Incentive Travel: Asian August – Cooling off in Malaysia
During the summer, temperatures soar in South East Asia. Savvy CEOs in the region have discovered a number of cool and picturesques destinations in Asia to beat the heat and offer memorable sales incentive trips, executive retreats, and team building. Malaysia offers a number of places where your team will be cool and comfortable even in August.
Pahang
First let’s start with a virtual tour of Pahang where you’ll find the communities of where you’ll find Cameron Highlands, Berjaya Hills, Fraser’s Hills, and Genting Highlands.
Cameron Highlands: Temperature: 15°C – 32°C
I’ll never forget the first time I went to Cameron Highlands. On the way, we stopped at a beautiful waterfall. There was an area with stalls, arts, crafts, blow pipes and a variety of souvenirs. The people working at the stalls were pulling up on motorbikes and some were talking on cell phones.
When we continued our journey, I asked the guide about aboriginal peoples. I said “When I was in Kuching, there were aboriginal settlements nearby. Are there any aboriginal people in this area?
He replied “You just spent time with some Orang Asli. They were the people selling at the stalls”. I guess the blowpipes were a big hint. Never let motorbikes and cell phones throw you off.
On the way to Cameron Highlands, your group has the option of stopping at Kuala Woh Recreational Park for a short scavenger hunt that includes orienteering and a visit to by suspension bridge to the museum to answer trivia, a dip in the natural hot springs and light snacks.
Cameron Highlands was a real treat. We stopped for lunch at a boutique hotel. An impromptu site inspection and tour revealed spacious rooms and ample meeting room facilities. The Smokehouse Hotel, that has been providing hospitality since 1932, is a possible lunch (or dinner) venue for your group upon arrival in Cameron Highlands:
We headed off to visit a handicraft centre, gardens and nurseries. We toured at tea plantation and relaxed while we enjoyed tea, scones and an incredible view. I noted that to round an itinerary for your corporate group, in Cameron Highlands, golf, nature hikes, a visit to an Orang Asli (aboriginal) village, and jungle trekking are available.
Before heading back to Kuala Lumpur, we stopped and picked strawberries. It was my last day in Malaysia and I have a very late night flight. As soon as we were airborne, it was a treat to enjoy the fresh strawberries I had picked with whipped cream that had been provided to me at no charge by one of the restaurants in the airport’s departure area. It’s one of those moments in time that you wish you could freeze.
Berjaya Hills:
Formerly known as Bukit Tinggi (meaning “French Hill”), Berjaya Hills has a French themed resort, beautiful gardens, golf, paintball, horse riding, and a variety of options for team meetings and relaxation.
Great views – Narration in Arabic
There is even a Japanese garden complete with teahouse. Yes, you can experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the heart of Berjaya Hills.
Japanese Garden Walkthrough
Nearby, even in the summer, the weather will be comfortable enough to treat your team to a full jungle survival team building experience with overnight camping. The location is popular with local companies so it is imperative that you book your trip at least 4 – 6 months in advance if you want to include this unforgetable experience into your itinerary.
Fraser’s Hill:
1,524 metres about sea level, you’ll find Fraser’s Hill, a rainforest hamlet named after Louse James Fraser from Scotland who established a trading staion in the area and went missing in 1919, is a picturesque destination where the temperatures are cool enoug for for retreats, even in the summer.
It’s ideal for companies that are interested in providing an eco-tourism experience. It is one of Malaysia’s prime locations for bird wartching. Groups can also enjoy golf, horse riding, the Jeriau Waterfall.
Genting Highlands: Temperature 22°C – 32°C
Enjoy the unforgetable view as cable cars will carry you above the clouds to Genting Highlands, a playground complete with hotels, meeting facilities, a theme park and casino. Horse riding can be arranged nearby.
Sabah
Kinabalu Park
In Malaysian Borneo, Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Asia’s tallest peak, will give your team an opportunity to explore rocky mountain and the rainforest trails below the mountain. With one of the most diverse collections of fauna in the world, Kinabulu Park covers 4 climatic zones.
Even if your team is a mix of serious mountain cimbers and team members who would prefer to cool off under a waterfall, soak in the curative properties of an open air sulphuric bath, and explore tropical gardens, there will be no shortage of things to do and experiences to amaze.
Golf, and early morning horse riding are also located within easy distance.
Those who dare, can even walk The Torque, the highest via ferrata in the world.
