A trip to unplug and reconnect with the girls is special no matter where it takes place. From Napa Valley to South Africa, Ecuador and more, here are a few destinations from across the globe for planning the perfect girlfriend getaway:
Ascona
Just a few miles from the Italian border on the Switzerland side of Lake Maggiore (a quieter alternative to Lake Como) sits Ascona, the perfect destination for an Italian-inspired girlfriend trip with colorful cafe-filled streets dotted with palm trees and the Alps towering in the background. Nestled on the shores of Ascona just a short walk from the main piazza is Hotel Eden Roc, boasting beautiful lakeside suites, a 21,500 square foot Spa and Wellness Center, a private beach and yacht harbor, and four Mediterranean-style restaurants, including the Michelin-starred La Brezza. Guests can spend their days relaxing by the pool, indulging in a spa treatment and delectable meal, taking a boat out on the lake, and heading into town for sightseeing and shopping. Add on a visit to the Brissago Islands to see the botanical gardens, and the girls are sure to make this trip an annual tradition for years to come.
The Galapagos Islands
A once in a lifetime trip around the remote Galapagos Islands on a beautiful yacht is the perfect trip for the adventurous girl group. Quasar Expeditions offers unforgettable Galapagos trips on their two yachts, the M/V Evolution and M/Y Grace (Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco's royal honeymoon yacht), allowing guests to get up close and personal with the wildlife and nature found on the islands. Travelers spend their days exploring the islands by hiking, kayaking and snorkeling before returning to the yachts for delicious Ecuadorian meals and time to relax on deck with a cocktail and beautiful sunset.
Bath
Just a 90 minute train ride outside of London sits the city of Bath. A UNESCO World Heritage site with museums, ancient sites and beautiful architecture for guests to explore, the city is a great destination for a girlfriend getaway. Travelers seeking an enriching experience can walk the streets and visit the area’s treasured spots, such as the Ancient Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey and the Holburne Museum of Art. Additionally, the city boasts the six-mile Bath Skyline circular walk, winding through forests and over rolling hills with spectacular views .
Bath is also home to The Gainsborough Bath Spa, a five-star luxury spa hotel located in the center of town and the ultimate destination for the girls looking to enjoy some spa time. The Gainsborough is the only hotel that has tapped into the natural thermal waters of the area, providing guests with incredible spa treatments and pools to bathe in the healing waters after spending their days exploring the city.
Cape Town
Cape Town is consistently hailed as one of the world’s most magnificent destinations and truly offers a unique and exciting experience for every traveler, making an excellent girlfriend getaway destination. Situated at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain, the city is well known for its cultural diversity, history, modern culture and one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the world. Museums like Robben Island and the District Six Museum pay tribute to the rich heritage and importance of this city to the African Continent. Truly cosmopolitan city, without compromising natural beauty, Cape Town offers a wide range of experiences from penguin encounters to Africa’s finest wine-lands. A natural playground to adventurers, the rugged wilderness of the area offers a wide range of activities from hiking to kite surfing, cycling to shark diving.
Cape Town is a true foodie city, a gastronomic wonderland, with its diverse cultures combining to create a rich, varied menu, and its natural affinity for exploration and experimentation ensuring the “Mother City” continues to expand its delicious offerings. The ultimate hotel for a girlfriends trip is Ellerman House, a quintessential urban retreat for discerning luxury travelers wanting to experience the very best of South Africa. Located in Bantry Bay, the hotel offers spectacular Atlantic Ocean views against the dramatic backdrop of Lion's Head. Clifton's beaches are within walking distance, while the best local attractions are a 10-minute drive away.
Featuring one of South Africa’s most impressive private art collections, an award-winning wine list, and gourmet modern cuisine, Ellerman House is an entire destination in itself epitomizing the best Cape Town has to offer.
