From Warm Sands to Winter Wonderlands: Top MICE Destinations to Experience this Autumn & Winter

The value of unforgettable Meetings, Conferences, Incentives, and Events (MICE) trips cannot be overstated. With a host of benefits, from enhancing team cohesion to fostering creativity and innovation, MICE Travel is a proven catalyst for business growth and an excellent way to show top-performing employees just how valued they are. Here, we’ll explore some of the most sought-after fall and winter MICE destinations across North America and the Caribbean. From the undeniable energy of the City That Never Sleeps to the tropical allure of the Island of Enchantment, these impressive locations promise not just exceptional venues and activities but memories that will linger long after the final toast.


Top Autumn Destinations:

Napa Valley, California, US

autumn foliage on Napa Valley wine country

This globally commended wine region offers a captivating combination of natural beauty, high-end retreats, enriching activities, and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.

Perfect for groups seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle, Napa allows attendees to unwind, connect, and recharge in a truly breathtaking setting. Autumn brings mild, sunlit days and crisp, clear evenings, providing the ideal backdrop for immersive events and outdoor excursions - made even more spectacular by the sight of rolling hills cloaked in golden vineyards and fiery foliage. Beyond its spellbinding scenery, Napa Valley’s proximity to San Francisco, efficient airport links, top-tier venues, and world-class culinary experiences solidify it as an outstanding choice for any MICE event.

Activities: Guests can enjoy hot air balloon rides over the valley, rejuvenating wellness treatments, or vineyard tours and private tastings at top wineries. As harvest is in full swing from August to October, many vineyards offer grape picking, stomping, and bespoke blending experiences, as well as delicious farm-to-table harvest dinners and cooking classes with specialist chefs.

Top Venues & Hotels: From luxurious resorts like Meadowood Napa Valley, Auberge du Soleil, and Carneros Resort & Spa to private estates and wineries, Napa Valley offers a host of venues, meeting spaces, and incredible locations that will be sure to wow your guests.  

New York City, New York, US

Bow Bridge and San Remo at autumn with fall foliage“The Big Apple” is one of the world’s most iconic and beloved destinations, buzzing with a unique energy and promising unforgettable experiences around every corner.

Each season brings its own appeal, but during the autumn months, when the air turns cool, and the city’s famous parks and stylish avenues are awash with vibrant fall colors, New York is at its most magical. Globally renowned as a haven of art, culture, luxury, and innovation, this bustling metropolis is the ultimate stage for MICE events that aim to impress. With great accessibility, a legendary culinary scene, an endless list of elite hotels, and a wealth of cutting-edge venues for groups of all sizes, New York is a MICE powerhouse. 

Activities: From fall foliage cruises along the Hudson River to VIP museum tours, Broadway shows, and rooftop cocktail receptions with sweeping skyline views, New York offers countless activities for every guest profile.

Top Venues & Hotels: Whether you are planning a high-tech conference, dazzling gala dinner, or intimate incentive event, you’ll find an array of location options as diverse as the city itself. That said, The Rainbow Room at the Rockefeller Center, Cipriani Wall Street, and the event space and accommodation at exclusive hotels like The Plaza, St. Regis, and Mandarin Oriental are hard to beat. 

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay aerial view of the beach, homes, and blue oceanMontego Bay is the ultimate autumn destination for MICE planners looking to infuse their events with tropical charm.

One of the Caribbean’s crown jewels, this palm-fringed paradise offers vast beaches, turquoise waters, a vibrant nightlife, and elegant resorts where guests can experience Jamaica’s famously warm hospitality. Most of the top resorts in Montego Bay are plush all-inclusive offerings, and while they do have opulent spaces for large meetings and events, they are especially popular amongst those seeking an exceptional incentive travel destination. With late fall marking the end of hurricane season, the weather is pleasant and stable, providing respite from colder climates and allowing attendees to enjoy all this stunning spot has to offer.

Activities: You’ll find abundant activities to keep everyone entertained, from snorkeling colorful coral reefs to watching the sunset on a private cruise or dancing the night away to live reggae music at a beach party. Adventure seekers will love zip-lining through the jungle canopy or rafting down tropical rivers, while others may opt to unwind on a white-sand beach or tee off at a premier golf course.

Top Venues & Hotels: Upscale resorts like Round Hill, Half Moon, and Secrets Wild Orchid offer refined accommodation, sleek event space, mesmerizing views, and impeccable service. The Montego Bay Convention Centre, with its range of versatile meeting, exhibition, and ballroom spaces, is ideal for larger gatherings and conferences. Or, for a touch of history and grandeur, opt for Rose Hall Great House. 

Top Winter Destinations:

Whistler, Canada

Whistler Canada hotels coevered in snow

Nestled in the Coast Mountains just two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler Blackcomb is renowned for its high snowfall and world-class skiing and snowboarding.