Let Executive Oasis International Take You to Malaysia
In Malaysia, we can add facilitated business team building and recreational activities ranging from orienteering, jungle treks, and ziplining to mountain climbing and abseiling to your itinerary. No matter what area of Malaysia you select for your summer adventure, one thing is certain. There is so much to see and such a variety of habitats and adventures to explore, your first trip to Malaysia will not be your last.
For more information the adventures that you can enjoy in Malaysia during the summer and throughout the year, please visit our website:
Jamaica Incentive Travel & Event Planning: Top 10 Ways to Enjoy the Water After you Finish Lying on the Beach
In Part 1 of Jamaica Incentive Travel, we discussed the fact that water is 1 of 2 essential elements in Jamaica’s name (meaning “land of wood and water”). We focused on exploring “wood” in all its forms from mountains to rainforest:
In Part 2, I’ll share a number of ways for your team to explore water. I’ve broken it down so that you can find something of interest that is close to where you are planning to stay.
Fitting it all in
Don’t let the variety of things to do overwhelm you. You can’t possibly fit it all into 1 trip. So when your trip is over, remember to “make it Jamaica again”. Here is how you can fit in some of the attractions we’ve been describing and still leave time for relaxation:
Day 1: Arrive early, spend most of the day relaxing but try to explore Outameni.
If you’re heading to Ocho Rios, make it a rest stop on the way from the airport.
Day 2: Fit in a Water Adventure & a Historical site
Relax in the Afternoon
Day 3: Leave early to explore Kingston & stay overnight
Day 4: Fit in a Mountain Adventure on your way back to the hotel
Day 5: Relax, shop and head home late in the evening
If your stay is shorter, then save some activities for your next trip to Jamaica.
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Top 10 Ways for Your Team to Enjoy the Water
When you Finish Lying on the Beach
Water. Splash in it. Play in it. Float on it. Take photos of it. Most of all, enjoy it.
You’ll witness a natural phenomenon that occurs at only 3 places in the world. The water in this phosphorescent lagoon glows at night. When the microscopic organisms that live where the fresh water and the Caribbean sea intersect are disturbed by boats or people swimming, they give off a luminecent glow.
35 min. boat tours are available every night. After your tour, relax and enjoy treats form the full service bar and authentic Jamaican cuisine. Just looking at the photos made me hungry.
Reggae & soca music, dancing, a scrumptious Jamaican buffet, and spectacular views. Need I say more. I thoroughly enjoyed it and so will your team.
Night on the White River
Torches and drums create an electrifying setting as you travel in canoes along The White River. Your destination is an open park with stage and a huge dance floor. You’ll savour the delights of delicious Jamaican cuisine as you enjoy a cultural show. Then, you’ll dance under the stars to the reggae beat. This is a spectacular and memorable crowd pleaser. I really had a great time.
2. Rafting
Near Port Antonio
Rio Grande
It’s said that the British movie star Errol Flynn, who settled in Port Antonio, was responsible for introducing pleasure rafting to Jamaica. He modified the rafts that were used to float bananas downstream to the boats for export by fitting them with a seat for 2. The rest is history.
Rafting is one of the most relaxing experiences that you can have on water. All you have to do is sit back, breathe and take in the scenery. Be sure to bring your camera and some extra money for cool, refreshing drinks and tasty snacks from the floating bars.
Near Falmouth
Martha Brae
Martha Brae was settled by the Spanish and it survived the 1655 British invasion. If your hotel is near Falmouth or Montego Bay, you can go rafting on the Martha Brae. It’s a shorter excursion than rafting on the Rio Grande but closer to where most tourists stay. Also, some of the raft captains have a great sense of humour.
3. Waterparks (Manmade & Natural)
A number of hotels have waterparks but I’ll focus only on a couple that are accesible to the public.
Near Ocho Rios
Tubing on the White River
Speaking of the White River, during the day it becomes, nature’s water park. Enjoy.
At this 5 acre waterpark, enjoy 10 amazing water slides, 1/4 mile lazy river and the adjacent Kool Kanoe Swamp Adventure. Kool Runnings Water Park is bordered by the Great Morass, a magnificent wetland that is home to 300 species of plants and 900 species of animals. Your team will have an opportunity to get up close and personal with Jamaica’s indigenous species that make the Morass their home.
