The Angel Orensanz Foundation Center of the Arts is a museum and event space, located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The 3-story building was created as a synagogue in 1849, designed to resemble the Cathedral of Cologne with a tripartite facade of red stone brick that is framed by a pointed gable at the top. The building was designed by German architect Alexander Saeltzer.

The 7,000-sf main floor seats up to 300 pax for a seated meeting or 700 for a reception. The 3,500-sf balcony overlooks the main floor providing additional space for attendees to mingle. The facility includes WiFi, flatscreen TVs and live broadcast capabilities for totally modern events in a magical historic venue.

The building was a favorite space for fashion legend Alexander McQueen, who hosted fashion parties and trunk shoes at the venue until his death in 2010. Other famous events include the wedding of Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick in 1997.

Famed artist Angel Orensanz bought the building in 1986, renovating the facility into a gallery and studio, modeling the interior to look like the Sistine Chapel. The original dark wood alter, open-air facade and cathedral ceiling provides planners with an open canvas for creative gatherings.

The historic temple includes arch tall lancet windows and doorways. Its larger center door is crowned by triangular molding that is almost as high as the second floor. The tradition of the German Reform Movement of the mid-19th century is thoughtfully displayed on the blue ribbed ceilings and towers. It also has interior wooden vaults, and several tiers of balconies that lead to the museum and studio on the third level.

Island Lodge is located on a small private island 45 minutes from Stockholm in the Swedish archipelago, surrounded by thousands of other islands covered with native forest. There are seven high-tech geodesic dome tents overlooking the water, designed for corporate incentives for up to 14 pax. For planners seeking something way, way out of the ordinary, a couple nights here will have a powerfully calming effect on your group.

I knew this was going to be special because Island Lodge epitomizes the “glamping” and “digital detox” trends. As it turned out, this was one of the best group dinners of my life, best night’s sleep, and surprisingly, best hot tub.

Groups pull up by boat to a small dock in a little cove, leading to a safari-style camp restaurant at the end of the shore. It’s a couple minutes walk up an easy incline to the various camp tents, and as you’re walking your excitement builds in anticipation because you’re not quite sure what to expect.

The large domes turn out to be quite luxurious. They feature blond hardwood floors, animal skin rugs, fantastic beds with Mille Notti fine linens and wool pullovers, and a small wood burning stove. There are six orbital windows in each tent so you have great views of the woods around you.

It goes without saying the area smells fantastic with all of the pines trees surrounding you.