Best destinations for a girls getaway

Planning the perfect girls getaway can be challenging — deciding on a destination, activities and accommodations everyone will enjoy is no small feat.

But don’t let the logistics deter you from a well-deserved break with your best friends. A girls getaway is more than just a trip; it’s a chance to bond, create lasting memories and indulge in experiences that can leave you feeling reenergized and rejuvenated.

Whether you’re perusing the vibrant souks of Marrakech, Morocco, dancing to live music in Austin, tasting wine in California or hiking to a turquoise lake in Jasper National Park, these 11 girls getaways are prime for making the leap from your group chat onto the plane.

Jasper, Alberta

Best for: An outdoor adventure in the Canadian Rockies.

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is a paradise for nature lovers. It is also less crowded than Banff. Start your adventure with a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, which links Banff and Jasper national parks.

Pause at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre to book a Columbia Icefield Adventure that lets you walk on the Athabasca Glacier. Although it has been slowly melting for more than 125 years, the glacier saw more ice melt in 2023 than in any other year of the past decade, so this experience might not be possible in the future. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk offers thrilling views from a cliff-edge suspended glass platform 918 feet above the valley floor.

In Jasper National Park, visit Maligne Canyon, the park’s deepest. In summer, a river rushes through it, and you can hike along well-maintained trails and across a series of bridges that offer excellent views of its plunging limestone walls. In winter, the canyon transforms into an icy wonderland, and you can join a guided ice tour that takes you onto the canyon floor and has you navigating past frozen waterfalls and intricate ice formations.

Maligne Lake is a crystal-clear, aquamarine beauty that is a gateway to numerous hiking trails. You can drive directly to the lake, but if your group wants to work up a sweat, you can make the 4.3-mile trek to the lake and back from the trailhead near Maligne Lake Road. The hiking trail is moderately challenging and takes you through dense boreal forests with intermittent mountain views before opening into verdant alpine meadows with the lake framed by craggy peaks, creating a photogenic selfie backdrop.

For a more relaxed day, soak in the natural hot springs at Miette, which features the hottest mineral water in the Canadian Rockies. Afterward, grab dinner at Tekarra Restaurant, known for its creative use of local ingredients. End the night stargazing at the Jasper Planetarium.

Where to stay

Pyramid Lake Lodge is less than a 10-minute drive from the town of Jasper and offers modern chalet-style lodging on tranquil Pyramid Lake with gorgeous Rocky Mountain views. The use of kayaks, canoes and mountain bikes is complimentary, or you can rent electric cruiser bikes. Rates start at around $350 per night.

Marrakech, Morocco

Best for: Shopping, spas and desert glamping in an alluring locale.

Take your girls trip to another level with a visit to Marrakech. This Moroccan city practically bursts with culture, history and color. Wander through the bustling souks of the Medina, where you can shop for handcrafted goods, spices and textiles. Or spend an afternoon in the bucolic Jardin Majorelle, an oasis of exotic plants and bright blue architecture.

For a truly Moroccan experience, book a traditional hammam (Turkish bath) at one of the city’s luxurious spas, such as Les Bains de Marrakech. In an elegant setting adorned with intricate tilework and soothing ambient lighting, you will feel your stress levels drop upon entering. Book the three-hour “Timeless” treatment. It includes a hammam, a mud wrap and a massage with fragrant essential oils for 1,300 Moroccan dirhams ($130).

As the sun sets, head to Jemaa el-Fnaa to experience the lively atmosphere with street performers and food stalls purveying delicious dishes. Stall No. 32 is known for its savory merguez sausages, flavorful tagines and fresh seafood. Don’t miss dining at Nomad, a rooftop restaurant offering modern Moroccan cuisine with stunning views over the Medina.

Venture an hour outside Marrakech for a glamping experience in the Agafay Desert. Scarabeo Desert Camp offers tailored experiences, including sunset horseback riding, desert hikes, dinner under the stars and sleeping in a luxe canvas tent.

Where to stay

La Mamounia is an iconic hotel that blends traditional Moroccan design with modern luxury. It has lush gardens, a world-class spa, four restaurants and impeccable service. Rooms start at $570 per night.

Holbox, Mexico

Best for: A barefoot, bohemian Caribbean escape.

Look only as far as the island of Holbox for a secluded beach getaway in Mexico without the tourist hordes. Located off the Yucatan Peninsula where the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico meet, Holbox channels the essence of Tulum from a few decades ago, when the vibe was more rustic retreat than trendy beach club. The water is a bright blue and, unlike at the nearby Riviera Maya, beaches don’t get as overrun with sargassum seaweed.