4. Playing with Dolphins
Montego Bay
Swimming wih the Dolphins at Half Moon Club Resort
Ocho Rios
Dolphin Cove
5. Horse Riding on the Beach
I’ve done it many times and there is nothing like it. The guides are very friendly supportive and helpful to ensure the comfort of first time riders.
Near Ocho Rios
Hooves (at Seville)
We’ve talked about Hooves before. Now, join Dry Land Tourist as she goes horse riding in the ocean. You’ll notice that even her friend who was nervous in the video I shared in Part 1 is relaxed and comfortable.
You can follow Dry Land Tourist on Twitter @drylandtourist and also check out her Facebook Fan Page.
Near Montego Bay
Half Moon Equestrian Centre
When you stay at Half Moon on one of their all-inclusive plans, the beach rides on horse back and the dolphin experience are included. You can enjoy these experiences without leaving the property. This will help you manage your time, provide a varied itinerary, and meet the needs of members of your team who want to spend a lot of time relaxing on the beach.
I highly recommend that you consider staying at the Half Moon Club Resort, particularly the villas. During a recent stay the Half Moon Club with a group, we were pampered in the Royal Villas.
I didn’t have a thing to worry about as the butler, housekeeper and cook took care of everything from preparing breakfast to laundry and ironing. It was great to return home with a suitcase filled with clean and neatly folded clothes for a change.
6. Iron Chef Inspired Gourmet Cooking Challenge
Half Moon Club Resort Villa Cook-off
You’ve seen it on TV. Now give your team a chance to try it. In Jamaica, you can take advantage of the perpetual summer and try out your culinary skills in the garden area of a villa that’s right beside the beach. You’ll get 4 mystery ingredients and access to a pantry of local species. Our team got duck, ackee, and okra.
Brian Martenis is dead wrong. His team wasn’t robbed.
Even though our presentation sucked, we had great fun and with excellent teamwork, top notch cleanliness, and seasoning to perfection, our team definitely deserved the coveted title. The chefs even complimented me on my ackee.
7. Mineral Baths & Healing Streams
Near Kingston
Rockport Mineral Bath
In Clarendon
Milk River Mineral Bath & Spa
The Milk River bath opened in 1794. Of all the mineral baths in the world, the Milk River Mineral Bath has the highest curative powers.
Near Port Antonio
Bath Foundation Mineral Springs
It’s the second oldest mineral bath in the Western hemisphere.
8. Waterfalls
This is definitely my favourite water pleasure in Jamaica. True to its name, there are numerous waterfalls on the island but I will highlight a few places where you can climb waterfalls and soak yourself under them.
Near Ocho Rios
Dunn’s River Falls
I climbed Dunn’s River Falls 2 years ago from bottom to top with my mother who is over 70. This is Jamaica’s most well known waterfall and one of its iconic attractions but it’s not the only waterfall to conquer in Jamaica.
When I was in Jamaica a few months ago, when the rest of the group was enjoying Dunn’s River Falls, I took the opportunity to head up to The Enchanted Gardens. I had heard rumours that it was re-opening and I wasn’t disappointed.
I mentioned The Enchanted Gardens in Part 1 but, since its my favourite place on the planet, I want to highlight the fact that it has 14 waterfalls and too many meandering streams to count in a lush tropical garden and mountain setting. If you love water, step into this tropical fantasy where you can soak in it, splash in it and climb the Ooh falls.
Coyaba used to be a banana plantation. Now visitors can enjoy the Spanish architecture, breathtaking views of Ocho Rios, the Mahoe waterfalls, gardens, and a Museum of Island History focusing on the forgotten culture of the Taino, Jamaica’s first inhabitants.
In the following video, Dry Land Tourist visits Coyaba. Her guide is Rainford Thomas. He is extremely knowledgeable about Jamaican vegetation and how it has been used historically and today. I learned a lot.
Now join Jamaica’s Dry Land Tourist on a tour of the museum and for a refreshing time splashing in the Mahoe waterfalls at Coyaba Gardens & Museum.
Reach Falls emerge from one of the most beautiful natural springs in Jamaica. They are stunning and definitely less commercial than Dunn’s River. We all know how development works worldwide so the time to visit them is now. With the new road that has been constructed joining Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Port Antonio, the trip is a lot shorter than it was previously. Also, if you spend some time in Kingston, you can arrange to return via the North East corner of Jamaica and visit Reach Falls and many of the other attractions near Port Antonio. When I was a girl, my mother used to take my sister and me to visit her uncle who was living in Port Antonio. It’s a gorgeous part of Jamaica and well worth the trip. I highly reccommend exploring it.
