Freshwater Swimming

Rent-a-Resort

The hotel buyout is no longer the exclusive domain of movie stars, with Sarah Nicholson explaining it’s on trend for business events in the planning.

ANGELINA Jolie is famous for reserving every room in a hotel for her entourage to occupy, and indulged in her most renowned buyout back in 2011.

On that occasion she took over a Siem Reap resort – a handsome address once in the inventory of King Sihanouk’s many holiday homes – to guarantee privacy away from the prying eyes of paparazzi.

But the hotel buyout isn’t limited to the rich and famous, with organisations embarking on business events in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis moving to occupy an address and guarantee a sense of privacy for delegates.

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns Director of Business Management – Conventions & Incentives Allan Horne says while the move was an option before the pandemic, queries are becoming increasingly common.

“There’s no doubt we’re getting more inquiries, and that’s because our clients are looking to take steps to ensure the health and safety of delegates travelling again after two years of working remotely,” he says.

“The buyout means that, for the duration of the booking, the hotel is closed to anyone that’s not a group member with the client able to control what’s happening onsite.

“It also delivers that unique feeling of exclusivity – it’s not everyday delegates can be part of a private party – and buyouts are a solid opportunity to build brand with the client able to display their logo everywhere.

“I recently had a client ask if they could drain the swimming pool, put their company decal on the bottom, then refill it. I thought that was a great idea and we were keen to do that.

“The other advantage is the number of event staff is augmented by the hotel team because, with no other guests in the hotel, we can give all their attention to the needs of the delegates and ensure the event is successful.”

Allan says the buyout also enhances privacy with those attending able to discuss sensitive subjects, do deals, talk finances and unveil products without the risk of being overheard.

“It’s not something that can be done last minute, especially in this post-pandemic period that is seeing demand from business and leisure travellers to continue eventing and holidaying at home this year and beyond,” he says.

“The hotel needs the lead times to guarantee every room will be available but, with 255 guest rooms and suites under the same roof as 19 function spaces, this is the perfect property for a buyout because it’s not too big and it’s not too small.

“Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns is in the Goldilocks Zone of hotel buyouts.”