Turnkey reward trip for Selexis

Solène, Alps Project Manager, shares her success story with Selexis.

What was your client’s primary goal?

"The goal was to reward the entire team, which at that time consisted of 25 people—everyone from accounting to the executive committee. The company operated with a startup-like model and was experiencing rapid growth.

Their main requirement was to share a collective experience, but within the region, as they were unable to travel by plane.

Since it was their first event with us, it was also an opportunity for them to test us as a specialist DMC in the Alps.

Another condition: a maximum travel time of 2 to 2.5 hours to the event location."

What program did you create for them?

"Our team focused on a local and regional experience to meet the brief. We also immediately considered the budget, as we were fortunate to have a client with the financial means to match their ambitions—something that isn’t always the case in our industry!

One big advantage was that we knew we could incorporate premium activities, even for a first-time experience, since this was a reward trip. The CEO’s goal was to truly delight his employees.

To meet their key expectations—being together and feeling rewarded—we initially suggested a departure in vintage Citroën 2CV cars from their offices. Ultimately, this option wasn’t selected, but the idea was to create a surprise right from the start instead of using a standard bus transfer.

It’s also worth mentioning that only the CEO and executive assistant knew the itinerary, making it a complete surprise for everyone else!

We designed a two-part program, starting with a nature immersion for an exclusive getaway in the heart of the Alps—an opportunity for them to reconnect and enjoy a moment of togetherness. This was followed by a more indulgent, cocooning experience with a stay in a luxury hotel, including private access to the spa just for them!

The three-day reward trip kicked off with a relaxed afternoon on a lakeside grassy beach, where we set up a mobile barbecue, deck chairs, blankets, pétanque balls, and beach towels—everything for a laid-back, leisure-filled experience with no time constraints."

Any behind-the-scenes stories or fun anecdotes?

"The executive assistant, who helped design the program with us, was so excited about the activities we proposed that she was ready to try paragliding with me—even though she was six months pregnant!

Of course, I had to put a firm veto on that one!"

What was your best idea for this event?

"The full camping setup!

I called on our in-house logistics genius, Christophe, and his team. We pulled out all the stops—our best tents, wooden logs, picnic tables, camping chairs, and everything needed to create a full-fledged campsite. We designed the entire setup to immerse them in a true nature getaway.

For the first night, we even had a backup plan in case of bad weather, with a mountain refuge ready as an alternative. That means Cameleon Explorer went as far as arranging accommodations—from an ephemeral, offbeat campsite to a luxury hotel.

Unique and unexpected—just the way we like it at Cameleon!"

What was the standout moment of the event?

"I don’t think there was just one standout moment, because multiple surprises were met with equal enthusiasm.

Since the team had no idea where they were going, and it was their first event of this kind, their expectations were a bit undefined. The strength of the program was in designing an experience from start to finish, without relying on a single highlight. Instead, we built a series of memorable moments:

Two very different overnight stays—a stark contrast between spending one night in expedition tents in the middle of nature with limited comforts and another in the luxurious 4-star Impérial Palace with full amenities and a privatized spa.

Unexpected travel experiences. Instead of taking buses, we arranged a paragliding descent and a boat crossing of the lake—ensuring that even their transport was a surprise and an experience in itself."

What was the most memorable experience for the client?

"Gathering around the fire and roasting marshmallows together—it was a true return to childhood!

That moment perfectly embodied the brief: creating a shared, joyful experience where employees could truly enjoy each other’s company. A moment of connection, of simple pleasures, sitting around a fire after dinner, embracing something raw and authentic.

And beyond that, they rediscovered their own region from a completely new perspective!

Many of them were from Annecy, yet we managed to offer them an entirely fresh experience. This client had never worked with us before, but they immediately clicked with our philosophy and approach.

Today, they’ve been working with us for four years—and we’re still organizing their events in the same region!

Their team has now grown to 50 employees, and next year’s event is already confirmed to take place locally once again.

Even though they’re now open to traveling further afield, we continue to surprise them with new ways to experience their own backyard—year after year. And that, for us, is one of the most rewarding client testimonials!"