Accessed by a 30-minute ferry from the town of Chiquila, which is a 2 1/2-hour drive from Cancun, the island’s car-free streets and uncrowded beaches make it a fantastic place to unwind. If swimming with whale sharks is on your bucket list, plan your trip between June and September, when the gentle giants tend to be offshore.

Another Holbox highlight is a night kayak tour to one of only five bioluminescent bays in the world. Moonless nights in July and August provide the most optimal conditions for seeing the water glow neon blue and green (the bioluminescence glow comes from energy released during a chemical reaction in some phytoplankton).

Other activities include exploring the island by bike or golf cart and enjoying fresh seafood at one of the beachside restaurants like Luuma, known for its creative tapas and cocktails. Dog lovers will want to visit Refugio Animal Holbox. The dog shelter near the beach rescues animals from the island and surrounding areas and lets visitors take homeless dogs for beach walks between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Where to stay

Mystique Holbox by Royalton is part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio. The boutique beachfront resort has stylish, tropical-inspired rooms and suites, attentive service, a gorgeous infinity pool and a restaurant with outdoor tables facing the sea. Rooms start at $187 or 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Sedona, Arizona

Best for: An energy reset in mystical surroundings.

Sedona’s red rock landscapes and spiritual quality make it a unique destination for a girls trip. Start your day with a short but steep scramble up Cathedral Rock, which believers say is one of the many energy vortices in the area. Watch the sunrise as you absorb the energy of this remarkable place. Another powerful vortex, Bell Rock beckons with inspirational 360-degree sunset views from its summit. The trail there is 1 1/2-miles round-trip and has several climbing paths depending on your skill level.

Other Sedona highlights include wine tasting at one of the local vineyards like Page Springs Cellars or taking a Jeep tour through the rugged red rock terrain with Pink Jeep Tours. These tours offer the opportunity to see as much scenery as possible with minimal exertion. Expect to climb steep rock faces, perch atop giant boulders and descend through narrow gullies. There’s also plenty of shopping to enjoy at Tlaquepaque’s boutiques and galleries.

As a wellness-focused destination, it’s no surprise that Sedona has a lot of spas. One of the top choices is Mii Amo, offering everything from personalized treatments to Native American-inspired therapies. The “Spirit of the New Moon” treatment, combining massage and energy work, is a favorite.

Where to stay

Check out the Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Pinon Pointe if you want to stay here on points. This resort is in a central location within walking distance of dozens of shops, restaurants and bars. The one- and two-bedroom units are great for groups, with full kitchens and pullout sofa beds in the living room. Studio units start at $182 or 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Porto, Portugal

Best for: An affordable European jaunt.

Picturesque Porto is an excellent choice for an affordable European girlfriends getaway. Compared to pricier cities like Barcelona and Dubrovnik, Porto offers dazzling architecture, dreamy beaches and an energetic ambience.

Porto is a hilly city straddling the Douro River, so you’ll get a workout exploring its winding streets. Begin by strolling through the cobbled medieval alleyways of the Bairro da Se neighborhood, just below the cathedral. This area was once the city’s heart, with its narrow lanes and high, colorfully tiled houses dating back to the Middle Ages. As you explore, you’ll encounter numerous buildings adorned with intricate blue and white tiles known as azulejos, for which the city is famous.

The Sao Bento train station is the most impressive example of this tile art form. Floor-to-ceiling azulejo murals tell stories of Portugal’s history. Other top spots for intricate tiling include the street of Rua de Santa Catarina and the exterior of the Igreja do Carmo church.

Wander downhill to the banks of the Douro River and explore the Ribeira neighborhood. Stroll along the river, then grab lunch at one of the lively riverside restaurants near the gorgeous cast-iron Ponte de Dom Luís I bridge. Some excellent boutiques, including The Feeting Room, are scattered about this neighborhood, focusing on goods designed and made in Portugal.

Cross Ponte Dom Luís I into the neighboring city of Vila Nova de Gaia to taste Portugal’s famed sweet dessert wine. You can tour numerous historic port cellars here, including Graham’s, Taylor’s and Ramos Pinto. Porto also has quite the culinary scene, and you’ll want to try its local specialty sandwich, the francesinha, which is made with layers of meat, melted cheese and a rich tomato-beer sauce.

In summer, Porto’s gold sand beaches are its other top draw. Don’t expect warm water — this is the Atlantic, after all, and you are quite far north. But when temperatures soar, the cool water feels fantastic. Foz do Douro, the closest beach to the city center, has a long promenade with beachfront cafes. Farther north, Matosinhos Beach is a local favorite and has a good surf break. Onda Pura Surf School offers lessons and gear rentals if you surf or want to learn how.

