Incentive Destinations flying from Heathrow
When incentive trips go global, it’s all about finding that balance between wow factor and practicality. These ten hotels tick both boxes – reliable flight access, standout dining, and meeting spaces that don’t feel like meeting spaces. Each one has been hand-picked for clients wanting something extraordinary without the chaos.
1. Waldorf Astoria New York
Park Avenue icon, freshly restored. Grand ballrooms and salons for gala moments, smart meeting suites for short sessions, and a Midtown address that keeps transfers and dining simple.
- Group size: 40–200
- Best for: High-profile rewards and client hosting
- Vibe: Art Deco, grand, Midtown
Ask about Waldorf Astoria New York
2. Dubai - Jumeirah Al Naseem
Beachfront with Burj Al Arab views and multiple dining spots. Meeting suites by day, desert or boat options by night.
- Group size: 60–250
- Best for: Sunshine incentives year-round
- Vibe: Contemporary, resort-style
Ask about Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai
3. Singapore - Marina Bay Sands
Skyline pools, vast function space and a city that runs on time. Easy to scale and brand.
- Group size: 80–500
- Best for: Global kickoffs
- Vibe: Futuristic, efficient, photogenic
Ask about Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
4. Tokyo - The Peninsula Tokyo
Imperial Palace views, meticulous service and quiet meeting rooms. Great for senior groups who value precision.
- Group size: 20–100
- Best for: High-touch incentives
- Vibe: Calm, refined, exacting
5. Cape Town - One&Only Cape Town
Waterfront base with Table Mountain drama. Mix city, Winelands and ocean in one clean itinerary.
- Group size: 40–160
- Best for: Big-impact rewards
- Vibe: Scenic, gourmet, varied
6. Los Angeles - Fairmont Century Plaza
Mid-Century icon with fresh interiors and a big events pedigree. Film locations and private venues close by.
- Group size: 60–250
- Best for: Entertainment-themed incentives
- Vibe: Glam, revived classic
Ask about Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles
7. Toronto - Fairmont Royal York
Union Station opposite for quick transfers, classic ballrooms and a city that’s easy to navigate.
- Group size: 40–200
- Best for: North America without chaos
- Vibe: Heritage, central, organised
Ask about Fairmont Royal York, Toronto
8. Hong Kong - Rosewood Hong Kong
Harbour views, sleek event floors and a food scene that does the heavy lifting for you. Premium through and through.
- Group size: 40–180
- Best for: Senior APAC incentives
- Vibe: High-rise, design-led, luxe
9. Doha - Raffles Doha
New-generation luxury with statement design. Easy to create gala scale and off-property desert elements.
- Group size: 60–250
- Best for: High-gloss rewards
- Vibe: Architectural, polished, modern Mid-East
10. Bangkok - Capella Bangkok
Riverside calm with standout dining and curated experiences around the Chao Phraya. Big reward feel without getting scattered.
- Group size: 30–120
- Best for: Food-led incentives
- Vibe: Luxe, riverside, curated
Tell us premium economy vs business, and how blunt you want the schedule. We’ll tune the flight plan and ground time to fit.
MICE Manor Houses of the North
MICE Manor Houses of the North
Country settings that still mean business. These northern manors come with proper meeting space, reliable kitchens and activities on the doorstep. Great for mixing work and reward without a long transfer.
1. Grantley Hall, North Yorkshire
Five-star country house with serious spa and restaurants. Meeting suites are high spec and the grounds suit team activities.
- Capacity: Board to mid-size plenary
- Best for: Leadership retreats and reward stays
- Vibe: Luxurious, private, polished
Ask about Grantley Hall, North Yorkshire
2. Rudding Park, Harrogate
Modern meeting spaces beside a classic house. Rooftop spa and golf add incentive value without leaving site.
- Capacity: Multiple suites and theatre formats
- Best for: Company offsites with activities
- Vibe: Contemporary facilities, heritage setting
Ask about Rudding Park, Harrogate
3. Rockliffe Hall, County Durham
Large country resort feel with spa, golf and flexible event floors. Easy to build a two-day programme on site.
- Capacity: Ballroom + breakouts
- Best for: Kick-offs with social time
- Vibe: Spacious, premium, relaxed
Ask about Rockliffe Hall, County Durham
4. Swinton Estate, Ripon
Castle, spa and a huge estate for outdoor sessions. From clay shooting to kitchen garden lunches, it feels rewarding and grounded.
