Amsterdam, Ibiza and Miami are exciting hen party destinations, but there are plenty of other options.
First things first: consider the vibe you’re looking for. A girls’ trip doesn’t have to be all late-night partying, it could be wellness or foodie focussed instead. Your best bet? Find a place that offers a mix – great scenery, top restaurants, some adventure, and some cultural activities. Curated experiences are popular too, whether that’s a private dinner at the bride’s favourite winery or chartering an antique catamaran for a stylish island excursion.
These 11 destinations offer a little bit of everything, plus stylish accommodation where you can all enjoy some downtime, too.
French Countryside, France
Paris is an eternally popular place for girls’ trips, but head out of the city for a more unique experience. Finding the perfect château an hour or two outside of the capital ensures you can enjoy the best of city and country, choosing an evening or afternoon to venture into Paris for a bit more vibrancy and revelry. A favourite destination is the impeccable Domaine de Primard (pictured), former home of Catherine Deneuve. Stunning gardens and wildlife, cooking classes, a Susanne Kaufmann spa, and plenty of opportunities for private experiences will ensure you’ll be planning a reunion trip soon. We’re sure your crew will settle into castle life perfectly, too.
Montreal, Canada
An excellent destination for a taste of Europe without an overwhelming throng of tourists, in Montreal you’ll find the best of Canada’s nightlife, architecture, outdoor activities, and top places to stay – all rolled into one. Design-centric Hotel William Gray is our top pick for a hen party: it has one of the best spas in the city (if not in all of Canada), featuruing dozens of experiences for every type of wellness seeker. Once you’re pampered, it’s time to dress up and head to the fabulous rooftop terrace to sip French favourites while taking in gorgeous views of Old Montreal.
St. Barth's
Saint-Tropez is easier to get to, but St. Barth’s offers the glamour, French fare and fabulous resorts with less hassle. The island has an excellent beach club scene, and it’s very safe. Get your fix at the stunning Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth’s (pictured) which is home to French-inspired spa treatments and shopping, two secluded beaches, endless activities, and a wide variety of Caribbean-chic accommodation. Book a stay at one of the property’s Signature Suites; standalone cottages that can fit up to seven guests, each with their own private outdoor spaces.
Comporta, Portugal
Go beyond Lisbon and Porto for an extra-special girls’ weekend in Portugal. The Comporta region, known for its wellness hotels, great food and sandy beaches, is easy to get to. There’s lots of great places to stay here too, but as a hen-party group we’d recommend Quinta da Comporta (pictured), a wellness-centric boutique hotel with both villas and townhouses; keeping your gang together. There’s a large infinity-style pool that’s over 100-feet long and the property looks out over the countryside. You’re also just a quick drive to the beach.
San Diego, US
San Diego is a highly underrated travel destination in the US and would make for a lovely hen party – if you’re willing to take on the major time zone change. It’s an easy destination to fly to, the beaches are lovely, and the food scene is fantastic. Oh, and traffic is a far cry from that of LA. Mark your long-weekend territory at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas for a taste of the San Diego coastline. Take a surf lesson, admire the views via seaplane, start your day with a fitness class on the beach, and indulge in ocean-inspired spa treatments. You’ll feel like a true Southern Californian in no time.
Taormina, Sicily
Think outside the Amalfi Coast when planning an Italian escape and look to places like Sardinia, the Tuscan Islands, or Sicily for a lavish weekend. You’ll still find the glamorous riviera feel in elegant Taormina, which offers gorgeous views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, plus plenty of lavish accommodations. You can’t go wrong with a Belmond property and Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, makes an idyllic home base for a girls’ retreat with your inner circle. Soak up the sun on its private beaches, enjoy a Sicilian boat tour, and indulge in a wine tasting (with grape from the region) for the ultimate hen weekend.
Paros, Greece
Paros has become a sought-after Greek island for its charming villages, historical sites, water sports, beautiful beaches, plus bar and restaurant scene. What’s nice about Paros, is that life moves at a slower pace than places like Mykonos and Santorini. There’s a lovely casual feel about the island and it’s easy to get around. Rent a catamaran or take a ferry to explore the surrounding islands for the day or overnight. The Thinking Traveller offers picture-perfect villas across Paros, from stylish houses with infinity pools overlooking the sea, to historic cottages with luxuriant gardens. Coordinate a private chef and in-house spa experiences for larger groups and head into Naoussa town come evening for dining, drinking, and probably some dancing too.
Bermuda
Bermuda, famously home to some of the world’s best beaches, is ideal for a relaxed getaway. But for those times you want to have a little fun, there’s a deeply seated rum culture (Swizzle Inn is a great place to experience it), and you can get an afternoon tea fix at the picturesque Lili Bermuda Perfumery. Where better to stay in Bermuda for a hen party than a pink palace? Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club (pictured) offers all the amenities you could dream of (including one of the world’s best art collections). Its Premium Suites are ideal for a small group to stay in one place.
New York City, US
The Big Apple is one of our favourite cities for a fabulous, frivolous girls weekend. And where better to stay than the iconic Plaza Hotel? Aptly seated just off Fifth Avenue and in front of Central Park South, this property sets the perfect tone for a lavish big-city weekend. Be sure to enjoy afternoon tea at The Palm Court restaurant and book one of the multi-room suites to keep your crew together for the entirety of the trip.
Seville, Spain
Spain is a popular destination for hen parties, and our recommendation is Seville, home to excellent food, nightlife, culture and warm weather. This Andalusian city is full of tradition, beauty, and vibrancy that will leave you wanting more. Our pick for a stylish stay in Seville is the Instagram-worthy Triana House, named after the utterly charming, historic neighbourhood it resides in. Start your day with breakfast in the courtyard before perusing the Triana Market, taking a flamenco class, or shopping for traditional Andalusian pottery and other mementos from what’s sure to be a trip to remember.
Nantucket, US
There’s something special about this New England island; it will have you (and your group) smitten with the place as soon as the seaplane lands from Boston or New York. Historic, shingle-style homes and shops line the cobblestone streets and idyllic eateries can be found all over the island. Plus, there is plenty of excellent shopping to be had in between ventures to hydrangea-lined Sconset Beach and lunches at Cisco Brewers. White Elephant Nantucket is the ultimate home base for visitors, and its residence-style offerings are perfect for small parties. Pick up one of the hotel’s pastel-coloured bicycles (or a self-driving BMW) to get around the island – but make sure to be back in time to catch golden hour at Brant Point Grill or for cocktails on the lawn at the hotel’s sister property, The Wauwinet. You’d be hard pressed to find a better view of Nantucket.
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