Guest Author
Mojitos by the pool, rejuvenating spa treatments, all-night girl talks and all-girls night outs — nothing quite compares to a luxurious trip with the best girls in your life. But picking a destination that fits different personalities, interests, styles and schedules can be tricky. Should you head to the beach for fun in the sun or bask in the wonders of a cultural city? Indulge in food tours and retail therapy, or go off the beaten path for the ultimate adventure? Whether you are traveling with your mother, sister, roommates, or friends, here are five fun and fabulous girls getaways to try.
New York, USA
From avant-garde restaurants to street food fusions, upscale shopping to flea markets, and sidewalk performers to Broadway shows, New York offers a dizzyingly diverse set of fun activities for you. Indeed, it is a city that never sleeps. Set the mood for your escapade with a Sex and the City walking tour, or take the classic Circle Line cruise to see the New York skyline from the water. Shopping is an essential part of the itinerary when traveling with your girlfriends, and when it comes to splurging, SoHo is your go-to destination. Be sure to stroll along the iconic Fifth Avenue, one of the most expensive streets in the world, where you’ll find the ritziest boutiques and department stores.
Unlike shopping, touring museums may not exactly be something you want to do on a girls’ trip, but you can’t miss the Metropolitan Museum of Art for its extensive collection of works. Spending a night at a rooftop bar overlooking Times Square is an excellent way to bond with your girlfriends, but so is watching a show on Broadway. Be sure to book tickets in advance. Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper New York trip if you don’t explore the neighborhood. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge, visit the Friends set in Greenwich Village, wander around Chelsea Market.
Split, Croatia
Located on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, Split has no shortage of beaches that range from pebbly bays to sandy coves. The sprawling Bačvice Beach lies right in the city and is a favorite among tourists and locals. For somewhere quieter, go to Stobrec, a horseshoe-shaped bay with clear shallow waters and ample room for sunbathing. There are plenty of luxurious villas in Split with a view of the blue ocean. You can also sail to the nearby island of Brač to see the shape-shifting, color-changing Zlatni Rat Beach. The party island of Hvar is a two-hour ferry ride from Split.
There’s more to Split than beaches. The 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace is undoubtedly the most imposing landmark in the city. And if you are a fan of Game of Thrones, you might recognize parts of the complex from the series. Near the palace’s Golden Gate, you will find a gigantic statue of the 10th-century bishop Grgur Ninski. Legend says that rubbing his left big toe brings good luck, so be sure to do just that. For a mesmerizing 360 view of the city, climb up the pine and cypress-clad Marjan Hill. Take a day trip to Krka National Park, about an hour from the city, where you will find the surreal Skradinski Buk, a massive natural pool in-between two waterfalls.
For a truly unforgettable girls’ getaway, charter a luxury yacht, sail along the coast of Split at sunset, and party the night away with your besties.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is the best place to get high, literally. Here, you will find Europe’s highest swing on the top floor of the A’DAM Tower. Even if you don’t dare get on the swing, you can enjoy the striking vistas of the city from the observation deck, dine at the revolving restaurant, or party at the nightclub.
Amsterdam is also the best place to get cultured. The city has 70 museums that feature everything from the timeless and classic to the weird and eccentric. Visit the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, and the Rijksmuseum, which houses famous works, such as Vermeer’s The Milkmaid and Rembrandt’s Night Watch. Then, explore the quirky ones: Kattenkabinet for cats, Electric LadyLand for fluorescent art, and Museum Vrolik for intriguing but slightly macabre medical case studies collected by medical professor Gerardus Vrolik in the 19th century.
Travel the city like a local and group rent a bike to visit the top attractions. Or, for something more relaxing, hire a boat and sail on waterways. While you’re at it, head to the floating flower market on the Singel Canal. Hunt for vintage clothing at De Negen Straatjes or visit Pieter Cornelisz, Hooftstraat for some elite shopping. In the evening, go to SkyLounge Amsterdam for some drinks with a view or Tales & Spirits for its unique mix of spirits.
Pollensa – Mallorca, Spain
The idyllic town of Pollensa lies in the northern part of Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands. Like any other medieval town, Pollensa features narrow streets, stone houses, and a central square overflowing with shops and alfresco cafés. Nearby is the 365-step stairway that leads up to a small church perched on a hill called Calvary. Along the waterfront is a 2-mile promenade known as the Pine Walk, named after the pine trees that fringe the beach. This scenic boardwalk provides fantastic views of the sunset. If you happen to be in Pollensa over the weekend, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Sunday market in the old town.
About 7-km from Pollensa, you will find Cap de Formentor, a stunning headland jutting into the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you’re looking for outstanding photo opportunities or a serene beach to spend quality time with the girls, Formentor is the place to be.
Make your stay in Pollensa extra memorable by renting a seaside luxury pollensa villa. It would be an excellent venue for you and your besties to hang out, party, or unwind after a long day.
London, United Kingdom
As a prime tourist hub, London is home to some of the most exhilarating and unique escapades to fill your days and nights. Ever thought of a fancy dinner on a bus while being chauffeured around the best attractions in the city? You can do that with Bustronome – a high-end double-decker bus converted into a restaurant of sorts. If you want a bird’s eye view of the city when the sun has gone down, dine at a rooftop restaurant at The Shard or check out the bars at Sky Garden.
Explore one of London’s best-kept secrets, Little Italy. Stroll alongside the waterway or rent a boat and row all the way to Camden. Get lost in the maze of stores at the Camden Market and sample the delectable fares the pop-up restaurants serve. For more serious shopping, head to Oxford Street. Or if you are looking for more high-end brands, visit Central London.
In London, girls will definitely have fun. Channel your inner child at Ballie Ballerson, a unique bar where you can throw yourself into a giant ball pit. Be sure to order their bottomless brunch. Test your physical and mental skills at Crystal Maze, then play crazy golf while sipping cocktails at the Junkyard Golf.
