NYC Guide to Bleisure

Image Credit: The Carlyle

Bleisure: a phenomenon that started trending in 2009 but skyrocketed in the last five years, where travelers combine business commitments and leisure activities in a single trip. While the pandemic derailed the travel industry and caused many to lose their jobs initially, some of its longer-term effects were positive. In a way, it encouraged employees and employers alike to embrace a proper work-life balance and prioritize time off the clock.

Instead of rushing home after a corporate conference, people are extending trips for some alone time or bringing friends and family along for the ride. The appetite for balance and New York City’s larger-than-life personality makes it impossible to just clock out and head home.

The Big Apple is more than just a financial and business epicenter; its rooftop bars, glitzy Michelin-star restaurants, world-renowned museums, and art galleries attract globetrotters from all around the world. As a common ground for global conferences and client meetings, Manhattan makes bleisure in NYC incredible. 

With scores of iconic skyscraper hotels, multiethnic flavors, and adrenaline-packed experiences, you’ll need a few espresso shots to keep you on your toes after you clock out. As an elite benefits program with the most luxurious travel perks in mind, EXEC has curated the ultimate business traveler’s guide to ‘bleisure’ in New York City.

Flying Into The Nation’s Busiest City

With a population of nearly 8.5 million distributed over 300 square miles, flying into NYC can be overwhelming. Whether you’re booking a private jet with one of our aviation partners, evoJets, Aero, or Blade, or flying commercial, the following airports are the main gateways to Manhattan.

Teterboro Airport (KTEB / TEB) — Specializing in private travel, TEB is a general aviation reliever airport located in Bergen County, NJ. Only fifteen miles from Manhattan, it’s an excellent alternative to avoid the congestion and hassle of NYC’s primary commercial airports. 

Amenities

• 30,000-square-foot executive terminal
• Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey
• Gym with showers
• Private movie theater
• Private workstations

John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK / JFK) — NYC’s primary commercial airport is the busiest international air passenger gateway into North America. It is located in Queens, twelve miles from Manhattan. 

Amenities 

• AMEX Centurion Lounge
• Delta Sky Club
• BeRelax Spa
• Bobby Van’s Steakhouse
• Hilton New York JFK Airport

Ready to depart NYC? For a little more than the cost of an Uber, skip the traffic and hop on a helicopter arranged by BLADE. Not only will you escape the congestion of Manhattan’s gridlock, but you’ll also get an unobstructed view of the city as you cruise the skies in style. 

EXEC Members receive preferential rates on Blade's affordable helicopter airport transport between Manhattan and major NYC airports.

Sleeping In The City That Never Sleeps

Skyscraper developers flock to this city to surpass records and create some of the world's tallest and most lavish hotels. While it’s known as the city that never sleeps, Manhattan is decked with renowned luxury accommodations that’ll keep you refreshed and ready to conquer the day. 

We’ve selected the top hotels to combine business and leisure in NYC, accommodating your team with the city’s best amenities.

Conrad New York Midtown

Perched in the heart of Midtown, this hotel’s location is perfect for those looking for ease and comfort in reaching some of NYC’s must-see attractions. Only minutes from Central Park, Carnegie Hall, and Times Square, this five-star property never disappoints. 

With penthouse suites available, local gourmet eateries, and an impressive art collection with pieces by renewed artists Henri Matisse and Carole Feuerman, the hotel has world-class amenities to accommodate every kind of traveler. 

EXEC Members receive preferred rates and flexible cancellation privileges. 

The Carlyle

The Carlyle is one of NYC’s most famous hotels, perfectly illustrating the sophistication and luxury of the Upper East Side. The property is a city landmark and a popular accommodation for royalty and world leaders. 

It offers guests dozens of unique amenities, including the David Yurman Experience, a one-of-a-kind Presidential Suite, and some of the city’s best culinary treats. Perfect for bleisure travelers, the art deco-inspired hotel is only a block from Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

EXEC Members receive preferred rates.

Arlo SoHo

Located in the heart of SoHo, Arlo is perfect for those looking to work and play. With efficiently designed rooms, furnished terraces, and a rooftop restaurant, it’s an excellent selection for bleisure travelers. The property is only minutes from the High Line and the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. 

EXEC Members receive preferred rates.

Flavors of NYC 

The culinary scene in Manhattan is unlike any other, with everything from halal street carts to incredible omakase. The standards are sky-high, and because the city is a cultural melting pot, the ethnic flavors will take you on a global gastronomic adventure without leaving the bounds of Manhattan.

The options are endless, from bountiful buffets and rooftop treats to front-row shows of executive chefs whipping up their most refined culinary masterpieces. Below, you’ll find a selection of the top restaurants in NYC to satisfy all of your cravings.

Sushi By Bou

With a wide list of locations, Sushi By Bou is giving the American sushi scene an upgrade. Offering guests an intimate and incredible Omakase experience, seasoned chefs will create a personalized and exclusive dining experience for each of their parties. NYC locations can be found inside the Limelight in Chelsea, Sanctuary Hotel in Times Square, and Hotel 32/32 in NoMad. 

EXEC Members receive complimentary roll and sake selections. 

Time Out Market New York

This is an excellent option for larger groups, big appetites, and a variety of cravings. Time Out Market is located in Brooklyn, offering visitors a wide variety of cuisines. From Nashville Hot Chicken and fluffy pancakes to Indian flavors and Italian bites, all with a stunning rooftop view of Dumbo and the Manhattan skyline.

Cote 

A Koreatown specialty, Cote is a Michelin-starred carnivorous vision of proprietor Simon Kim. With a massive wine list, smokeless grills, and a “Butcher’s Feast” to load your table with banchan and beef, it’s a culinary experience you won't forget. 

Jean-Georges

A critically acclaimed French eatery, this restaurant has been awarded four stars by the New York Times and two Michelin Stars. It overlooks Central Park and is a jewel of Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's fine dining empire. 

Big Apple Entertainment 

As the city that never sleeps, entertainment options in Manhattan will leave you burdened by choice. From Broadway hits to some of the most exhilarating nightlife, NYC will leave you inspired. 

EXEC Private Label Tickets

NYC is a hot spot for sporting events, food festivals, comedy shows, and concerts. Between events at MSG and baseball games at Citi Field, entertainment options are at your fingertips with EXEC Private Label Ticketing. 

Whether it’s Aladdin, Lion King, or The Phantom of the Opera, no visit to NYC is complete without enjoying an epic Broadway performance — and we’ve got you covered with tickets. 

With this exclusive marketplace, EXEC Members can access discounted tickets to the top events, shows, and parties in Manhattan anytime, without exorbitant service fees and surcharges.

Five Iron Golf

Escape the busy streets with this indoor urban golfing experience, perfect for company parties and large events. Featuring an exclusive Fitting Lab, you’ll be custom fit with your own set of clubs before you hit the simulated green.

EXEC Members receive discounted rates and services. 

Additional Reading for Corporate Travel Managers & Senior Executives

Bleisure can be a compelling benefit for your team, especially when talent retention and engagement are at stake. To learn more, read The Business Traveler’s Guide to Bleisure, where Scott Poniewaz, Head of EXEC, shares his advice for corporate travel managers.