Where to stay

For a luxury hotel that can be booked with points, the InterContinental Porto — Palacio das Cardosas is inside a converted monastery-turned-palace near the Sao Bento train station. The neoclassical hotel is beautiful, with Swarovski crystal chandeliers, a marble lobby and spacious rooms. Rooms start at $199 or 43,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Best for: A culinary, beach and cultural adventure in Southeast Asia.

Hoi An, located on Vietnam’s central coast, is a great choice for a well-rounded adventure. It’s easy to fall in love with this UNESCO World Heritage Site that doubles as one of Vietnam’s culinary capitals with its charming lantern-lit streets, historic architecture and beautiful nearby An Bang Beach. For a memorable dining experience, visit Morning Glory Restaurant, renowned for its traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Spend your days lounging on the beaches near town or biking around the lush green, rice-paddy-filled landscape. You’ll also want to explore the town’s temples, pagodas and well-preserved merchant houses. Taking a Vietnamese cooking class at Red Bridge Cooking School is another fun activity. End your day with a boat ride along the Thu Bon River when the sunset is reflected in the tranquil waters.

Hoi An has a wet and a dry season. February through August is the best time to visit for sunny skies and less humidity. Hotel rates drop significantly in the wet season, so you can find plenty of deals.

Where to stay

Treat yourselves to a stay at the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam, just 10 minutes outside Hoi An along the beach. The all-villa property is great for a girlfriends getaway. It offers spacious, tastefully designed accommodations, three pools, a relaxing spa, phenomenal restaurants and highly personalized service. Rooms start at $690 per night.

Healdsburg, California

Best for: A classic wine-tasting girls getaway.

If you and your friends seek a California wine country getaway, head to bucolic Healdsburg in Sonoma County. The small town is perfectly positioned for exploring distinct wine regions: the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley. Each has its own climate and specialty grape varieties. There are around 80 vineyards in the three areas, including renowned names like Flowers, Jordan and Silver Oak.

With nearly 12,000 residents, Healdsburg offers year-round appeal as an epicurean hot spot. The charming town square is surrounded by top-notch hotels, restaurants, shops, art galleries and more than two dozen tasting rooms.

The culinary scene here is impressively diverse, akin to what you’d find in a big city, centered around a parklike plaza. SingleThread proffers a Michelin three-star farm-to-table dining experience. Bravas Bar de Tapas serves delicious Spanish and modern small plates by James Beard Award finalists Mark and Terri Stark. Valette, meanwhile, stands out for its contemporary American fare with French twists.

There is more to do in Healdsburg than drink wine all day (although no one will blame you for doing so!). The region’s natural beauty inspires outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and horseback riding. For a unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride with Wine Country Balloons over the rolling vineyards and hills.

Where to stay

Less than 10 minutes outside town, Montage Healdsburg is an excellent choice for a refined bachelorette party or another celebratory girls trip. It is set in the middle of its own vineyard with three restaurants, an infinity-edge pool and many wine-centric activities. Book a “Sonoma Blend” massage at the spa that incorporates locally sourced olive oil. Rooms start at around $668 per night.

Byron Bay, Australia

Best for: A quintessential Australian surf town holiday.

Australia is an ideal choice for a longer girls getaway in an English-speaking, easy-to-navigate destination with lots to do. Byron Bay, about two hours south of Brisbane on Australia’s eastern coast, is a stylish but laid-back surf town. It started as a hippy surf spot but now attracts everyone from fitness enthusiasts to celebrities and billionaires.

If you’ve come here to surf, The Pass near the Cape Byron Lighthouse is one of the most famous breaks and is suitable for all levels. Adjacent, Wategos Beach is a great place to learn how to shoot the curl, too. You can book a lesson with Byron Bay Surf School or just spend a day chilling at the beach. Main Beach and Wategos are good for sunbathing and soaking up Byron Beach’s essence.

Other activities include whale watching excursions, inland rainforest walks, hot air balloon rides and sea kayak tours. If you need a day of pampering, Byron Bay has some noteworthy day spas, including Buddha Gardens, known for holistic therapies in a peaceful garden setting. After dark, many of the beachfront bars, including Beach Hotel, have live music and stay open late.

Where to stay

Elements of Byron is beachy-chic with airy, modern villas of up to two bedrooms that can be ideal for small groups. The infinity pool and restaurant are other property highlights. Rates start at $245 per night.

