MOTIVATE & CELEBRATE INCENTIVES AND REWARDS Wedge Mountain Lodge, Whistler, BC RIGHT AT HOME From luxury villas to sprawling estates, alternative accommodations can create unforgettable experiences. Here’s what to consider before you book. by Wendy Helfenbaum For an executive retreat for 10 attendees from California’s technology sector last summer, Melissa Lee booked the 10-bedroom Wedge Mountain Lodge in Whistler. “They loved it so much I booked it again this year,” says Lee, founder and head of events at Paige Creative in New York. “It’s very special because it has hotel-like amenities in a villa setting: concierge service, a full kitchen with a dedicated chef and somebody running transportation—they’re fully immersed in your program. Whereas if you go to a hotel, unless you’re like a 400-person buyout, you don’t get that dedicated service.” Lee’s group had meetings and activities throughout their stay, and she appreciated the flexible space, including an oversized living room where she held informal workshops. She also incorporated the Lodge’s spa facilities into her programming, along with vendors such as a yoga teacher who came onsite. 56 | Ignitemag.ca | Fall 2026 “This year, we’re doing a competitive pickleball teambuilding session to integrate some of the concepts they’re doing for content. We’ll also use their movie theatre with upscale snacks like truffle popcorn.” Non-hotel options like this may be the perfect way to wow your been-there, done-that group. But they come with special considerations: FINDING THE PERFECT FIT Anna Gibson, founder and project director of LEMONADE Events & Experiences in Whistler, BC, regularly sources and manages experiences in non-traditional accommodations for incentive programs, executive retreats, leadership off-sites and activations. “The biggest advantage is exclusivity. When it’s possible for a group to have an entire property to themselves, it creates a more intimate and authentic environment that encourages connection and conversation in a way that can be difficult to achieve in a hotel setting,” explains Gibson. Such properties often provide access to unique locations and experiences that would be impossible to replicate elsewhere, she adds, along with greater flexibility for customized programming, private dining, wellness activities and teambuilding. For lodging options in other countries, working with a reputable company like Rental Escapes—which has large properties with up to 28 bedrooms available worldwide, complete with butlers and private chefs—can make planning easier. In Orlando, FL, one bespoke option for incentive groups is Evermore Orlando Resort, which has 5- to 11-bedroom rental homes. The main draw? Attendees get all the aspects of a high-end all- inclusive resort with the privacy of a luxurious villa, says Christopher Baran, head of commercial strategy for Evermore Orlando Resort. “Every planner’s looking for unique venues that get you out of the boardroom and the ballroom,
