Executives are drawn to Lakeside Lodge for Meetings
Secluded, private and intimate, that’s how many refer to Lakeside Lodge at White Point, their preferred venue for corporate retreats at Nova Scotia’s legendary year-round resort.
Most Atlantic Canadians know all about White Point Beach Resort’s famous Nova Scotia built main lodge, but not many know about a private wooded space tucked in by the lake.
Its secrecy is actually what keeps White Point’s Lakeside Lodge in high demand for executive meetings and retreats. Many corporate groups book in 3-4 times a year just for the peaceful, private surroundings. “They love having their own private meeting space by the ocean, with all the amenities and without any distractions” says Anne Stevens, White Point’s Director of Sales.
Sandy McKenna of Pink Larkin has organized more than a dozen team retreats at White Point, since it isn’t far from their Halifax office. Since the law firm pays for employees to bring their families along, being able to hold the work-related activities in their own private space is extremely helpful.
“We’re able to take over Lakeside Lodge for an entire weekend and close ourselves off to have privacy for our meetings, but then return to our families in the cottages when the work is finished,” says McKenna. “It’s a beautiful spot right on the ocean, so you get that feeling of being ‘away’. It’s easier to get people to disconnect from day-to-day and focus when they’re not just in a standard boardroom back at the office.”
White Point actually started staying open year-round 30 years ago because the business community had embraced it as an ideal meeting destination. Executives from around the world travel here along the edge of the ocean and meet in front of the roaring beachstone fireplaces during the day, and by night this year, they’ll get together by the bonfire to roast ‘Lobster S’mores’ under the stars.
Bonfires are just part of the agenda for groups at White Point. It’s the original social network when you think about it – its ‘Face Time’ as it was originally intended.
Lakeside Lodge is tucked away from White Point’s main lodge. While cottages and vacation homes are nearby, it’s nestled within a cozy cluster of three bright, airy guest room buildings off by themselves — Lakeside Retreat with lakeside adirondack chairs and comfy seating around a big bonfire pit. The spaces can be configured for meetings, dinners and parties just as easily for a yoga class or Dark Sky experience. Guests can relax by the lake during breaks, hit the trails for a quick hike or take a stroll along beach.
Lakeside Lodge is ideal for hosting groups of 20-40 employees for a couple of nights year-round. As an event organizer, McKenna enjoys that White Point provides a package deal that includes meetings, accommodations and meals.
“You get so much more than you would at a venue where everything is à la carte,” says McKenna. “You have a package that provides you with a framework, and it makes it a lot easier to plan and budget when you know what your costs are going to be.”
Katherine Bailey, manager of admin operations with Baker Tilly Nova Scotia , says her team always enjoys coming to Lakeside Lodge because it’s “intimate and cozy” with all of the amenities they need at their fingertips.
“It allows each person to have their privacy at the end of the day, but provides a warm and inviting area for evening socials to happen,” says Bailey. “Having a fireplace to sit around in the evening, and the ocean behind you, creates the perfect background for the end of the day.”
“Companies are looking for experiences, not just somewhere to meet and sleep,” adds Stevens. “They want spaces that will inspire them and reignite their imaginations so their team comes away feeling rewarded and recharged.”
Often clients turn to White Point wanting to incorporate a unique experience for their team. Stevens says they have many options, including lobster-fishing , golf tournaments and exhilarating polar dips in the chilly Atlantic ocean. They’ve even tasked teams with building their own boat and paddling it across the pool in a race!
“We try to tempt them to experience something that brings them out of their comfort zone, because that’s where the magic happens, bonds are strengthened and memories are made.”
We look forward to welcoming you to White Point!
Book your Spring Retreat or Annual Strategic Planning Meeting today. Contact Anne Stevens, Director of Sales via email or phone 902.423.8887 to check availability for your preferred dates. Visit www.whitepoint.com for more details, or see below.
Executive Package from $219 person
Perfect for groups of 20 to 30 people, wrap up your next Retreat, Business or Association Meeting with the following inclusions:
Overnight accommodation
Breakfast, Lunch and a three course Dinner, per nightly rate. (Be sure to take advantage of our ‘Taste of Nova Scotia’ menu selection* for one evening!)
Complimentary meeting room and property wide Wi-Fi
Complimentary basic audio visual equipment and meeting room initial set-up to your specifications
Complimentary parking
Our Executive Package meeting set-up includes:
Vegetable/fruit seasonally infused water, blotter with note pad and pen accompanied by maple glazed peanuts from Acadian Maple Products
Two customized nutrition breaks and one early morning coffee/tea service
Bonfire with our signature Taste of Nova Scotia infused Lobster S’mores featuring housemade chocolate dipped Lobster Claw cookies sprinkled with Nova Scotia ‘naturally smoked’ Sea Salt, with marshmallows roasted over an open fire – savoured by your guests!
Complimentary access to all our recreation facilities and amenities
Coffee Services & Nutrition Creaks under the package price consist of Fair Trade Coffee and a selection of teas. Nutrition Breaks also include a choice of snacks from our Great Day Meeting Menu ; basic a/v package includes initial room set up, podium and mic, white board and markers.
*Executive Package Dinner includes: buffet in our Dining Room (when available), or three courses if ordering from the menu, appetizer, entrée & dessert, coffee or tea.
Let us help you plan your Private Dinner experience that includes a “Taste of Nova Scotia” option – suggestions include:
Main Course suggestions:
Meadowbrook Double Thick Long Bone Pork Chop with apricot and apple chutney, maple glaze
Cape d’or Sustainable Salmon, Pan Seared with a Sherry-thyme and Smoked Bacon Cream
Digby Scallop and Cape d’or Salmon Tournedo with Lobster Croquettes and Fennel Cream
Dessert Course suggestions:
Acadian Maple Crème Brulee with Pumpkin Seed Dark Chocolate Bark
Tiramisu with Fortress Rum and Espresso
Wild Oxford Blueberry and Brown Butter Tart with Brown Sugar Cream
Let’s execute your next great meeting!