hearts. Southern sayings and what they really mean.
- The classic ‘magic grits’ scene from My Cousin Vinny.
- The most haunted locations in Charleston
Kelly McAlister, Maui Jim
Kelly McAlister of Maui Jim will be with us on the calls each week as judge and jury to see which planner really goes all-in with the theme. So engage, be creative, and have fun... and you may be the winner!
She’ll be doing some gifting that will surely lift your shelter-in-place spirits!
