Journeys North America 2026: Discover Savannah

Savannah: Where Southern Authenticity Meets European Charm

Alex and I recently travelled to Savannah to explore venues and experiences for Journeys North America 2026, our upcoming luxury travel event in the USA. This wasn’t about ticking boxes or reviewing hotel specs — it was about feeling the destination. Could Savannah inspire connection? Could it provide the right setting for our buyers and suppliers to meet, build trust, and do business the Fam-Meet® way?

What we found was a city with a rare quality. Savannah embodies Southern authenticity — warm, gracious, and deeply rooted — yet carries an unexpected European charm. Its cobblestone streets, shaded squares, and grand architecture evoke a sense of calm and sophistication. It’s elegant without being pretentious, and that effortless balance is precisely what makes it so special.

A Home That Reflects Our Values

Our base during the visit, the Perry Lane Hotel, perfectly captures the spirit of modern Southern luxury. Part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, it opened in 2018 and blends seamlessly into Savannah’s historic heart. Its art-filled interiors, rooftop views, and attentive service make it a place where people instantly feel at home.

Recently, the Perry Lane Hotel was once again recognized among the world’s most exceptional hotels with the distinction of a MICHELIN Key - marking its second consecutive year receiving this prestigious honor. The MICHELIN Key celebrates properties that exemplify outstanding design, service, and a true sense of place - qualities that Perry Lane embodies through its thoughtful hospitality, creative expression, and deep connection to Savannah.

At Journeys, we choose host hotels that reflect our values — authenticity, warmth, and excellence. Perry Lane does exactly that. It’s the kind of place where conversations unfold naturally, over coffee in the lobby or a cocktail at The Peregrin rooftop bar. Those small, genuine moments are what the Fam-Meet® format is all about.

History That Adds Depth

Savannah’s beauty lies not just in its aesthetics, but in its depth of history. The Green-Meldrim House, one of the South’s finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture, was built in 1853 and famously served as General Sherman’s headquarters during the Civil War. It’s now lovingly preserved by St John’s Church.

Standing in such a place, you’re reminded that meaningful connections often grow out of shared stories. For Journeys North America 2026, spaces like this offer more than atmosphere — they offer authenticity. It’s the kind of setting where delegates can connect through curiosity and appreciation for heritage, not just business.

Open Spaces and Shared Moments

A short drive from downtown lies Red Gate Farms, a 440-acre property where oak trees frame open fields and rustic barns sit quietly by the water. Once a family dairy farm, it’s now one of Savannah’s most picturesque event venues.

For our Fam-Meet® networking format, spaces like this are ideal. They allow people to relax, to connect without pressure, and to see each other beyond the business card. Whether it’s an outdoor lunch, a team-building activity, or an intimate evening under the stars, Red Gate Farms brings people closer to the heart of Southern hospitality.

Experiences That Bring the City to Life

Savannah reveals its magic in moments. One evening, we toured the Georgia Queen, the city’s iconic paddle-wheel riverboat. Watching the skyline glow as the boat moved slowly along the river, it was easy to imagine delegates sharing this experience — a perfect example of how the Journeys format transforms meetings into memories.

We also explored Vic’s on the River, a restaurant where classic Southern cuisine meets refined hospitality, and Service Brewing, a locally owned craft brewery founded by a U.S. Army veteran. Each venue told a story — of creativity, community, and pride — qualities that align beautifully with what we aim to celebrate at Journeys.

Why Savannah

Luxury in Savannah isn’t about opulence; it’s about authenticity, atmosphere, and attention to detail. This is a city that knows who it is. It’s refined yet unhurried, historic yet forward-thinking — and perfectly suited to hosting Journeys North America 2026.

Savannah invites connection. It encourages people to slow down, enjoy, and engage in meaningful conversation. For our community of luxury travel professionals, it’s a destination that will surprise, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.

We can’t wait to welcome our delegates here next year — to experience Savannah the Fam-Meet® way, where trust is built through shared moments and lasting memories.