As summer approaches, it’s time to update your passport, bring the luggage down from storage, and start planning your next girls’ getaway. You all really enjoyed our roundup of the 5 of The Most Fun Girls Getaways in the United States, and have asked us for some international destination ideas. When it comes to rallying your girlfriends and planning a group getaway, we know it can be difficult to know where to begin. With so many countries and cities to choose from, we’re happy to help narrow it down! All you need to do is call your travel agent, pack your bags, grab your besties, and fly away to one of these 6 really fun and unique international girls’ getaways. Oh, and if you need a few travel essentials, I’m sharing my favorites here.
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#1 | The Nissaki Boutique Hotel, Mykonos, Greece
Perched above Psarou Beach, this luxurious hotel is what you think of when dreaming about Greece. It’s decorated in all white, with pale wood accents and ocean views, letting the natural surroundings take center stage. You and your girlfriends can kick off your vacation by sipping fruit-infused cocktails poolside, overlooking the gorgeous sea. Nissaki is known for its friendly and attentive staff, picturesque location and amazing cuisine–especially breakfast.
Things to Do in Mykonos
The main Mykonos attractions are the beaches, where you can sunbathe, relax and snorkel. Away from the beach, take a quick ride over to Panagia Paraportiani and the Windmills, or plan a day trip to the island of Delos for its archaeological finds. Travelers also love Little Venice for its restaurants, shopping and postcard views. Multiple art galleries feature work by both local and international artists. Make sure you save some energy for an evening out—the island is a haven for clubbing!
#2 | Le Pavillon de la Reine Hotel, Paris, France
You and your tribe will love the hotel’s enchanting exterior, which sports ivy-covered walls and lush gardens. Located in Paris’ oldest district, Le Marais, you’ll be surrounded by world-renowned shopping, dining and nightlife. Be sure to book a visit to the spa. A trip to Le Pavillon de la Reine would be incomplete without it. For breakfast, I’d recommend skipping the hotel’s pricey buffet. Instead, explore the neighborhood to find something to eat at one of the authentic Parisian bakeries.
Things to do in Paris
If it’s your first time to Paris, it goes without saying that you must spend time at the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre-Dame. But don’t miss out on other notable city jewels such as the Musée d’Orsay, the Luxembourg Gardens or world-renowned shopping. There’s no way you’ll get to do it all, so plan your itinerary and group sightseeing tours in advance.
#3 | The Villa Bordoni, Tuscany, Italy
Are there wine lovers in your friend group? If so, this 16th-century, noble country house hotel is for you. Nestled in the grey-green hills immediately above the town of Greve, it’s located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. There’s an incredible vantage point over the unspoiled Chianti hills and their biblical landscape of vineyards, terraced olive groves and forest. The hotel’s in-house restaurant offers hands-on Italian and Tuscan cuisine cooking classes.
Things to do in Tuscany
Sipping local wines and dipping bread into just-pressed, smooth olive oils is one of the main things to do in this region. There are numerous wineries to enjoy, such as Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona in Montalcino and Castello del Trebbio in Florence. Jump on a Vespa and explore the Tuscan cities of Siena and Lucca. If you want to get an Instagram-able group photo, take a trip over to the little town of Pisa for its famous leaning tower.
#4 | Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes, Peru
For the archeology buffs in your group, a getaway to this colonial-style property is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Erin and her family went on this adventure in 2019 and you can read all about it here. The hotel boasts spacious rooms decorated with Andean tapestries, and beds with alpaca blankets and canopies. The restaurant features Andean cuisine overlooking the Vilcanota River. Guests can enjoy guided walks around the area, relaxing massage sessions and an Andean sauna.
Things to do in Aguas Calientes
Pretty much everyone comes to Aguas Calientes for one reason: to visit the incredible Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. And while this ancient world wonder certainly does take center stage, energetic travelers should consider climbing either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu hills. For the less adventurous, there’s shopping at Mercado Aguas Calientes, soaking in the hot springs at Baños Termales or a visit to the Museo de Sitio Manuel Chavez Ballon. Nature lovers will enjoy a tiny butterfly refuge called Mariposario de Machupicchu.
#5 | Bliss Sanctuary for Women, Bali, Indonesia
Looking to kick your yoga retreat up a notch? Bliss is a unique sanctuary for women only, boasting a tailored escape. They’re more than a traditional health retreat or healing and wellness holiday. They design itineraries specifically for you. You can choose to lounge by the pool, indulge in unlimited massages, or participate in adrenaline-inducing activities like climbing Mount Batur for a sunset experience.
Things to do in Bali
Relaxation is the name of the game in Bali with beautiful beaches and an array of dining options. If you and your girls need a little adventure, travel across the island in search of hidden shrines and ancient temples like Pura Tirta Empul. Award-winning Waterbom park offers exhilarating water flumes.
#6 | Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
White sand and magnificent views of Juanillo beach stretch out before you and your posse at this relatively new, adults-only resort. Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana allows guests to indulge in all-inclusive dreamy amenities like an oceanfront infinity pool with swim-up bars. There are beachside restaurants with spectacular sunset views and 12 unique restaurants and bars. Soak up sun at the resort’s water park with a lazy river, slides and floating swim-up suites. They’re even offering free on-site COVID testing.
Things to do in Punta Cana
Vacationers not working on their tans can often be found perfecting their golf swings at the Punta Espada or La Cana golf courses. Plan a visit to Manati Park or Dolphin Discovery for an up-close view at some of the creatures that call this tropical paradise home. You can also book ATVs, horseback riding, snorkeling or zipline tours.
Are there any unforgettable international getaways that you’ve enjoyed with your girlfriends? We’d love for you to share in the comments below!
Check out Erin’s great travel and packing tips for any vacation destination here.
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Thank you for reading!
The US State Department advises against travel to many of these countries right now. See the advisories:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/.
With covid-19 raging in the rest of the world and vaccination rates proceeding at a much slower rate than the US, it is hard to predict when visiting these places will be practical, but it is a nice escapist fantasy.
Thanks for your feedback, Lori. While we are all concerned about travel during the pandemic, these destinations can be viewed as more of a bucket or wish-list. Hopefully we can plan these girls getaways in the not-too-distant future.