A 7 tiered cascading waterfall featuring canopy tour with ziplines that take you over the falls, river tubing, gardens, and natural spring ponds. You can get there easily from Negril.
Explore this intricately woven network of stalagmites and stalactites as well as a subterranean lake at this site that was once a hideaway for runaway slaves and pirates. You’ll recognize it as the location of Kanaga’s Lair from the James Bond movie Live & Let Die.
10. Restaurants
The following restaurants feature gourmet cuisine and spectacular views of the water or waterfalls that come right into them. There is a garden above the falls where you can stroll before or after your meal and enjoy the view.
An open air restaurant in a picturesque rainforest setting that was once part of a sugar mill on a huge estate. You can stroll in the gardens above the waterfall before or after your meal. There are some wonderful photo stops.
Enjoy gourmet cuisine and elegant dining at this restaurant that has the original working water wheel that powered the stream on this mid-17th century, 50,000 acres Running Gut sugar plantation.
Bellfield 1794 Restaurant & Greathouse
The restaurant is an old sugar mill on what used to be a sugar estate. Guests normally have cocktails in the waiting area before touring the greathouse situated on Barnett Estate. The dining room has a thatched roof and no walls.
Kingston – Gone but Not Forgotten
The Mill Restaurant, Manor Park Plaza
When I was working in Kingston, I used to love this restaurant located at Manor Park Plaza that at the time was known as The Mill. I was disappointed when it closed down. It lives on in my memories. If anyone knows what’s standing there now, please add your comments. I’d love to know for old times sake.
Brawta: Dogsledding in Jamaica
Ocho Rios
There will be no snow in sight and you’ll be on dry land but, in Jamaica, you CAN go dogsledding.
Yes, as featured in the movie Sun Dogs, there really IS a Jamaican Dogsled Team. Here is how it got started.
So, you CAN have fun in Jamaica when you’re finished lying on the beach and there really is something for everyone.
Let Executive Oasis International Take Your Team to Jamaica
Executive Oasis International would be pleased to build a customized itinerary for you based on your interests. We can also offer you one of our own itineraries that give your group some down time and also a chance to experience some of the attractions we’ve described.
In the Footsteps of James Bond
Explore the places in Jamaica where some of the most memorable scenes in the James Bond movies were filmed including Kanaga’s Lair in Live and Let Die and the place where James Bond walked on the back of the crocodiles
This New York Times video gives you a glimpse of just a few of the locations you’ll visit. I wonder if they got the idea for this piece from me.
“When it comes to meetings, travel and entertainment, America is in a temporary state of gridlock. Headlines condemning corporate entertainment next to headlines about ponzi schemes and secret bonuses have caused public outrage and boardroom paralysis. This panic may be understandable based on the events of the past few months; but, the panic itself has dire consequences for the economy.
What questions should we be asking?
Now more than ever, corporate leaders, elected officials, regulators, industry associations, small business owners and salespeople nationwide are struggling to understand what is and is not appropriate when it comes to client entertainment and employee perks. When is it appropriate to spend money to recruit, educate or incent employees? A question that is not getting as much press, but that I would like to see on the table, is when, if ever can public companies allow employees to engage in entertainment practices that implicitly or explicitly condone gender bias?
Marie, I decided to take a stab at answering your questions and accept your challenge but my response became too long for the comments section.
Before we begin, here is the White House’s position on business travel and meetings:
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said President Barack Obama was not discouraging travel when he said last month that businesses receiving federal bailout money should not be taking junkets.
“The president believes it’s important to have a strong tourism industry and that it’s important that, as the president said earlier … that we shouldn’t retrench,” Gibbs said. “He would encourage people to travel.”
Gibbs said Thursday that the president was referring specifically to companies “that are getting large amounts of public funding.”
“The President does have great concern with public money being used for that,” he said. Gibbs added that the president’s comment was “very clear,” and passed on a chance to express regret.
So, here is my take on your questions. I encourage other management consultants, meeting and business travel professionals to respond to your challenge and answer your questions in their blogs. Since I am based in Toronto, I’ll be giving some Toronto examples but they can be applied at other locations.
How to Reward Your Team Even During Turbulent Times
What meetings and events do you feel should be green-lighted immediately and why?
