Starting in Sonoma, California, the destination was SpaTec EU in Split, Croatia at the Le Meridian Lav direclty on the spectacular Adriatic Sea. Split is one of the oldest cities in the region surrrounded by 1700 years of rich history and culture intertwined with a pristine environment and Mediterranean lifestyle. The region has been discovered by savvy travelers with new hotels and spas sprouting all along this incredibly gorgeous coastline. Today was a day of travel, logistics, getting settled and then relaxing at a reception featuring regional foods and wines. It was a lovely gathering of friends catching up and new contacts being made. Already lots of lively discussion about major hotel groups' disjointed interaction with consultants and vendors versus independent properties which seem to stimulate real creativity and cooperation. Stay tuned...