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Jet Set Go

Great Escapes With Friends: Eight Weekend Getaways

Planning a couple of nights away with your closest friends? We’ve compiled a list of eight of our favourite getaway spots for a weekend of fun and relaxation, asterisking where to stay, and where to play tourist whilst in town.


Comporta, Portugal

Why go: An hour’s drive south of Lisbon, this chic, under-the-radar beach destination has been the fashion crowd’s best-kept secret for years. Now, it’s time to share it with our nattiest pals.

Where to play tourist: Make a beeline for Praia da Comporta, where you’ll find a selection of cool seaside clubs; play spot the catamaran as you sip on something chilled.

Where to stay: A luxe country retreat, complete with spa, outdoor pool, and an epic restaurant, Sublime Comporta ticks all the proverbial boxes.

Marrakech, Morocco

Why go: Following a long stretch when visiting Morocco from the UK was not possible, we’re eager to make up for lost time and bask in the Red City’s glory. It’s a magic sort of place.

Where to play tourist: The striking Jardin Majorelle and neighbouring Yves Saint Laurent Museum. A little out from the city’s centre, you’ll find the mesmeric Beldi Country Club which is also worth a look-see.

Where to stay: Set in the heart of the Medina of Marrakech, Jasper Conran’s L’Hotel cuts an impressive shape. The 19th-century riad is formed of just five suits, meaning you and your pals will feel as though you’ve got the whole place to yourselves.

Florence, Italy

Why go: Florence has a footloose and fancy-free air about it, making it the ideal spot to venture for friends seeking the same.

Where to play tourist: Two words: Gucci Garden. Head to the multifarious space and get your fix of shopping (the store is stocked with many one-of-a-kind items), dining (Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura is simply wow), and culture at the Gucci Garden Galleria exhibition rooms.

Where to stay: Just beyond the city’s confines, Il Salviatino offers serenity in spades (plus, there’s a complimentary shuttle to take you into town when you’re craving a taste of the action).

Paris, France

Why go: C’est Paris! A quick trip on Eurostar makes this getaway feasible for even the busiest of buddies. Whether you opt to catch up on the city’s newest happenings or laze about at a charming, much-loved Parisian staple, you’ll always have a good time in the City of Light.

Where to play tourist: Make a beeline to Samartine for a spot of shopping before heading to Musée des Arts Décoratifs to catch an exhibition. Follow with a smart lunch at our perma-favourite, Loulou.

Where to stay: Newbie Hôtel Madame Rêve is just a stone’s throw from the Bourse du Commerce and the aforementioned Samaritaine department store. It’s the perfect pied-à-terre for those seeking a weekend of culture, consumption, and all-round chicness.

San Sebastián, Spain

Why go: Considered Spain’s ‘gourmet capital’, San Sebastian is primed for food-loving pals keen to lap up culinary gems aplenty – Mugartiz and Arzak are absolute must tries.

Where to play tourist: The city’s two main beaches – Playa de la Concha and Playa de la Zurriola. Venture to the former for old-school glamour, whilst the latter is a haven for surfer types.

Where to stay: Sticking with a foodie theme, Akelarre, a three-Michelin starred restaurant and chic hotel in one, feels rather apt.

Kerry, Ireland

Why go: Kerry, aka ‘The Kingdom’, is the jewel in Ireland’s crown. For wholesome hikes amidst exceptional landscapes, there are few places as idyllic to spend rambling about (and chatting at pace) with friends.

Where to play tourist: The Ring of Kerry and Ring of Beara are well-trodden routes worth exploring.

Where to stay: Park Hotel Kenmare’s  recent zhuzh up by London-based designer, Bryan O’Sullivan, is the talk of the town.

Santorini, Greece

Why go: An Instagram favourite, Santorini’s blazing sunsets and copious whitewashed buildings make it an easy sell.

Where to play tourist: Amoudi Bay is lined with family owned taverns – our favourite is Ammoudi Fish Tavern. Head here for a post-swim bite to eat.

Where to stay: Assuming you’ve a bit of a gang with you, the five-suite luxury villa, Erosantorini is the perfect spot. 

Brighton, UK

Why go: Brighton imbues a childlike wonder to all who visit. Where better to rekindle with your oldest friends?

Where to play the tourist: Snoop around Brighton’s Royal Pavilion (after sufficiently ogling after its imposing domed facade).

Where to stay: Soho House has made it to Brighton’s shores. Bed down for a long weekend at Brighton Beach House, and nab a retro lounger on the terrace the moment the sun makes an appearance.

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