When companies are in trouble, they should be spending THOUSANDS of dollars to bring in management and business team building consultants to help them resolve their problems instead of HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of dollars on junkets and luxury events. Either through on-site meetings or off-site retreats at AFFORDABLE local venues such as community centres and conservation areas, consultants can steer organizations through a structured brainstorming process to identify:
cost saving measures and strategies
new target markets
new sources of revenue
strategies for improving efficiency
Depending on your location, here are a couple of ideas. These sessions can be offered at luxury resorts when the good times roll and conservation areas when times are tough. The content remains the same, the recreational components are the only things that change:
Visexecutaries - loosely based on the Apprentice, this session can be delivered at a luxury resort or a local community centre. When times are tough, the “task” can consist of developing a strategy to address some specific business challenge your organization is facing
Save the lavish celebrations for when your company is back on track. In North America, we seem to want to party all the time. Unfortunately, all too, often the emphasis seems to be on strictly recreational events that organizations try to pass off as team building. Definitely we get far more calls for recreation and entertainment than consulting. This is quite surprising during a recession. People seem to forget that they are running businesses not social or country clubs. This bandaid approach is merely offering placebos instead of getting to the root of organizational problems and generating solutions.
What gender-related entertainment practices should be discontinued?
Strip clubs, male only golf clubs, etc. are highly inappropriate and they have NEVER had a place in a corporate setting PERIOD!! Ditto for bringing porno movies to coroporate retreats and skinny dipping on the corporate dime. Grow up. You’re running a business not a fraternity house.
While we’re at it, it’s time to cut back on alcohol consumption and the open bars at corporate events for a while. This will save a bundle.
What constitutes lavish entertaining?
When companies are in trouble, they should postpone expensive events and partying until performance has improved. Focus instead on resolving business problems.
If everyone has worked hard and you’ve had a successful year, pull out all the stops. Lavish entertainment to reward employees and express appreciation to clients is perfectly in order when you’ve earned it. Depending on your location, some ideas might include:
Even when a company is facing a challenging year, it’s important to reward top performers, build skills and boost morale. The key is to gear the spending to organizational performance.
Hint: When a company is in trouble, more money should be spent on resolving business issues than on entertainment and recreation. Far too often, it’s the reverse.
How should recruits be entertained?
Again it depend on whether or not the company is performing well. If the company is facing challenges, you can still entertain recruits but choose a cost effective strategy such as:
an on-site barbeque and get executives to flip the burgers
a reasonably priced catered lunch as part of your orientation
a corporate tent or paddock at Polo for Heart or a local charity polo tournament
These are perfectly in order when a company is doing well.
If you’re located in the Middle East, a desert safari would be perfect. If you’re in the Caribbean perhaps a beach barbeque would work.
What other questions should we be asking?
I posted these suggestions on Marie Hunter’s blog. I’ll take a stab at anwering them now.
What can companies that are having financial difficulties difficulty do to reward their people?
Companies can reward top performers and top performing teams and still provide a meaningful experience for hundreds of dollars instead of thousands of dollars. There is no need for gift cerfiticates starting at $1,000 per employee. People seem to be lacking imagination.
Under $250 per person
Give top performers gift certificates for spa TREATMENTS or a local Day at the Spa rather than spending a weekend away for a spa retreat.
An overnight stay at a nice local inn with dinner and breakfast for top performers and their spouses.
Get a corporate table at Polo for Heart or a similar event and invite top performers and their spouses.
Dog sledding afternoon and lunch at a local inn or resort.
Morning of horse riding and lunch at a local inn or resort.
A day at Canada’s Wonderland for top performers and their families.
Seasons passes to Canada’s Wonderland for a family of 4.
A day at the zoo for the top performers and their families.
Under $100 Per Person
Dinner at a nice restaurant
Afternoon Tea
Movie passes for teams that have gone above and beyond the call.
Theatre tickets.
Concert tickets.
Take a group of top performers and their spouses to the Royal Winter Fair including the horse show and dinner at the upscale restaurant that is on site every year.
Get a table at the gala for tournament of champions.
Tickets to local hockey, baseball or basketball games.
How should companies that are experiencing financial difficulty entertain their staff?
Picnics at a local conservation area
Christmas party – for heaven’s sake, don’t cancel the Christmas party. Insted, do it at a venue in the suburbs instead of a costly downtown venue. Consider using a community centre with an ice rink to save money and keep everyone entertained.