Austin

Best for: Late nights of live music and detoxing spa retreats.

Austin is a fun bachelorette party destination with a fantastic live music scene and rowdy nightlife, fabulous restaurants and the city’s unique (self-described) “weird” culture. South Congress Avenue is a good place to start your Austin experience. It is lined with inviting shops, cafes and eye-catching street art. Stop for selfies at the “I love you so much” mural.

For lunch, try Franklin Barbecue, famed for its mouthwatering brisket and long lines that are worth the wait. Or, head to East Austin to check out the dynamic food truck scene and impressive mural art.

Take to Lady Bird Lake for paddleboarding or a scenic walk along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail in the afternoon. This urban oasis provides impressive skyline views. You can also take a dip in the natural-mineral-fed waters of Barton Springs Pool.

At night, the Continental Club on South Congress is legendary for its intimate setting and eclectic lineup of local and national acts. Antone’s, a historic blues club, has a laid-back atmosphere and soulful tunes for a more relaxed vibe.

Where to stay

After a few days of partying, it might be time to detox at Miraval Austin for a couple of nights. This luxurious wellness-focused resort can be booked using World of Hyatt points. A stay includes meals, nonalcoholic drinks and many activities, from crystal meditation to cardio drumming. Spa treatments cost extra, but most rates include a daily resort credit you can put toward these. Rates start at $772 or 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night based on single occupancy, or $1,274 or 57,500 points per night based on double occupancy.

Bogota, Colombia

Best for: A city trip with a side of natural attractions.

Bogota is a fast-paced city 8,530 feet above sea level that mixes urban sophistication with a rich cultural heritage and plenty of nature activities. It is the kind of place where you can spend a morning walking through a cloud forest and the afternoon shopping at trendy boutiques or viewing street murals painted on colorful 18th-century buildings in the La Candelaria historic district. Colombia’s capital city is also known for its unique museums, many of which are in the same neighborhood. Make sure to check out the Museo del Oro’s extensive jewelry collection, too.

Get a bird’s-eye view of the city, home to some 8 million people, by riding the cable car to the top of Monserrate. If you prefer to walk, a trail with hundreds of steps climbs to the top of this verdant mountain and takes around an hour depending on your fitness level. At the summit, you’ll find a few restaurants and a market with stalls selling coco tea, arepas, fruit juice and handicrafts. If you want to capture great photos or videos, arrive before sunrise or sunset. To dedicate more time to nature, head to the mountains on the eastern edge of Bogota to walk one of the five trails across Cerros Orientales, a eucalyptus- and pine-scented cloud forest.

The Zona Rosa district, filled with chic bars and clubs like El Coq and Armando Records for nightlife, is the place to spend your evenings. Theatron is a massive LGBTQIA+-friendly club with 17 dance rooms over five stories.

Where to stay

W Bogota is in an up-and-coming neighborhood on the city’s eastern edge. The design is over-the-top and inspired by the city’s history, with a glittering golden wall in the lobby and more gold accents in the contemporary rooms, many of which have panoramic city views. Rates start at $256 or 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Savannah, Georgia

Best for: A weekend getaway with plenty of Southern charm.

Savannah offers a rich blend of history, nightlife and plenty of activities. Start by exploring the picturesque Historic District, with its moss-draped oak trees, cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved homes and gardens. Forsyth Park is a top draw. It has an iconic fountain and lush greenery spread across 30 acres, making it ideal for a picnic or a relaxed stroll.

If shopping is your group’s mission, you’ll love Broughton Street, home to various boutiques, antique shops and major retailers. Stop by Leopold’s Ice Cream, a Savannah institution since 1919, for a sweet treat. Savannah is also an emerging art destination with contemporary galleries and locally focused studios like Arts Southeast.

For relaxation, book a spa day at Poseidon Spa, located in the Mansion on Forsyth Park. It offers a range of sumptuous treatments. The “Southern Comfort” massage, which incorporates sweet tea and magnolia oil, is a local favorite.

Savannah’s bar and restaurant scene is another highlight, especially around River Street and the Historic District, where boisterous bars, music venues and speak-easies​​ vie for visitors’ attention. For a spooky twist, consider joining a ghost tour or a haunted pub crawl with Blue Orb Tours to learn about the city’s haunted history.

Where to stay

Right on the riverfront, the resort-style JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District is within walking distance of many attractions. Partially housed in a refitted power plant, it is a massive property with multiple restaurants, bars, shops, a rooftop pool, three gyms and a spa. Rates start at $234 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.