The view of our casita from the main house.

This winter has certainly taken a toll on the mind and body of many of us. Productivity can be elusive when you are locked down by winter weather. As a corporate video producer I can see the effects on my clients first hand. About two years ago we purchased a home on a large property in Cave Creek, Arizona, to be used for winter getaways and maybe move there someday. It has a main house, a pool, hot tub and a casita.

This year we had a very interesting experience: we mixed business and pleasure by inviting clients out to brainstorm a rather large project. What came out of our intense brainstorming was fresh ideas, good food, exercise and plenty of sun. Oh, did I mention golf?

Each day we would hike in the morning, have a great breakfast, work until early afternoon, then golf, ride horses or go shopping. That night we would barbecue, hang by the pool and continue the idea creation process.

Beautiful weather does wonders for the creative mind and spirit.

This offbeat approach worked so well and word has traveled so quickly that our hacienda has turned into a retreat for creative professionals.

Who knew that our company Double O Creative (West), would develop into the ideal location to bring ideas to life?