Spending time with your girlfriends can often feel like an impossible task when life gets in the way, but the extra effort to reconnect and unwind together will reward deeper friendships and memories that you will continue to cherish for years to come. Although a girls getaway trip may seem like only a weekend of pampering, retail therapy and cocktails, you’ll find that your vacation will make a mark on your girl group much deeper than the tan lines.
Whether you’re looking to organize a lively bachelorette party with your BFFs or take time to relax and recharge with your favorite women, this list will inspire your girl gang to finally take that much-needed vacation together – because girls just wanna have fun.
Destination Spas in Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s T-Spa (Lake Como, Italy)
With stunning views of Italy’s Lake Como at the base of the Alps, Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s T-Spa will provide the perfect backdrop for your next friend-cation. Unlike most resort spas, T-Spa lends itself to interaction among guests due to its renowned infinity pool and state-of-the-art yoga studio.
Your girlfriends will glow inside and out after using T-Spa’s acclaimed ESPA skincare products, made with all-natural ingredients meant to rejuvenate skin. In other words, your girlfriends will be ready to put their best faces forward.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Golden Door Spa in San Marcos, California
Relax and unwind in luxury with your girlfriends at this Japanese-style spa designed to indulge guests through fitness, nourishment, calming spa treatments and a sense of total tranquility. Golden Door Spa is perfect for groups striving for personal mental repose and a chance to put comfort first while traveling with friends.
Your girlfriends will appreciate the fresh, nutritious food, invigorating exercise regimen and the opportunity to deepen friendships in a stress-free environment. However, be warned: seven days of pampering will fly by, so be sure to savor every moment.
Bustling Nightlife in Ibiza, Spain
With its slew of clubs and bars, Ibiza is the quintessential location for a legendary “GNO” (girls’ night out). Party all day with your favorite group of ladies at a beach club like Nikki Beach and watch the sunset at Café Mambo before hitting Km5 or one of the many popular dance clubs on the island.
The tropical weather and thumping electronic music will remind your girlfriends how to let loose and the importance of being silly every now and then. Did someone say rosé?
Ibiza Coast
Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana
The abundant casinos, jazz clubs and bars in New Orleans will have your girl group thinking it’s five o’clock somewhere! Make sure to venture to the historic and energetic Bourbon Street and watch the city come alive at night.
The combination of cocktails and your best friends is one that is sure to lead to memorable nights, especially when roaming the buzzing streets of New Orleans. It’s almost impossible not to stumble upon late-night live music while on a bar crawl, so be sure to stop in the many music bars that line Frenchmen Street.
Shopping Spree in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago may be better known for pizza than fashion, but it’s a shopping hot spot. From Lincoln Park boutiques to Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, Chicago is a shopaholic’s dream. The variety and abundance of stores in the Windy City will please all your girlfriends as well as allow them to witness firsthand the one-of-a-kind Chicago street style.
While walking down Michigan Avenue, make sure to stop into the Shops at North Bridge, Water Tower Place, 900 North Michigan Shops and Saks Fifth Avenue. Although your Chicago shopping trip may take a toll on your girlfriends’ bank accounts, it will be a bonding experience that you’ll always cherish.
Magnificent Mile in Chicago
Indulging in Fashion in Milan, Italy
Break the bank with your best friends in the pretty scenery in Milan, the charming Italian city often referred to as the fashion capital of the world. Head to the world’s most prominent shopping district, Quadrilatero d’Oro, and browse the elaborate window displays of opulent brands such as Versace, Fendi, Armani, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Chanel.
To get a taste of authentic Italian styles, your group should peruse the many boutiques in the Brera District. However, if your group isn’t willing to splurge on designer labels, Milan offers several outlet stores such as 10 Corso Como Outlet.
Sun-Kissed Beaches of Aruba
Known around the world for its sugary white sand and shallow, cyan water, Eagle Beach in Aruba will remind your girlfriends of the importance of a well-deserved break. You can count on the weather in the Caribbean staying a constant 80 degrees with a light breeze, so all you’ll need to pack are a few sundresses and bikinis.
The pristine sand and water on Eagle Beach are perfect for swimming and snorkeling for friends who want to do more than sunbathe. Plus, if you plan your girls’ beach trip in mid-to-late June, you’ll be able to witness the hatching of thousands of baby turtles at sunset.
Caribbean getaway in Aruba
Maldives, Indian Ocean
If your girlfriends are looking to enjoy a more private beach experience, renting a beach villa at the Mirihi Island Resort in the Maldives may be just what you need. Your group will love living together in the charming and luxurious villas and making use of the direct beach access.
Although Mirihi is one of the smallest islands in the Maldives at only 1,149 feet long and 165 feet wide, it boasts some of the warmest waters in the world. Because the location is so compact, it is incredibly secluded and perfect for groups trying to escape reality – in fact, most visitors ditch their shoes and opt to go barefoot for their entire stay.
Tasty Food in Charleston, South Carolina
Fall in love with food again in Charleston – home of some of the best Southern food in the country. Your girlfriends will be ordering seconds after relishing traditional dishes such as chicken and waffles at the Early Bird Diner, a po’boy at the Glass Onion and okra soup at Bertha’s Restaurant.
For seafood lovers, be sure to stop by Bowen’s Island Restaurant, Poogan’s Porch and Hank’s Seafood. For groups wanting to experience customary soul food, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit and Matha Lou’s Kitchen are your best bet. While at Martha Lou’s, don’t forget to take a group selfie in front of their iconic pink walls.
Selfie break during a culinary itinerary in Charleston, South Carolina
Exploring Cape Town, South Africa
Adventurous groups who appreciate an eclectic variety of flavors and cultures will eagerly anticipate every meal in Cape Town. For a quick bite, head to Mariam’s Kitchen and try a “Gatsby,” their famous overflowing meat sandwich. Step out of your comfort zone and check out an ostrich burger at IYO Burgers right in the middle of the city.
Since dessert and drinks are practically mandatory on a girls’ weekend, be sure to stop by Kloof Street House and enjoy the stunning décor and renowned dark chocolate fondant.
These destinations stand above the crowd as ultimate destinations for a girls’ getaway long weekend, offering a perfect blend of iconic attractions, cultural experiences, outstanding food and natural beauty. From the serene relaxation of destination spas in Lake Como, and San Marcos, California, to bustling nightlife in Ibiza, Spain to Bourbon Street in New Orleans to a girls shipping spree in Chicago, or Milan to the sun-kissed beaches of Aruba or the culinary delights in Charlston, South Carolina. There’s no shortage of excitement and adventure awaiting you and your gal pals. So, gather your besties, pack your bags, and embark on an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, exploration, and unforgettable memories in one of these ultimate girls’ getaway weekend destinations.
