7 Destinations For A Grown-Up, Ultra-Luxurious Girls’ Trip

If your ideal Ibiza itinerary looks less like all-day boat parties and all-night raves, and more like scenic hikes, pre-breakfast Pilates, serene sundowners and fine-dining feasts, then look to the other sides of the island – previously only known for its party-hard credentials. Domus Nova’s sublime collection of design-led and architecturally immaculate villas provide masterpiece settings for the most tranquil Ibiza getaways – although there are also options that give you front-row access to the island’s lively south coast (and even some with soundproof party caves). To make the most of your personal piece of Balearic paradise, curate an itinerary that includes dinners under the stars whipped up by a private chef, alfresco movie screenings, outdoor yoga classes, treatments in the spa-like bathrooms and hikes in the wild, rugged beauty of the lesser-touched areas.

Weeks of island hopping around the Greek isles were the stuff of young summer dreams – and, while time constraints of adult life might mean they can’t be as stretched out now – the carefree spirit they evoke can still be soaked up. Start in the iconic sights of Santorini – not the exclusive reserve of honeymooners, but a worldly wonder for all to enjoy, particularly in the quieter low seasons. The sanctuary of the Santo Collection, made up of Santo Pure and Santo Mine, is situated 10 minutes from the caldera in Oia, close enough to stroll the sights, but a pleasant separation from the photo-snapping crowds and with a wealth of amenities to suit everyone. There are two self-catering villas that join to become an eight-bedroom villa – one of the island’s largest. Combine with a trip to at least one close-by Cyclades – perhaps Folegandros, Ios or Milos – to dip in secret coves and dine in local tavernas.

For a group with a shared penchant for exquisite design, El Fenn in the heart of the Marrakech medina serves a kaleidoscopic feast for the senses. The riad’s rich jewel-toned, art-filled interiors echo the vibrancy of the bustling locale, with three dazzling pools and a glorious, revamped roof terrace – where the 30-foot marble bar offers up cocktails from expert mixologists. This year, the boutique hotel opens up its little black book to give insider experiences of the city via its retreats – from a discovery of Moroccan design to an exploration of local fashion. Alternatively, you can have a trip specially tailored to the interests of your group, with the three-bedroom suite – complete with a private plunge pool – providing the ultimate accommodation.

To combine the creative city jaunt with outdoor adventure, head 45 minutes into the ethereal desert beneath the Atlas Mountains to Caravan by Our Habitas Agafay. Sleep in beautiful lodges situated in the moon-like landscape and delve into experiences such as a camelback safari through the dunes and a Moroccan tea ceremony.

A foodie-focused vacation is perfect for a group trip – from foraging and tastings to cooking classes – and, of course, few regions are as renowned for their culinary delights as Tuscany. With 11 recently renovated private villas – restored from 17th- and 18th-century Tuscan farmhouses and each wholly unique – Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco gives guests the opportunity for space and seclusion in their own luxurious lodgings within the stunning Unesco World Heritage Site of Val d’Orcia. At La Canonica Cooking School, chefs impart the secrets to traditional Tuscan recipes, while the estate’s winery gives insights into winemaking and offers tasting sessions of its own wines, including fine vintages. There is also truffle hunting and picnics with panoramic vineyard views can be arranged by the hotel.

A spa retreat might be rather clichéd for a girls’ weekend, but the resplendent Heckfield Place is anything but. Rolling up to the glorious Georgian manor in the leafy Hampshire countryside reveals 400 acres of ancient woodland and walled gardens, refined interiors with roaring fireplaces and plush sofas aplenty, fantastic local, seasonal-minded restaurants helmed by luminary chef Skye Gyngell, and the beautiful Bothy by Wildsmith spa, tucked behind a secret garden door. Here, the holistic, healing powers of nature are celebrated through a menu of massage, meditation and movement, as well as therapies like osteopathy and reiki. The magnificent country bolthole also hosts dedicated retreats designed to help guests slow down, switch off and navigate areas of difficulty in their lives – whether in the mind or body. There is also an extensive program of events, spanning from nature walks and forest bathing to flower arranging, bird-watching and wild swimming.

Dating back to the 13th century, Domaine des Etangs is a divine turreted chateau that looks like it was pulled straight from a storybook in the forest-swathed Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of south-west France. Rooms, suites and farmhouse cottages (ideal for larger groups) are dotted between seven lakes across the stunning estate, which is well-fortified with activities and pastimes that can enjoyed together or separately. Think horseback riding through the forest, paddleboarding on the pond, delving into the on-site art gallery and extensive library, unwinding in the Gallo-Roman-inspired thermal baths and playing a match on the floating tennis court. On the food front, the recently crowned Michelin-starred Dyades restaurant celebrates local produce and a farm-to-table ethos.

A long-time favorite city break, Amsterdam has world-class art galleries, the proximity to cycle around, canal boats to see the city in style and eclectically beautiful places to stay. One of the most impressive accommodations is the Pulitzer Amsterdam, a heritage hotel formed of no fewer than 25 canal houses, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Inside, 223 unique, characterful bedrooms and suites are connected by a labyrinth of ambient, art-adorned corridors and look out over either the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals or attractive courtyards – in which there is a charming indoor-outdoor restaurant. In the gardens, guests will also discover the Beauty House, with expert treatments from the likes of 111Skin, to rejuvenate after a day of sightseeing and coffee-shop stops.

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