The Seychelles
For a totally unique trip with the girls, Fregate Island is a paradise that everyone will swoon over. Accessible only via boat or helicopter, Fregate Island offers guests seclusion and plenty of adventure. The ladies can enjoy participating in hands-on conservation work with the team, projects such as assisting in turtle hatchlings, cultivating sea coral and others. The island is home to seven beaches including the only privatizable beach in the Indian Ocean. The group can enjoy a variety of activities including hiking through the jungle, snorkeling in the sea and fishing, where chefs from the kitchen turn the catches into sushi-right on the boat. Dinning can also be arranged anywhere on the island. Additionally, ladies can enjoy treatments at the Rock Spa, where products are made with the pickings from the island’s garden.
The Kalahari
In Setswana, Tswalu means a “new beginning” and this remote girls trip will leave ladies feeling refreshed after days spent exploring all that the Kalahari has to offer. Tswalu’s safari drives are completely private, and guests can even partake is walking safaris, all done at their own pace. For those wanting to really connect with nature, game trails can be followed on horseback where guests can gently explore the savannah and seasonal riverbeds. After exciting days of being immersed in the Kalahari, guests can partake in dinner under the sky followed by stargazing.
Singita Grumeti Reserve
For the ladies who enjoy a long run, the Grumeti Fund and Singita are now planning for the 4rd annual Serengeti Girls Run in October 2021. Comprising all-inclusive stays at the newly reimagined Singita Sabora Tented Camp, the itinerary includes a variety of activities and a run that will see participants complete 13 miles daily over 3 days, traversing some of the most iconic wilderness areas in Africa. The exclusive, purpose-driven experience is aimed at raising funds for empowerment programs for girls and women, which are focused on providing opportunities for women to become leaders in conservation. Each donation assists in funding numerous non-profit initiatives, including scholarships for local girls in secondary school, vocational studies and university; training girl mentors and providing life skills and internships; as well as enterprise development training for women and environmental education for girls from local secondary schools. Serengeti Girls Run offers participants various opportunities to engage with the women who benefit from these programs.
Napa Valley
For the best girls trip, the ladies should head to Napa Valley, California. The gals can visit the area’s many wineries, indulge in world-class restaurants, unwind at the various spas, enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Mount St. Helena, Palisade Cliffs and Old Faithful Geyser, and even hop on the Napa Valley Wine Train as it zips through scenic vineyards and rolling hills.
The girls can stay in Villa Calistoga. Available for exchange for members of the luxury travel and property club, THIRDHOME, the secluded 8-bed/7-bath estate is located just outside the village of Calistoga in Napa Valley. The panoramic views overlook the vineyards, olive trees, Palisade mountains and Mount St. Helena, transporting the ladies with it’s European vibes.
Johannesburg
For the ladies who love art, culture, relaxation and history, the multifaceted city of Johannesburg is the place to be. With so many neighborhoods to explore, there are a variety of exciting and fun activities in Johannesburg just waiting to be discovered. Families can enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of the Hartbeesport Dam by taking the Harties Cableway car to the top. Another picturesque outdoor spot is the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens in Roodeport. With a backdrop of waterfalls, cliffs and amazing flora and fauna, the botanical gardens are the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon picnic. Parkwood is one of the best places for art lovers as it is home to galleries such as the Goodman Art Gallery, which features everything from photographs to conceptual art. Those looking to learn more about the city’s rich history can check out the Nelson Mandela Foundation in neighboring center city. Visitors can also enjoy a visit to the market for an afternoon refreshment and indulge in gin tasting in the neighborhood of Maboneng at the Time Anchor Distillery before heading to rooftop salsa dancing nearby.
Girlfriends can take advantage of discovering this cultural city by staying at the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, a secluded retreat in the city. Located in the tranquil, tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst, the Saxon Hotel is an all-luxury, 53-suite hotel and home to the nature-inspired Saxon Spa, onsite gourmet restaurants. The Saxon also offers brunch, afternoon tea and a red and white wine cellar — a perfect way to complete a day full of fun with the girls.