The venerable Equinox hotel, nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont, entered a new phase in its 245-year history last year after a multimillion-dollar renovation and the opening of a new spa and ballroom, bringing meeting space to 19,000 square feet in 10 rooms.

These new additions add greatly to what is especially exciting about the Equinox: its wonderful blend of history, beautiful Vermont scenery, and unique variety of guest rooms, meeting facilities, and recreation options. The Manchester resort has 183 rooms, suites, and townhouses. These include the adjacent Charles Orvis Inn, a historic 19th-century home that has nine one- and two-bedroom suites. Groups can buy out the inn, which has concierge service and a private bar and billiard room. All meeting and guest rooms are outfitted for wireless Internet communication.

The tranquil 13,000-square-foot Avanyu Spa offers a full range of services, including the Mountain Man Facial and, of course, the Maple Syrup Scrub. There's also a 75-foot-by-25-foot indoor pool and the 18-hole Gleneagles Golf Course. The hotel is home to the British School of Falconry, an off-road driving school, and an archery school. Customized teambuilding events tapping these sporting options are a wonderful opportunity for meeting and incentive groups. For shoppers, there are endless possibilities at the many brand-name outlets in Manchester.

The Equinox has been a Rock Resort (equinox.rockresorts.com) since 2000. It is four hours from New York, three hours from Boston, and 75 minutes from the Albany, N.Y., airport.