THE BRIEF
Put together a four-night programme that showed off the very best of London as an exclusive incentive for 38 of the client’s American employees, as part of its President’s Club. It needed to impress right from the start, creating a trip of a lifetime as a real reward for the employees’ hard work.
Day one
With a warm and dry week ahead, guests touch down at London Heathrow after overnight flights from various US states to enjoy what was briefed as ‘The best of London’. With a member of Ulterior to greet the couples, guests were shown to their private executive cars and whisked off to the stunning countryside. There is no better way to start an incentive than at the beautiful Coworth Park Hotel. As guests entered the gates they were met with a calming oasis, and as they drove up to the stunning country house the wildflowers appeared in the meadow. After a casual but sumptuous lunch in The Barn, the group had time to enjoy their elegant rooms with a nap or take a stroll around the stunning grounds of the property. All refreshed, the guests enjoyed a Champagne drinks reception in the rose garden before a private dinner with views over the croquet lawn.
Day Two
After enjoying a breakfast buffet fit for a king, it was very apt that the next stop was Hampton Court Palace. Aboard the 2 luxury minibuses, Gary and Stan, our trusty blue badge guides, set the scene, before guests arrived at the historical Palace for their private tour. Steeped in history, guests were met by their dedicated private guide and escorted through the Great Hall, Haunted Gallery, State Apartments and Tudor kitchen whilst listening to the dramas and tales of the past. As the tour came to an end in the magnificent and colourful gardens, guests enjoyed a glass of Pimm’s on the lawn of the picturesque Little Banqueting House, before sitting down for a lavish meal in historical and spectacular surroundings. After lunch, the group transferred to central London for three nights at The Dorchester. Where do you take a group from America for their first London dining experience when there is so many to choose from? The Ivy private dining room fitted the bill and with a Champagne reception followed by a truly British menu, including their famous Ivy Sheppard’s pie, our guests had a wonderful evening.
Day Three
This morning, guests took in the unforgettable views from their private capsule on the iconic London eye, whilst sipping on a glass of Champagne. Then, it was time to take to the water on their private speedboats for an adrenaline-fuelled ride on the River Thames. After a few twists and turns with the wind rushing through their hair, guests ended at Limehouse Pier for lunch at Gordon Ramsey’s, The Narrow. Whilst enjoying the panoramic views of the River Thames, the fish and chips did not disappoint! With a surprise in store, guests departed the restaurant with our guides to find a private vintage Red Routemaster bus awaiting them to take them back to the Dorchester, passing iconic landmarks on the way. After an action-packed morning and some well-earned rest, guests met for an exclusive wine tasting and dinner at London’s oldest wine merchant, and supplier to the Royal family, Berry Bros & Rudd.
Whilst dining in the 18th century Napoleon wine cellar located beneath, guests were treated to some exquisite wines and exceptional cuisine whilst reminiscing on the adventure so far.
Day Four
After a busy couple of days, it was time for colleagues to head for a morning at Head Office whilst partners enjoyed an exclusive ‘back of house’ tour at The Dorchester, seeing what goes on behind the scenes and hearing tales of days gone by. Reunited, couples enjoyed some free time for lunch and an afternoon to explore the city and browse the shops. For a farewell dinner like no other and to finish the trip with a bang, guests dressed in their finery and transferred to the Tower of London for a once in a lifetime and truly unforgettable experience.
Met by a Yeomen Warder at the gate, guests were invited in and entertained with stories whilst discovering the history within the walls, finishing up with a private viewing of the dazzling and most precious, Crown Jewels. Then, as the guests entered the White Tower, they passed by the historic Royal Armouries before ascending the stairs where a lute player dressed in traditional costume welcomed them for a glass of bubbly and delicate canapés, before escorting them through to their tables for a magnificent banquet dinner. To finish the whole trip off, what better than seeing the World’s oldest military ceremony with your own eyes. The Ceremony of the Keys, where the tower is officially locked at night, was another highlight in this extraordinary trip. After an incredible evening in true English style, a private fleet of black cabs were waiting to take the group back to the hotel.
