Grassshopper

I'm looking for a resort for our annual Global HR Conference in Oct. 2010. Ideally I'd like somewhere with individual accommodations on the water, that can help with organized activites (diving, snorkeling) and with meeting rooms. I'd prefer something that's not too awfully hard to get to because there will be people traveling from around the world. Anyone have recommendations?

MichaelBKK

Langkawi is probably the destination that fits your requirements. The Datai has individual over-water rooms. There are a few others as well. Not sure what your price range is.

The only other destination that springs to mind is Kota Kinabalu, which has several resorts on the islands around it.

The other island destinations are relatively more difficult to get to, although many of them sport Berjaya resorts, which you could work with to arrange charter flights using Berjaya's airline.

marmot

Is there a reason that you've settled on Malaysia. Thailand or Bali might offer more options. How many people will be coming?

Grassshopper

Michael, both of those places are on my radar. Thanks. I chose Malaysia because a large number of participants are from Asia, with the majority coming from Perak. This year it's Malaysia's turn to be profiled. There will be about 25 participants.

degas

Too bad you can't go to Thailand.

MichaelBKK

As fantastic a destination as Thailand is, I've organized high level corporate meetings here in the past, and I have to say it's not the best or easiest place to pull off a successful meeting. Incentive trips are easy, but if you're actually trying to organize a productive meeting that also includes an attractive list of activities, it gets quite tricky. The places with the best infrastructure, like Phuket, aren't convenient to the best activities. Even when staying at the Banyan Tree, trying to fit in a round of golf at the resort's own golf course proved challenging. The yacht harbor is almost an hour a way. The nearest good snorkeling the 3 - 4 hours away.

rhkkmk

datai on langkawi.... also the 4 seasons in the same area...

crellston

If diving and snorkelling is importnat to you then forget Langakawi. Take a look at Shangri La's Tanjung Aru:

http://www.shangri-la.com/en/propert...njungaruresort
Lots of activities inc diving, snorkelling, golf etc. plus they are geared up for events and conventions. It is also a really nice hotel!

Grassshopper

Thank you rhkkmk and crellston.

glinky_slinky

I would recommend Tanjong Jara on the east coast of Malaysia. This resort meets all your requirements: good conference facilities, lots of hotel activities, an hour from the local airport, nearby Pulau Tenggol offers opportunities for diving and snorkelling, Marine Park is also not far away if one wants to explore further.

Here's the link:

http://www.tanjongjararesort.com/index.htm