The “bleisure” buzzword that had meeting planners questioning its meaning not so long ago has now earned itself a permanent place in planner vocabulary, with destinations that offer a balance between work and play—like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama—capturing fresh attention.
“Alabama’s Beaches are ideal for meetings and business travelers because of our Southern hospitality and coastal charm,” said Michelle Russ, vice president of sales at Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. “Those ‘work-cations’ we create in the destination are an opportunity for attendees to blend business with relaxation, and maybe even bring their families along.”
Relaxation is nothing new in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, where a “laid back, creative and welcoming vibe,” as Russ describes it, has made the destination one in which every visitor can live like a local. But the “B” in the area’s “bleisure” scene has established an equally as strong presence.
“One of the most notable [developments in Alabama’s Beaches] is The Lodge at Gulf State Park, which is a Hilton Hotel,” Russ said. “It is one of the most eco-conscious properties in the country, and the only project with three leading environmental certifications: LEED Gold, SITES Platinum and FORTIFIED Commercial.”
The 350-room hotel offers nearly 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Across the destination, there are more than 18,000 rentable units, including hotels, condos and beach houses, and approximately 150,000 square feet of meeting space. Two full-service beachfront resorts—Perdido Beach Resort and The Lodge at Gulf State Park—cater to meetings and were joined by the brand-new full-service Embassy Suites by Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort over the summer.
“Just this year, Allegiant Airlines now flies non-stop to eight markets out of Gulf Shores International Airport,” Russ said, highlighting a second development in the destination’s business travel offerings. “We’re typically a drive-to destination, but this really offers another avenue for attendees and meeting planners to come to Alabama’s Beaches, and we know that in the very near future, there will be an expansion at the airport and additional markets added to the eight we already have.”
And more flights, of course, mean even more possibilities for meetings mixed with sun and fun!
[Related: Taking Off: California Dreaming on Huntington Beach]
Where to Stay in Alabama's Beaches
Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach is a privately owned 344-room property with 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting space that has been a staple for Alabama Gulf Coast meetings business for decades. The resort offers multiple onsite restaurants, including one of the area's top fine-dining locales—Voyagers—as well as family-friendly pools, a private beachfront and a private dock with catamaran tours.
Where to Eat in Alabama's Beaches
Waterway Village in Gulf Shores is an up-and-coming area with several restaurants, an art gallery and the destination's only brewery, Big Beach Brewing Company. Tacky Jacks, with a private room for events, and Acme Oyster House, offering private event opportunities outside Gulf Shores’ peak summer season, feature menu items with local flavors from fried Gulf shrimp po-boys to chargrilled oysters.
Fun Activities in Alabama's Beaches
Sand Castle University (SCU) is a mobile sand-sculpting experience that brings expert instruction directly to your group’s beach location of choice in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. SCU’s one- and two-hour private classes are designed for all ages and skill levels, making the experience a favorite for groups. All equipment, instruction and photo opportunities are included in this sandy selection.
Read more meeting and event news in Alabama
Taking Off is a column from the desk of destinations content manager, Taylor Smith, which uncovers the destinations you haven't thought of for meetings or events, from under-the-radar locales to new neighborhoods you should know about. Read more Taking Off columns here.
