7 of the best resorts for a girls’ getaway
“Girls Trip,” a comedy about four lifelong friends who take a trip to New Orleans together, is among this summer’s must-see movies. And while it’s not like we ever needed a reason to jet set with our gal pals, every once in awhile, we do need a reminder—like a funny movie—to launch us into vacation-planning mode.
So if you’ve been dreaming of bonding with your besties, we’ve scouted out some locations to stage your own memorable vacations. These seven amazing resorts will make you want to turn your girlfriend getaway into an annual event.
1. Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino in Palm Beach, Aruba
Consistent weather makes Aruba extra-lovable. It’s typically in the 80s year-round, hardly gets any rain thanks to its desert climate and lies outside of the hurricane belt. So, yeah, Mother Nature won’t interrupt you mamas from lazing on the beach in palapas and floating in the Caribbean Sea. If you’re able to peel yourself from the beach or pools (or open-air bar) at the Hilton Aruba Resort & Casino, you can go for a wild jeep ride through the desert and discover hidden gems like the Natural Pool, an enclave that’s perfect for spotting tropical fish through your snorkeling gear.
Amenities you’ll love: The resort’s activity center has waterproof short story books you can take into the water and read without worrying the pages will get wet. Also, the on-site spa has aloe massages on its menu, which will cool down your sun-kissed skin. To keep from getting burned, though, there are sunblock stations along the beach that will spray you in sunscreen, shielding you with an even UV-blocking coat.
Book a room: Make your reservation here.
2. Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa near Las Vegas, Nevada
Confession time: Did your last trip to Vegas involve sipping yardsticks full of sugary beverages, killing your tootsies by walking around the famed Strip in high heels and indulging in all the things at the all-you-can-eat buffets? You can absolve your Sin City sins at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, an amazing, health-focused resort that’s off the strip. You can also book a show or fancy dinner downtown if you’d like, and the resort and spa has nearby shopping. Plus, you can also go hiking in Red Rock Canyon to get a panoramic view of the city.
Amenities you’ll love: You and your friends can bliss out at Vertical Wall Yoga offered at The Spa at Red Rock by Well & Being. Harnessed to the wall, you’ll feel as though you’re starring in your own Cirque du Soleil performance. This restorative form of yoga is especially great for those who can’t bear weight on the head or shoulders. We also love the hotel’s bod pod, which will give you a spot-on analysis of your fat vs. lean muscle composition. We know, we know. You’re on vacay. But this is a body-positive experience, because it recognizes that health goes beyond the scale, and we’re guessing you’ll be surprised by just how much muscle you have! You can also get a fitness prescription from the staff to help you achieve your goals.
Book a room: Make your reservation here.
3. Salishan Spa & Golf Resort in Gleneden Beach, Oregon
Ready to rethink your next beach vacation? Take a trip to the Oregon coast. At Salishan Spa & Golf Resort, you’ll be treated to views of the Siletz Bay on one side. On the other side is a forested path leading you to a pastoral beach. Yup, you might even see seals playing peek-a-boo with you from the surf. After indulging with tapas and fresh fish at on-site restaurant Samphire, sidle up to one of the resort’s fire pits, where you and your gal pals can have a gab session. Real life face time > FaceTime.
Amenities you’ll love: Two words: Hot. Tub. Carve out some time for a spa day and get a “Coastal Classic” massage at the spa, and then soak in the hot tub that looks out at Siletz Bay. Golfers will enjoy playing 18 holes at the resort’s course, which is surrounded by the Oregon coastal forest with views of the bay.
Book a room: Make your reservation here.
4. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu, Hawaii
If you and your friends love to stay active on vacation, turn your attention to Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, where you can fill up your itinerary taking hula lessons, catching some sun rays while you take a StandUp Paddleboard class or learning to surf. After all that activity, unwind in the resort’s spa, which is the largest spa in Waikiki. Oh, and how about an upscale slumber party? The Tapa Tower Family Rooms include three double beds and a pullout sofa. And for a fun bit of history, Elvis Presley filmed his movie Blue Hawaii here and stayed on the fourteenth floor of the Ocean Tower.
Amenities you’ll love: Paradise pool and all of its features. It’s packed with waterfalls, hot tubs, lava rock formations and water slides (you know you wanna!). The huge pool is next to the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, where guests can wade.
Book a room: Make your reservation here.
5. Terranea Resort, a Destination Hotel, in Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Terranea Resort, a Destination Hotel, is a fave among L.A. locals. They slip away to this pastoral retreat that’s perched atop bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean to enjoy a staycation or spa day, or simply whale watch at Nelson’s while enjoying lunch. The resort is also a perfect host for your next girlfriend getaway. You can lounge poolside, or you can take kayaks out in the ocean and get a glimpse of where movies like “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Charlie’s Angels” were filmed. Should you choose to work out on vacay, you’ll be treated to stunning coastal views.
Amenities you’ll love: Where to start? The resort offers some truly one-of-a-kind experiences for guests. Take, for example, painting by the ocean or a light stroke sleep massage that will help you get the best ZZZs of your life. They also offer full-moon yoga sessions. And you can meet the falcon that, through an eco-friendly abatement program, keeps pesky seagulls away. If you’re traveling with your girlfriends and babies, you’ll be glad to know that Destination Hotels partnered with Babierge to offer guests high-quality baby gear. (Because ain’t nobody got time to be lugging all that gear through airports.) Oh, and perhaps one of the most treasured amenities? The spectacular sunsets that make the sky look like swirls of sorbet.
Book a room: Make a reservation here.
6. Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Book any room at Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa and you’ll be spoiled with beach views. For its next trick, the hotel offers massages in cabanas on its private beach. Hearing the Pacific Ocean’s waves crash ashore takes your treatment to a next-level zen. Since Cabo San Lucas has become such a popular tourist destination, you and your girlfriends will appreciate the privacy this resort offers—yet you’re still just a few minutes away from downtown Cabo.
Amenities you’ll love: The hotel has nine pools, including three infinity ones. Watch one of Cabo’s famous sunsets from the pool, be on the lookout for whales or swim up to the bar to order a mojito.
Book a room: Make a reservation here.
7. Barceló Maya Grand Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico
Prepare to be blown away at Barceló Maya Grand Resort. This grandiose resort in the Mexican Caribbean has swim-up suites, which provide private pool access and overlook the ocean. At this resort complex, you and your girlfriends have options. The resort is made up of Barceló Maya Palace, the Barceló Maya Tropical & Colonial and the Barceló Maya Beach & Caribe. You can dine at any of its 22 restaurants, play in 10 pools and three water parks and get a hydrotherapy treatment in a flotation tank at the U-Spa.
Amenities you’ll love: This resort has no shortage of activities. You can go kayaking in the sea during the day and then dance the night away at a night club. But save room for tequila tastings and guacamole-making classes.
Book a room: Make your reservation here.
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