- Capacity: Manor rooms + estate spaces
- Best for: Incentives with outdoor time
- Vibe: Country-luxe, foodie, scenic
Ask about Swinton Estate, Ripon
5. Matfen Hall, Northumberland
Impressive halls, golf and spa with a smart refurbishment. Handy for Newcastle access.
- Capacity: Mid-size meetings and dinners
- Best for: Regional leadership meets
- Vibe: Grand, comfortable, well-run
Ask about Matfen Hall, Northumberland
6. Gisborough Hall, North York Moors
Victorian country house with period rooms and the moors close by for guided walks or 4x4 experiences.
- Capacity: Dining rooms and meeting suites
- Best for: Team rewards with light agenda
- Vibe: Heritage, scenic, friendly
Ask about Gisborough Hall, North York Moors
7. Thornton Manor, Wirral
Private estate spaces that can flex from meetings to gala with lakeside backdrops. Useful for brand showcases.
- Capacity: Manor rooms + marquee options
- Best for: Awards and celebrations
- Vibe: Period glamour, adaptable
Ask about Thornton Manor, Wirral
8. Peckforton Castle, Cheshire
Storybook castle with serious atmosphere. Add archery, falconry or 4x4 experiences in the surrounding woodland.
- Capacity: Halls and dining rooms
- Best for: Incentives with a theme
- Vibe: Dramatic, immersive, fun
Ask about Peckforton Castle, Cheshire
9. Crewe Hall, Cheshire
Jacobean main house plus a modern meeting wing. Quick motorway access makes it easy for regional teams.
- Capacity: Ballroom + training rooms
- Best for: Company offsites and training
- Vibe: Historic facade, practical layouts
Ask about Crewe Hall, Cheshire
10. Seaham Hall, County Durham
Coastal country house with a standout spa. Works for smaller incentives where wellbeing matters.
- Capacity: Private dining and small suites
- Best for: Wellness-led rewards
- Vibe: Coastal, calm, high-touch
Ask about Seaham Hall, County Durham
We can blend meeting time with field sports, spa sessions and chef-led dining, then wrap it into one clean budget.
Top 10 London Rooftops for Meetings & Events
There’s something about London’s skyline that gives events an extra lift. Whether it’s a summer drinks reception, a client dinner or a team celebration, rooftops are where business meets atmosphere. These ten combine strong views, flexible layouts and reliable event delivery.
1. The Rooftop, The Trafalgar St. James
Right above Trafalgar Square, this space balances a premium address with proper event practicality. The enclosed terrace means it works year-round, and it’s fully private when booked out.
- Capacity: 180 standing | 80 seated
- Best for: Networking receptions and press events
- Vibe: Polished, central, high-end
2. Sabine at St Paul’s
Sabine feels current, with glasshouse-style roofing and lush greenery facing directly onto St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s a great post-conference spot or stand-alone celebration venue.
- Capacity: 250 standing | 60 seated
- Best for: Incentive parties or summer socials
- Vibe: Bright, sociable, city-smart
3. 12th Knot at Sea Containers London
Perched on the South Bank, 12th Knot is one of those rooftops that impresses everyone the moment they step out of the lift. The space handles both seated dinners and large drinks receptions comfortably.
- Capacity: 300 standing | 100 seated
- Best for: Product launches and private dinners
- Vibe: Stylish, contemporary, riverside
4. Aviary, Finsbury Square
Aviary is the dependable all-rounder: strong food, great skyline views, and adaptable for seasons with its winter igloos and open-air summer setup.
- Capacity: 200 standing | 80 seated
- Best for: Incentive dinners and informal client events
- Vibe: Smart-casual, reliable, City skyline views
5. Boundary Shoreditch
This one’s a little more laid-back, mixing brick walls, fairy lights and greenery. The orangery roof keeps it usable even when the weather turns.
- Capacity: 120 standing | 60 seated
- Best for: Creative agency gatherings or private dining
- Vibe: East London cool with charm
6. Mercer Roof Terrace, Vintry & Mercer
Quietly tucked near Bank, this spot suits senior-level events. Think private lunches or intimate networking dinners with views across the City.
- Capacity: 100 standing | 60 seated
- Best for: Executive dining or press events
- Vibe: Boutique, understated, professional
7. Madison, One New Change
Madison has become the classic City rooftop for a reason. Its terrace looks straight onto St Paul’s, and the indoor-outdoor flexibility makes it a safe bet for both weather and crowd control.
