A No Holds Barred Incentive Trip
As the old saying goes, all clients are equal, but some are more equal than others. That certainly came to mind when we received a request to design a retreat for the board of directors of a high-profile European corporation.
Programs for clients of this stature demand a level of planning well beyond the ordinary. Security becomes paramount, often requiring police escorts, traffic management, discreet logistics, and flawless execution at every turn. Every detail must be carefully choreographed. There is simply no room for anything routine.
With those expectations in mind, we went to work. The challenge was both exciting and daunting: How do you impress people who have seen—and experienced—just about everything?
It's New York or Nowhere
The experience began the moment the group's private jet touched down at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Waiting helicopters transported the guests directly to downtown Manhattan, setting the tone for what lay ahead.
The following morning, the program officially opened with a private breakfast reception and exclusive viewing at the celebrated Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Few New York experiences are more privileged than having one of the world's great museums virtually to yourself.
The pace then shifted to a more intimate side of the city with a guided stroll through Manhattan's historic West Village. The walk culminated in a well-earned coffee break at the legendary Magnolia Bakery, closed exclusively for the group. Continuing New York's rich culinary journey, lunch was served at Genesis House, where guests enjoyed an authentic Korean barbecue experience in one of the city's most distinctive dining venues.
The afternoon was devoted to personal shopping at some of Manhattan's most exclusive boutiques, with each guest accompanied by an experienced personal shopper. The day concluded with an unforgettable dinner at the renowned Waverly Inn, celebrated for its exceptional cuisine, warm ambience, and unmistakable New York charm.
A Taste of the French Riviera—Without Leaving New York
How do you follow a day like that? By raising the bar even higher.
The following morning, two waiting seaplanes carried the group to one of America's most exclusive playgrounds—the Hamptons. Awaiting them at Breakwater Yacht Club was a lunch worthy of royalty, highlighted by an elegant Caspian Sea caviar tasting complete with all the traditional accompaniments.
The festivities continued aboard an iconic American yellow school bus, escorted by motorcycle police, en route to Wölffer Estate Vineyard. Few places capture the spirit of a Hamptons summer more beautifully than this celebrated vineyard, where exceptional wines are matched by breathtaking scenery.
No visit to the Hamptons would be complete without time by the ocean. At Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, neighboring Hither Hills State Park, the group enjoyed a relaxing seaside interlude with sweeping Atlantic views. As an unexpected bonus, actor Will Ferrell—who happened to be filming his Netflix series Hawk nearby—stopped to greet the guests, adding one more memorable surprise to an already extraordinary day.
The program concluded with a farewell dinner at Gigi's Montauk, where a literal red carpet welcomed the group before they sat down to an exquisite seafood feast overlooking the water.
By their very nature, VIP programs are rarely long. This one was no exception. Helicopters returned the group to Manhattan, where they collected their luggage and boarded their flight home.
For us, however, the memories lingered well beyond their departure. It was both a privilege and an honor to design and deliver an experience worthy of such a distinguished group.
Don’t trust your super VIPs in just any hands. Let the professionals at GMS plan and produce an event that will shine in the minds of your participants for many years to come.