Two words: Girls. Trip.
There is something so exhilarating about gathering your girlfriends together and getting out of town. A girls getaway is good for the soul. Besides, the bond between female friends is simply irreplaceable and something to be celebrated.
No matter your squad’s personal preferences, a solid girls trip should always include stunning views (Instagram content, anyone?), group activities to create new memories, and delicious food to be enjoyed and shared by all.
Here are our top picks for a memorable girls getaway.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
With sun-kissed beaches, a charming old town to explore and a stunning backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains, Puerto Vallarta is always a crowd pleaser when it comes to group trips. The coastal city offers both a relaxing vibe for the sun-worshippers in the group, and a colorful range of heart-pumping nightlife options when you want to unwind with your besties. The weather is warm all year round, and the local food accommodates a range of dietary restrictions and lifestyles.
Where to stay: Casa Tabachin is a gorgeous luxury rental property boasting eight spacious bedrooms and baths, a private chef at your disposal (the shrimp ceviche, homemade guacamole and chilaquiles won’t disappoint), plenty of living areas for game nights and girl talks, a private pool and sun deck. There’s even a very attentive house staff so you’ll never have to mix your own margarita while lounging poolside.
Must-do activity: Book a private salsa lesson with wellness coach Marcella Castellanos so your group can twirl their way into town with total confidence.
Where to eat: Nothing beats brunching with your BFFs, so be sure to swing by Coco’s Kitchen. The open-air, inviting eatery is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, and every dish is most definitely made with love. Order the churro hot cakes as a shared plate for the group.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas are a no-brainer when it comes to planning a tropical girls getaway, and the island of Bimini is a hidden gem among them all. As the westernmost island of the Bahamas, Bimini is a short 30-minute seaplane ride away from Miami and offers a pristine, private escape with white sand beaches, sparkling water, shipwrecks and natural wonders to explore.
Pro tip: Break up the travel to and from the Bahamas with a night or two in Miami at The Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, a hip, well-appointed property that’s perfectly located in South Beach.
Must-do activity: There’s no better way to cruise around Bimini than by bike, so round up your crew and snag some rentals for the day. Hop on and off as you stop by the island’s intriguing attractions including The Dolphin House, the Gallant Lady or S.S. Sapona shipwrecks, the straw market and more.
Where to stay: The Resorts World Bimini is a Hilton hotel perfect for groups. There is a live-action gaming casino, picturesque rooftop infinity pool, a full-service spa and salon and multiple dining options.
Where to eat: An afternoon biking around Bimini will certainly build up an appetite. Stop into The Sushi Bar at Resorts World Bimini for some unique rolls and mouth-watering Asian dishes by Top Chef winner Hung Huynh. Or, for a casual fix, go into town for fresh conch salad and finger-lickin’ conch fritters at Ebbie’s Conch Shack, or grab a table at Edith’s Pizza for an unforgettable lobster pizza baked on Bimini bread that’s perfect for sharing among friends.
Fiji
Fijians are some of the happiest people in the world, which makes it the perfect place to celebrate friendship and good times. The beautiful islands in the South Pacific are known for their pristine beaches, clear blue waters and some of the most epic sunsets of all time. If sailing, snorkeling, diving or simply discovering paradise is on your agenda, fly yourself to Fiji and savor every second.
Must-do activity: Bask in the sun at Malamala Beach Club, the world’s first beach club located on its own private island, just 25 minutes from Port Denarau. Malamala makes for the perfect day trip thanks to its dreamy infinity pool, beachside cabanas, delicious food and relaxed upscale vibe.
Where to stay: If your crew is craving exceptional luxury mixed with cultural immersion, Nanuku is for you. This Auberge Collections resort offers private villas and thoughtful group activities (choose from a food safari, a cooking class, an invigorating waterfall hike and more). If you’re enjoying paradise on a more modest budget, book The Pearl Resort. Comfortable, convenient and spectacularly accommodating.
Where to eat: Fijians pride themselves on kokoda, a spectacular ceviche dish made with fresh coconut milk. Every eatery has their own take on the appetizer, so sample a few before learning how to prepare it yourself with a cooking class at Nanuku or The Royal Davui.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Looking for an unforgettable destination with some cultural cache? Historical hotspot Dubrovnik fits the bill. The crystal blue waters of the Adriatic Sea bring an inspiring sense of calm, while the ancient walled city is a must-see for anyone wandering throughout this region of the world. With breathtaking views and enchanted old world landmarks, Croatia makes for a magical girls getaway.
Pro tip: Go in the winter to avoid tons of tourists and saunter through the city feeling like queens.
Must-do activity: Put your walking shoes on and step back in time as you explore the ancient walls of the Old City (the setting for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones). Climb high to take in the best views of the city walls and forts, while experiencing the epic grandeur of the charming coastal town. PS: Your daily step count will sky rocket.
Where to stay: Elegant Hotel Excelsior is conveniently located just a short 5-to-10-minute walk to the Unesco-protected Old City, and delivers impeccable accommodations for any group size. With waterfront views, a glamorous spa, a peaceful (and idyllic) indoor swimming pool and three restaurants overlooking the sea.
Where to eat: With its long coastline, Croatia serves up an excellent array of fresh seafood, alongside divine risottos, pastas and regional specialty dishes. A visit to Dubrovnik would not be complete without a lively meal at Pantarul or Proto, two exquisite eateries that won’t disappoint. If you have the time, skip over to the small town of Ston, which is world famous for its delectable flat oysters.
Kaua’i, Hawaii
The beautiful island of Kaua’i beckons for a girls trip thanks to its lush surroundings and white-sand beaches. Known as the Garden Island, quiet and serene Kaua’i is home to more beaches per square mile than any other island in Hawaii, in addition to hosting a handful of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, like Waimea Canyon, Fern Grotto, ‘Opaeka’a Falls and the famed Na Pali Coast. Consider this island an idyllic escape especially if your crew craves sun and sand, but also a little more adventure.
Must-do activity: For the thrill seekers, there’s no shortage of sporty excursions in Kaua’i. Round up the troops and strap into a four-hour all-terrain vehicle waterfall tour offered by Kauai ATV. The muddy excursion will guide you through historic plantation lands via off-road trails, lush landscapes and dirt roads, only to uncover historical sites and hidden treasures along the way. If the weather is in your favor, you’ll be able to swim among the waterfalls and embrace the majesty of Kaua’i in a truly unconventional way. There’s no better bonding experience than riding dirty with your ride-or-die girlfriends.
Or, quench your thirst with a unique Rum Safari Tour at Kilohana Plantation, where you’ll discover exotic plants, fruits and vegetables, in addition to sipping on Hawaii’s finest Koloa Rum.
Where to stay: The Grand Hyatt Kauai has everything you could want in a resort hotel, especially when traveling with your girl gang. Book a lomi lomi massage or lilikoi body scrub at the top-rated Anara Spa, where you can also unwind with your gal pals in the lokahi garden area after indulging in the open-air lava rock shower post treatment. Not to be missed are all of the impressive water features on site including the saltwater lagoon, lazy river, and pools aplenty (hint: there’s a 150ft water slide!) so you can throw your hair back and feel like a kid again.
Where to eat: Head to Merriman’s Fish House, for mouth-wateringly delicious raw oysters garnished with Hawaiian ginger mignonette and Korean cocktail sauce. For a casual takeaway spot, follow the locals to the unassuming Fish Express in Lihue, for some of the freshest poke on the planet. For a more formal dining experience, you can’t beat Tidepools, which not only serves up phenomenal contemporary Hawaiian cuisine and seafood, but is also arguably the most picturesque restaurant on the island.
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