- Capacity: 400 standing | 150 seated
- Best for: Corporate receptions or wrap parties
- Vibe: Lively, established, panoramic
8. Alto by San Carlo at Selfridges
Hidden above the department store, Alto is a semi-covered garden in the sky. It’s elegant yet relaxed, and ideal for small groups that want privacy without being miles from Oxford Street hotels.
- Capacity: 100 standing | 50 seated
- Best for: Incentive dinners or small private celebrations
- Vibe: Chic, tucked-away, floral
9. Queen of Hoxton Rooftop
Located in Shoreditch, this rooftop space shifts atmosphere from summer lounge to festive party terrace. With its themed interiors, flexible layout and city skyline views it’s ideal for brands or larger corporate hires.
- Capacity: 300 standing | 180 seated
- Best for: Seasonal parties, large corporate drinks receptions
- Vibe: Creative, lively, East-London edge
10. LSQ Rooftop, Hotel Indigo Leicester Square
Overlooking the West End, LSQ Rooftop has wraparound glass and indoor comfort without losing that skyline energy. It’s an excellent choice for media launches or team parties.
- Capacity: 200 standing | 80 seated
- Best for: West End client events and celebrations
- Vibe: Energetic, cinematic, central
London’s rooftops are some of the most versatile spaces in the city. Whether you need something buttoned-up for board-level guests or lively enough to loosen a room full of sales teams, there’s a view for every brief.
Time to change your venue?
Why reviewing your choice of space could save you time, money, and hassle
Sticking with the same venue often feels like the easy option. It’s familiar, the layout’s second nature, and the team knows your preferences. But is it still delivering the best value and results?
What once felt like the perfect fit might now be holding your events back, affecting budgets, engagement, delegate numbers, and overall impact.
At Bien Venue, we regularly speak to clients who’ve built strong relationships with venues over time. Loyalty is valuable, but it can also mean missed opportunities. New venues open, standards change, pricing shifts. If your go-to venue hasn’t kept up, you could be overspending or underdelivering.
Familiarity can lead to complacency
Your delegates notice when it’s the same space year after year. What once felt fresh starts to feel tired, and that shows, in attention levels, energy in the room, and the outcomes you’re aiming for.
Switching venues can spark a shift in atmosphere. It gives your audience a reason to re-engage, boosts energy, and can even elevate perception. A new venue doesn’t just mean a different backdrop, it could offer better tech, more flexible layouts, or standout food that gets people talking.
Ask yourself:
Before you rebook, consider the following:
- Are our delegates still engaged – or just going through the motions?
- Have we benchmarked costs in the last 12–18 months?
- Does this venue still meet our goals, or are we just “making it work”?
- Is the venue team proactive and helpful, or just ticking boxes?
- Have we looked at what’s new in the market recently?
If any of these raise questions, it’s worth taking a closer look.
A better venue can boost attendance
If your event isn’t mandatory, then your venue becomes part of the pitch. A modern setting, better transport links, or interesting catering options can sway the decision to attend.
We’ve seen client sign-ups jump simply by shifting to a more central or more engaging venue. It’s not just about convenience – it’s about perception and value.
Why reassessing matters
Craig Jackson, Head of Sales & Account Management:
“We’re seeing how competitive the venue market has become. Many venues now offer more flexible packages, better tech, and sustainability options that didn’t exist a few years ago.
"If you haven’t reviewed your venue spend recently, there’s a good chance you’re leaving value on the table.”
Sam O'Rourke, Client Services Manager:
“When we look at venue relationships, we’re thinking about service, reliability, and whether the space still aligns with your goals.
"If the answer’s no, then it’s time to ask if a change of venue could mean a better result overall.”
How a venue-finding agency helps
This is where we come in. As a venue-finding agency, we don’t just search for spaces, we manage the entire procurement process, making sure you benefit from:
- Clear benchmarking against current market rates
- Access to new, innovative, and often exclusive venues
- Stronger service level agreements and commercial terms
- Ongoing supplier and venue relationship management
We work as part of your team, aligning venue choices with your wider strategy and goals.
Your competitors are reviewing their venue strategy. Are you?
You don’t have to start from scratch. Even a light-touch review could reveal better pricing, fresh thinking, or improved delegate experience.
Worst case? You confirm you’re already getting great value.
Best case? You elevate the impact of your next event.
Let’s find out if your venue is still pulling its weight.
We offer a free, no-obligation venue review, and it might just open up more possibilities than you expect.