Southern Ocean Lodge
What is it? Southern Ocean Lodge’s promotional brochure dubs it the Galapagos of Australia, located on Adelaide’s Kangaroo Island and home to some of the southern hemisphere’s most dramatic landscapes and unique coastal wildlife. Facing the cooler waters of the Southern Ocean, which encircles Antarctica, the lodge has 21 suites that can accommodate up to 46 guests, and offers an array of luxury meeting spaces including the Great Room lounge and Lodge Restaurant.
Why go? The range of activities on offer makes the Southern Ocean Lodge ideal for teambuilding and incentives. Nature enthusiasts can take part in treks or bushwalks organised every morning, return for lunch in the lodge before setting off to discover the island’s kangaroo, wallaby and sea lion colonies. Itineraries can also include quad bike safaris, kayaking, beach fishing and nocturnal wildlife tours.
Getting there Regional Express offers flights every half hour from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, or domestic connections are available with Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar. Charter flights can fly from Adelaide to Kingscote or Snug Cove to a private airfield 30 minutes from the lodge.
Kata Rocks
What is it? Perched between Kata and Kata Noi beaches, Kata Rocks resort opened last year in Phuket to offer a variety of adventure activities for groups. Kata Rocks is one of the most modern of Phuket’s resorts, with sleek function and outdoor spaces and fittings such as iPad control over conveniences such as blinds and room service.
Why go? Water-based activities sit high on the menu of experiences at Kata Rocks – Phuket, Phang Nga and the Similan Islands are resplendent with marine and coral life, and diving courses can be organised for those without Padi training. Yachts can also be chartered for group excursions or for an airborne thrill, take a half-hour helicopter trip over the reefs and rock formations around Phang Nga Bay.
Getting there Kata Rocks is just under an hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport. Airport transfers can be arranged.
BridgeClimb Sydney
What is it? BridgeClimb is Sydney’s most iconic adventure activity and has become a fixture on incentive itineraries. During one recent booking, the record for the highest number of climbers was broken by a group of 340 Rotarians for the “End Polio Now” campaign. There are many routes to the summit including a sampler climb that takes groups to a spectacular vantage point halfway up in 1½ hours, night and dawn excursions and summit climbs available in Mandarin.
Why go? Sydney’s cityscape is exceptional: few teambuilding activities can offer such a unique and panoramic view of the region. The adrenaline rush of the climb paired with the experience of overcoming fears as a team makes this a great bonding experience for delegates as they ascend the 134 metres to the bridge’s apex. Last year,
BridgeClimb celebrated Chinese New Year by offering groups the chance to perform karaoke at the bridge’s summit and take part in a mahjong championship while staff also staged a
traditional lion dance along the bridge’s arches.
Getting there BridgeClimb’s nearest train stop is Circular Quay, which is easily accessed by bus or ferry. Buses and coaches can drop-off and pick up delegates at Cumberland Street near the BridgeClimb entrance.
Langkawi Canopy Adventures
What is it? The adventure company offers groups the chance to discover the Malaysian rainforest with just a harness and a network of ropes. Located on Langkawi’s tallest mountain, the site has erected a series of obstacle routes through the island’s lush undergrowth, which is home to 400 tree species and an array of tropical wildlife that includes flying lemurs, wild boar, civet cats, over 200 types of birds and more than 40 species of snake.
Why go? Hooked to ziplines, groups can explore the canopy in the open air, sliding between tree platforms and abseiling and rappelling through the forest. Sea kayaking is another popular tour, where groups can paddle through caves dotted along the northern and eastern coasts of Langkawi, or explore sedate mangroves along the Kilim River.
Getting there Langkawi is an hour’s flight from Kuala Lumpur. Transfers can be organised from anywhere on the island to the site in Lubuk Semilang.
Laucala Island
What is it? Located off the north-eastern coast of Fiji, Laucala Island is an ultra-luxury resort for groups looking for an exclusive getaway. The private island has been open for just over a year, and offers group activities ranging from horseback riding and deep-sea fishing to kitesurfing and jet-skiing.
Why go? Laucala is the only place on Earth where guests can hitch a ride in a submarine – a two-seater micro-submersible called the DeepFlight Super Falcon. Equipped with 360-degree acrylic viewing domes, the submarine can take out one guest (together with pilot) at a time, trawling for marine wildlife such as turtles, leopard sharks and scorpion fish at 15 metres below sea level. One of three in the world, this DeepFlight Super Falcon is the only one available to the public, and an hour-long trip is included in the daily rate.
Getting there Transfers from Fiji’s Nadi International Airport can be arranged, from where the resort’s private aircraft transports guests to the island.