An evening at a comedy or improv club.
Anne Thornley-Brown is the President of Executive Oasis International, a Toronto based firm that regularly organizes incentive travel and executive retreats in Dubai, Oman, Jamaica, Malaysia, Singapore, and Canada. They provide one stop shopping service with a personalized approach to incentive travel for corporate groups of up to 40. Customized itineraries include travel, transfers, hotel, tours, team activities, and special events.
By Anne Thornley-Brown, President
Executive Oasis International
Anne Thornley-Brown is the President of Executive Oasis International, a Toronto based firm that regularly organizes incentive travel and executive retreats to Dubai, Oman, Jamaica, Canada, Malaysia, and Singapore. They offer a one stop shopping service with incentive travel itineraries that include travel, transfers, hotel, tours, team activities, and special events for corporate groups of 10 to 60.
Around the World on Horseback
When people ask me, how someone like me who isn’t particularly athletic started riding horses, I smile because it’s a long story. The short version is that on a return visit to Jamaica, I had the opportunity to see polo for the first time. I was blown away. The game was action packed and so fast paced that it took my breath away. Upon returning to Canada, I remember telling one of my Jamaican friends that I thought it was a pity there was no polo in Canada. She quickly corrected me and told me where I could watch polo near Toronto. I quickly became a fixture at Toronto Polo Club and GGHG. I would go almost every week and watch. I always credit Phil and Tammy Van Der Burgt and Sheila Sifton for getting me started in riding. When they encouraged me to take riding lessons, they opened up a whole new world of adventure to me. I will always be greatful to them for their support. Soon, I was heading up to GGHG twice a week. It took me a while but eventually, I did learn to walk, trot and canter. I even took a couple of polo clinics.
Horse riding opened up a whole new world for me. I soon got introduced to show jumping…. watching it, not doing it. During my riding lessons, I only jump when my instructors remember and I never remind them. Wherever I travel whether it is for business or pleasure, as long as the weather is great, I make a point of going riding, watching polo or taking in a horse show. I have ridden on the beach and taken my horse into the water to swim a number of times. I have ridden in snow, in the desert, in the mountains, and in the jungle. So what are some ideas for building riding into your incentive travel? Where can you go to ride?
Horse Riding and Incentive Travel
Pleasure Hacking and Trail Rides:At many destinations, there are places where you can go just to ride for pleasure. So whether it’s riding in the desert near Dubai, the jungle in Singapore, or on the beach in Jamaica, there are options for beginners and experienced riders
Team Challenges on Horseback: Beginners can take riding lessons and most destinations. This can open the door to some interesting team challenges. Even those who are a bit nervous around horses can participate in a tack up challenge or horse watering relay. On horseback, there are simple gymkhana games that one can use of team competitions. Beginners can participate at a walk or even while lead by another member of their team.
Horse Shows: If you time it right, you and your team can go to a horse show during your trip. You can watch international competitors compete in show jumping events, speed classes and even unique carriage events. Horse shows also provide your company with an opportunity for corporate sponsorships to promote your services and products.
Polo:At most destinations, polo is accessible and it’s free to watch club chukkas. For groups, it’s best to contact the club ahead of time to make arrangements. For charity tournaments, you have the option of reserving a corporate table or tent with gourmet meal or paying general admission, bringing a picnic or enjoying the action while you eat a burger or hot dog. Corporate sponsorships and promotional opportunities are also available at polo tournaments.
Polo clubs at many destinations have clinics for beginners. Make your plans well ahead of time and you can arrange for some riding lessons and a beginner clinic. You’ll watch videos to show you the basics, practice your shots from a wooden horse, and participate in ground scrimmages to get a feel for the basics. When you do get on a horse, participation is always within your zone of comfort whether you want to do it at a walk or, for the experienced riders, do some stick and balling at a canter.
How to Build Horse Riding into Your Incentive Travel
Timing is key. The most important piece of advice that I can give you is to contact the equestrian facilities and polo clubs at your desired destination WELL in advance. Plan your trip at a time when some interesting events are available. This is not something you can pull together at the last minute for a group. I don’t want to give away all of my secrets, here are a few ideas to get you started.
