SORREL RIVER RANCH RESORT
ADDRESS: Highway 128, Mile 17, HC 64, Box 4002, Moab, UT 84532
WEB SITE: www.sorrelriver.com
FRESH PICKS: Fisher Towers Pavilion & Colorado River Deck
BIG OR SMALL: At 5,000 square feet and room enough for 700 standing, the Fisher Towers Pavilion, graced with views of lush green fields and Moab's famed red-rock towers, is a great bet for corporate gatherings, large weddings and concerts. The more intimate Colorado River Deck, which can accommodate 50 for banquets and 100 for receptions, looks out on the Colorado River and more of Moab's red-rock splendor.
CLIMATE CONTROL: Fortunately for Sorrel River Ranch clients, the warm, dry days and mild nights of spring and fall make for picture-perfect outdoor events. When needed, the resort can activate drop-down polarized shades on the covered Fisher Towers Pavilion for relief from the intense Southwest sun. The Colorado River Deck, on the other hand, is fully exposed to the elements but can be rented in conjunction with the property's adjacent Castle Rock Media Room and lounge.
Red, red rocks: Sorrel River Ranch invites guests to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, rock-climbing, rafting or just sitting still and soaking in the breathtaking scenery (1, 2).
HYATT REGENCY MAUI RESORT & SPA
ADDRESS: 200 Nohea Kai Drive, Lahaina, HI 96761-1985
WEB SITE: www.maui.hyatt.com
FRESH PICK: Napili Garden
IT'S A LAWN STORY: Located just steps from picturesque Ka'anapali Beach, the vast Napili Garden offers 32,000 square feet of flexible, ground-level space surrounded by tropical palm trees, verdant lawns and flagstone patio. The venue fits 2,000 comfortably and can be enjoyed in its natural glory or tented as needed day or night.
OCEAN VIEW: While clients holding events in the Napili Garden get the benefit of the Hyatt Regency's in-house event management, conference and catering services, the real deal-maker here is the view. The property is perfectly situated to make the most of the scenery, so it's no surprise that sunsets over Ka'anapali Beach, renowned for its sparkling blue Pacific waters, are a major highlight for corporate and incentive events and, of course, romantic weddings.
Productive paradise: Guests who need a break from watching the surf crash on Ka'anapali Beach can find full business services — including secretarial help — at the property's business center.
ECOTRUST EVENTS & MEETINGS AT THE JEAN VOLLUM NATURAL CAPITAL CENTER
ADDRESS: 721 N.W. Ninth Ave., Suite 200, Portland, OR 97209
WEB SITE: www.ecotrust.org/events
FRESH PICK: The Outdoor Terrace
CITYSCAPE: Located on the third floor of Portland's flagship eco-savvy building, the Terrace offers stunning urban views of the city's arts-hub Pearl District, as well as a glimpse at the green belt beyond. Whether under cover of sun, stars or tenting (when weather gets iffy), guests — up to 200 of them standing, 150 seated — can enjoy food from Portland's leading sustainable caterers while cozying up to the elegant outdoor fireplace.
GREEN SCENE: Ecotrust Events is serious about sustainability. The Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center was the first historic renovation in the United States to receive gold certification under the U.S. Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) initiative. The building — constructed with reclaimed and Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood — offers on-site composting and recycling, bans plastic water bottles, offsets event carbon use and offers facility rental discounts to nonprofits.
Uptown of downtown: The Terrace, an outdoor venue at the Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center, overlooks Portland's vibrant Pearl District, home to local icon Powell's City of Books and a burgeoning arts and restaurant scene.
