CEO Gift Guide 2019

From a hot-air balloon ride to a dude ranch, holiday ideas for the executive in your life.
1064

Shen Yun

Shen Yun, which means the beauty of divine beings dancing, is a company that performs classical Chinese dance and music. Established in New York in 2006, its dancers illustrate the history of China from ancient times to life under the Chinese Communist Party. Audience members can expect shimmering swirls of costumes, acrobatic dance, and musical numbers, all enhanced by audio-visual technology. Performances run from Jan. 17 to Jan. 26, 2020, at the Detroit Opera House in downtown Detroit.
PRICE: $80-$160


Tim Yanke’s “Peta Louthias”

Southfield’s Park West Gallery is offering an augmented reality art form created by metro Detroit artist Tim Yanke. “Peta Louthias” depicts butterflies through a mixed-media format (left), featuring pigment and graphite on clay board. When viewed through the Moving Canvas app, the butterflies seem to fly off the canvas and form different shapes. Yanke and Park West Gallery haven’t disclosed a bidding price, but the artist’s work is on display and available to purchase. Similar work is expected for the collection. Park West Gallery also hosts several dozen auctions each year on cruise ships.
Price: NA


Double JJ Resort

Located in Rothbury, north of Muskegon, Double JJ Resort offers luxury lodging, camping, an 18-hole golf course, a water park, 1,200 acres of trails, and a variety of horsemanship opportunities. Some lofts and suites can accommodate up to 12 guests and include Jacuzzi tubs, private balconies, fireplaces, and views of the golf club or forested areas. While the resort includes brunch and wine tastings, its specialties are its ranch and horsemanship training. Guests can take riding lessons and go on trail rides, cattle drives, breakfast rides, and dinner rides. The staff teaches students of all levels and begins each ride with a basic lesson on saddles, stirrups, and reins.
PRICE: $99-$379 per night


BrieArtistry

Treat yourself to beauty services before the next big event  in the comfort of your own home. Stylists from Walled Lake-based BrieArtistry offer makeup application including airbrushing, public and private makeup lessons, sunless tans that last up to two weeks, and hairstyling. They bring their own equipment and supplies, including a popup tent for tanning. The stylists have worked with people of all ages, sexes, and nationalities, and have traveled to northern Michigan, Chicago, and out of the country to offer their services.
PRICE: $30-$300


Glamping at The Fields in South Haven

A glamping experience (glamorous camping) opened this summer on a blueberry farm in South Haven for those who want to camp but aren’t ready to give up creature comforts. The 30-acre site is 3.5 miles from Lake Michigan and offers 10 luxury tents glampers can retire to after long days of activities and gourmet meals. Tents are built on foundations and can accommodate up to two adults and two children. They’re furnished with wood-burning stoves, king-size beds, in-suite bathrooms, and stylized fixtures and seating. The Fields also offers hiking, blueberry picking, yoga, fishing, gardening, complimentary breakfasts, and common areas for meals and snacks. Booking is available from May to October.
PRICE: Rates start at $329 per night


Balloon Quest

Send your favorite CEO soaring with a ride from Balloon Quest Inc. Capt. Phogg Balloon Rides. Hot-air balloon flights are available seven days a week, weather permitting, and take off from Fenton. Flights last 45 minutes to an hour, and take place around sunrise and sunset. The company’s flying area includes nearly 50 lakes, woodlands, and state parks, and passengers frequently view wildlife from the air. Passengers can help set up the balloons and, after the flight, they’re driven back to the launch pad. Balloon baskets come in various sizes, and shared flights accommodate up to 14 people comfortably. The event ends with champagne or juice, flight certificates, and souvenirs.
PRICE: Starts at $329 per person