Toronto
There are many stables in the GTA where you and your team can take riding lessons. The 3rd weekend in June, Polo for Heart is the perfect opportunity to reserve a corporate table, paddock or tent for your team. Your enjoy world class polo as well as activities ranging from sky diving, superdogs and superdogs to the polo pony parades with luxury automobiles.
In November, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair always has a fabulous horse show with international competitors and options to fit every budget
Jamaica
Whether you are in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Negril, there are places where you can go riding. You’ll have everything available to you from a beach ride where you’ll get to ride while your horse swims in the sea to a cool ride in the mountains.
Ocho Rios: Hooves
One of my favourite places to ride is Hooves. It’s one of the first places I went riding on vacation after I started taking lessons. I returned years later when I had more experience. My guide even remembered me. Both times he gave me pointers that really improved my riding. A friend of mine, polo player and reggae artist, had told me that the best way to improve my riding would be to go bare back in the wter. So, the 2nd time I rode at Hooves, when I was more experienced, I dit that. It made a huge difference. When I was back in the saddle I could feel the difference. I felt grounded and my seat was firmly planted in the saddle.
Hooves has great beach rides and up until recently, they also featured a Bush Doctor Mountain Ride. Experienced riders can sign up for private rides so that they can canter.
Who is that cantering on the beach in Jamaica?
In the following video, Jamaica’s Dry Land Tourist takes you riding at Hooves.
Montego Bay: Half Moon Resort Equestrian Centre
I recently had the pleausre of riding at Half Moon Resort. I went on 2 trail and beach rides. Without a doubt, this is the most professionally run riding facility I have seen anywhere. Trina gives MAXIMUM attention to safety. During trail rides, beginners’ horses are attached to guides horses by lead line with a ratio of 1 to 1.
Enjoy Horse Riding on the Beach at Half Moon!
During beach rides, ALL riders’ horses are attached to guides’ horses at a ratio of 2 to 1. The guides are professionally trained by Trina to a level that they give riding lessons and provide coaching customized to the level of each rider. On my first ride, one of the guides gave me a tip that corrected a problem that I had been having with posting diagonals for years. Trina gave me some coaching before I headed out the second time. It made a huge difference.
For polo, you can go to Drax Hall or Chukka Cove. July is a good time to travel if your group wants to watch some tournaments. We can also arrange polo clinics and polo team building at Half Moon Club Equestrian Centre.
At the Dubai Polo Club you can take riding lessons and polo clinics. You can also watch polo. There was even an endurance ride for experienced riders that would take you from the Dubai Polo Club to Bab Al Shams where you’ll have a gourmet dinner and spend the night. Unfortunately, this ride has been suspended because of all of the construction in the desert. I regret that I was not at the level where I could handle almost a day in the saddle but one of these days, I hope that they will resume this ride and that I will be ready.
My guide bringing me my horse, saddled up
and ready me for to ride in the desert at Bab Al Shams in Dubai.
One of my most enjoyable experiences involved cantering in the desert at Bab Al Shams. When my guide brought my horse out he cautioned me to make sure that I didn’t take the horse towards the small sand dunes or they would jump them. As I like jumping NOT I was slightly nervous very careful. In no time at all, I was cantering like crazy in the desert, even ahead of my guides. When we came back near the barn, I raced around the track over and over again. It was great fun, an awesome experience and a wonderful way to boost my confidence as a rider. Endurance rides in the desert are available at Bab Al Shams for advanced riders.
The Royal Selangor Polo Club has clinics and tournaments several times a year. Make sure that you contact them ahead of time to secure an invitation for your group. I spent a pleasant afternoon there watching a tournament. Dato’ Beh Chun Chuan of BP Polo Club invited me to join his family for the scrumptious buffet of Malaysian treats that followed. I was really pleased that, even though it was the weekend, he arranged for a member of his team from BP Healthcare group to come to Kuala Lumpur from Ipoh to attend my 2 day seminar starting first thing Monday morning. Now that’s executive commitment.
Singapore
One of my favourite Singapore memories is going for a riding lesson at the Singapore Polo Club and then riding in the jungle with the club manager. After that, it was relaxing to watch the fast action of polo.
In Singapore, whether the members of your team are beginners or advanced riders, riding lessons are available at the Singapore Polo Club. After your lesson, you can go riding in the jungle. Riding lessons, jumping lessons and hacking are also available at the Bukit Timah Saddle Club. Horse shows are held regularly so, if you time your trip carefullly, you can take in some world class show jumping in Singapore.