A bucket list destination for many snow-sport lovers, you’ll find over 200 marked runs, three glaciers, and sixteen alpine bowls, with top-quality terrain for all skill levels. However, this stylish location’s appeal extends far beyond the slopes. Whistler is home to an array of prestigious accommodations, gourmet dining options, sumptuous spas, state-of-the-art venues with awe-inspiring surroundings, and a quaint pedestrianized resort village, providing a picturesque backdrop for MICE events.

Activities: From skiing and snowboarding on the Whistler Blackcomb slopes to snowmobiling, dog sledding, and helicopter touring, the winter activities here are extraordinary. For a more relaxed experience, guests can indulge in après-ski at buzzy bars framed by snow-capped mountains, soothe their muscles at a tranquil spa, or take a scenic ride in the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

Top Venues & Hotels: For large events, the Whistler Conference Centre offers cutting-edge facilities, while resorts like the Four Seasons and Fairmont Chateau cater to premium gatherings. For small groups, a deluxe chalet with a private chef affords privacy and excellent opportunities for team bonding. 

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, US:

Located in the foothills of the Grand Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges, Jackson Hole is surrounded by national parks, natural wonders, and top-tier ski slopes, ensuring you are only ever a head turn away from a view that will stay with you forever.

Oozing authentic Western charm, it strikes the perfect balance between secluded wilderness adventure and high-end hospitality. With rugged beauty, an upmarket feel, and a host of high-spec venue options alongside diverse winter activities, Jackson Hole is a rising star in the corporate retreat and incentive travel market, and it's not hard to see why. The area’s easy access through Jackson Hole Airport and its commitment to eco-tourism only add to its appeal.

Activities: Of course, skiing and snowboarding are always a highlight in Jackson Hole, but how about taking your group on a private guided flight over Yellowstone National Park to spot the native wolf population? Or embark on an SUV wildlife safari to see bison, elk, and bears? Guests can even join professional astronomers for stargazing sessions under some of North America's darkest skies, ride a sleigh through the National Elk Refuge, or enjoy an exhilarating dog sledding experience.

Top Venues & Hotels: Aman’s divine hotel, Amangani, and the Four Seasons Resort both offer unparalleled luxury and stunning views, while Hotel Terra and Teton Mountain Lodge provide popular, more cost-effective alternatives.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan colorful homes and cobbled streetsPuerto Rico is a sun-drenched paradise, offering MICE attendees an idyllic escape from winter’s chill. As a U.S. territory, it combines the allure of an exotic destination with the convenience of domestic travel for U.S. guests.

Puerto Rico’s capital city, San Juan, is one of the oldest cities in the Americas and offers visitors far more than just piña coladas on beautiful beaches. A melting pot of history and culture, here, cobblestone streets and colonial architecture meet upscale hotels, trendy boutiques, and lively nightlife. With its exquisite resorts, crystal-clear waters, verdant rainforests, and majestic mountain views, San Juan provides the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Add to that an exciting culinary scene and warm, welcoming weather, and it’s clear why it is an increasingly sought-after MICE destination.

Activities: Stroll through over 500 years of history on a cultural tour of Old San Juan, visiting ancient landmarks like El Morro and San Juan Cathedral. Discover the lush landscapes of El Yunque Rainforest on guided tours, enjoy beach activities and thrilling water sports, or charter a yacht to explore Puerto Rico's pristine coastline in style. Blending traditional flavors with modern gourmet flair, San Juan also offers some of the best fine-dining experiences in the Caribbean.

Top Venues & Hotels: From the state-of-the-art Convention Centre to the lavish St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort and El Conquistador Resort, you'll find top venues tailored to any event. So, whether planning a beachfront gala, an incentive trip rich with cultural experiences, or a corporate retreat nestled in tropical serenity, Puerto Rico will not disappoint.

Arrive in Style with Air Partner

Smiling woman wearing a hat,  man wearing a suit, andman wearing headphones boarding a private aircraft at the airportWith over 60 years of experience, Air Partner is the trusted aviation partner of top corporations worldwide. Bringing the expertise of a global team located across 24 offices, unrivaled industry relationships, and access to an extensive fleet of aircraft, we provide seamless, bespoke travel solutions of the highest standard anywhere in the world. So, whether you’re organizing a group charter for a corporate retreat or a private jet for an exclusive incentive trip, Air Partner ensures a smooth, sophisticated, and stress-free experience. From customized in-flight branding to themed cocktails or private lounges, every detail is tailored to exceed expectations, with a dedicated Account Manager ensuring flawless coordination from start to finish.

Ready to discuss your custom MICE event requirements? Contact our expert Group Charter or Private Jets team today. 

 GET IN TOUCH

triangle background pattern

Contact us 24/7 for a quote

Related Articles