10 Relaxing Destinations for Chill Bachelorette Parties
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Bachelorette parties used to mean an automatic invite to Las Vegas, with more than a few memories made (and a few left behind to forever stay in Vegas). While Sin City still remains a traditional hotspot to celebrate, brides-to-be are starting to get more creative with their party destinations. Sophie Turner, for example, grabbed her best girlfriends and took a private jet to Spain before her Paris wedding to Joe Jonas, while Lea Michele lived it up with her gals in a villa in Hawaii.
If a girls' getaway is in your sights, but you’re looking for something more low-key than loco, we got you. Whether you want to spend quality time with your BFFs in a spa, at the beach, or window shopping in a new city together, here are nine relaxing destinations that will feel like a true vacation for everyone.
Related: 40 Best Girls' Trip Ideas for an Unforgettable Getaway
10 Low-Key Bachelorette Party Ideas
Sedona has a mystical appeal, partly because the entire city is considered to be a vortex. Regardless if you believe in its healing energy, Sedona is an ideal destination for your group to rest and recharge. Hike the red rock formations (one of the most famous, Cathedral Rock, also happens to be a site where the energy force is reportedly strongest) or explore by going off-roading with a Pink Jeep Tour. Sedona is also known for having incredible destination spas. Mii amo offers Native American-inspired treatments and at L’Auberge de Sedona, you can try your hand at sound healing or forest bathing.
If you've never visited the magical island of Saint Barthélemy, in the French West Indies, it's about time you did—with your best friends in tow. There are 11 pristine beaches to discover, some of the best spiny lobster dishes you'll ever devour and plenty of bride tribe pics to be taken...most likely hanging out of the island's preferred mode of transportation: a Moke. As for the best hotel on the wildly rugged, quieter side of the island (or the Côte Sauvage as the French call it), that would be Le Toiny. With 22 signature suites that could house your whole crew, a chic beach club for lazy days (and lunches) in the sand and a 5-star service team that will cater to your every need, there's really no need to leave. Except for Amazing Sundays at Nikki Beach of course. That's a mandatory excursion for first-timers to St. Barts—and repeat visitors.
Nashville’s nickname is Music City for a reason: The city is home to a vibrant music and arts scene (case in point: Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman own properties in town). Head out for a girls' night out by catching a live show at the historic Grand Ole Opry, which has hosted upcoming and well-known country artists on its stage, or make your own live playlist by popping in and out of the honky-tonk bars along Broadway Street. Stay at The Hermitage Hotel—also known as the city’s original million-dollar hotel—which is within walking distance of all the action but still far enough away that you won't feel like you're sleeping next to it. And don’t forget to indulge in some of the city’s culinary specialties like hot chicken at Hattie B's, family-style comfort food at Monell’s and classic Southern delights during afternoon tea at The Hermitage. Nashvillian Reese Witherspoon co-created their Spillin' Tea with Draper James menu, which was inspired by recipes from her cookbook, Whiskey in a Teacup.
Baha Mar
White sand beaches, clear turquoise waters–there’s nothing quite like the Bahamas to make a trip feel like a true escape to paradise. At Baha Mar in Nassau, your crew will have everything available at their fingertips: The resort has three different hotels (SLS, Grand Hyatt and Rosewood), numerous pools, a nature sanctuary, restaurants, beach-side food trucks, resident flamingos, retail stores, a golf course, a casino, a rooftop bar and a spa. But let’s not forget about that white sand beach—it’s just steps away and calling your name.
Most bachelorette parties head to Miami Beach but travel a little further south to relaxing Key West, an island that boasts the most southern point of the continental US (marked by a concrete buoy). Fresh seafood is the norm all over the island, and you can thank Key West for creating its signature lime pie. Stay at Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, an oceanfront property sitting on a quiet stretch of private beach. You and your gals can decompress with outdoor massages in the private spa or enjoy various water sports. A Beach Butler comes around every 90 minutes to offer guests amenities like smoothies and eucalyptus towels.
The Surfjack
If your idea of a relaxing bachelorette party is endless beach time, say aloha to Oahu. You and your gal pals can enjoy the natural beauty, warm beaches, and laid-back feel of island life. There are a number of boutique hotels that are located in quieter areas of Waikiki but still within walking distance of the beach, so you get the best of both worlds. Look for the Laylow, a lush haven where you can lay low, or the mid-century modern Surfjack and its endlessly Instagrammable pool. Seafood is, unsurprisingly, delicious everywhere on the island, but don’t sleep on the cheap local eats, like Waiola Shave Ice, Leonard Bakery’s malasadas or Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck.
In Charleston, you’ll be greeted by amazing food and an abundance of Southern charm. Charleton’s rich culture can be found at every turn, from the colorful houses of Rainbow Row to the preserved historical buildings along the waterfront to the large plantations that are open for public visits. The Charleston dining scene also has something for every squad, whether you’re looking for modern Southern food at the James Beard award-winning Husk, fried chicken and oysters at trendy but low-key Leon’s or healthy, seasonal fare with a side of beachy vibes at Basic Kitchen. The Spectator Hotel provides butler service to every single guest, while design-forward Hotel Bennett is conveniently located on King Street, just a short walk to a slew of shopping. After an afternoon in the sun, sip some refreshing bubbles under the giant chandelier in Camelia’s, Hotel Bennett’s pink dream of a Champagne bar.
Looking to spend some quality time with great friends, drinking great wine, in the great outdoors? Sonoma County is your place. Northern California’s famous wine country has no shortage of amazing vineyards, tasting rooms, and restaurants to provide a full weekend’s worth of leisurely imbibing. Treat yourselves to a stay at Farmhouse Inn for farmhouse chic accommodations complete with a spa and Michelin-rated restaurant on-site. For glamping at its finest, stay in a decked-out Airstream or luxurious tent at Autocamp in Guerneville along the Russian River. While in Guerneville, laze around the banks of the river, do a group hike through the redwood forests, or make a pit stop at Big Bottom Market for a biscuit to pair with that wine—even Oprah is a fan.
Cabo may bring back memories of college spring breaks, but take inspiration from Gwyneth Paltrow, who had her low-key bachelorette party in nearby Costa Palmas, a private beachfront community on the East Cape. While not everyone can afford goop-level bachelorette party digs, Cabo San Lucas has options for an elevated Mexico experience for you and your besties. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is built into a cliffside and its restaurant, El Farallon, provides open-air dining next to the Pacific Ocean. Luxury resort One&Only Palmilla has a Jean-Georges restaurant, spa and one of the few swimmable beaches in the area. And The Cape, a Thompson Hotel is located on secluded Monuments Beach, a local surf spot, and every room overlooks Cabo’s famous Arch.
"Keep Austin weird" is just one of the quirky charms of this Texan city, which brims with easy-going fun. Grab the gang for a requisite selfie in front of the iconic "Greetings from Austin" mural, and then explore some of the country’s best BBQ, Tex-Mex, food trucks and live music. Take your pick of boutique hotels, such as the modern South Congress Hotel or greenery-filled Hotel San Jose, both located in the heart of the shopping district. Or if spending all day treating yourselves is on the schedule, head a little outside the city to Lake Austin Spa Resort or Miraval Austin to get your spa on.
