With travel back in full force, 2022 is dubbed as the year of the big reunion. From adrenaline-pumping destinations or relaxing escapes to bonding with voluntourism opportunities or haunted tours, these resorts and destinations are the ideal vacation spots for you and your friends.
A Colorful, Cultural Friendcation | Casa Palopo, Guatemala
Casa Palopó is perched above spectacular Lake Atitlán — famous for its natural beauty, three mesmerizing volcanoes and 12 colorful Mayan villages that dot its shores, each with its own personality. The private home turned boutique hotel offers just 15 uniquely decorated guest rooms, adorned with colorful walls, Latin American artwork and handwoven textiles made in Guatemala — all perfectly complemented by breathtaking views. Friends can take advantage of the Guatemalan tea time set up under a canopy that gives way to panoramic views of the lake and volcanoes, with delicacies prepared by new Executive Chef Marcos Saenz. An Instagram-worthy pop-up glamping tent is also available for guests who want a unique place to lounge and relax while enjoying some of the hotel’s unique menu items -- like a beautiful charcuterie board featuring cheeses and honey made locally at farms around the lake. Those looking to give back to the community can take part in Pintando Santa Catarina Palopó - a program for guests paint alongside the locals and “adopt” a house by making a donation toward the cause.
Kick Back in Cancun | JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, Cancun
Bring the crew to Cancun for tacos, tequila and one of the world’s brightest blue beaches! Cancun, Mexico is the must-visit destination when traveling with a group for any occasion, whether it be just for the beautiful location, the delicious cuisine, or for a lively atmosphere. Located in the Hotel Zone of Cancun, JW Marriott Resort & Spa is a convenient 20 minute drive from Cancun International Airport, and is the perfect choice for any setting or atmosphere that a group of friends would be looking for. With Cancun’s year-round turquoise blue waters and 80-degree temperatures, grab a private beachfront cabana to spend the day basking in the sun to the soothing sounds of the ocean. In the evenings, friends can take advantage of a Mayan-inspired 50-minute spa treatment, before retreating to the JW Lobby Bar to shake things up with its new extensive margarita menu, offering up to 150 varieties of flavors and tequilas. The property provides travelers with a variety of unique programming options for any bunch looking to bond, laugh, or party such as, pasta making, sushi rolling, and karaoke competitions.
Mini Takeover | W Punta de Mita, Mexico
W Punta de Mita, a chic resort located on a secluded beach in Mexico’s coveted Riviera Nayarit, is offering the ultimate hotel within a hotel experience for small groups. Tucked away in the furthest corner of the property, guests now have the option to do a ‘mini buyout’ of the resort’s 13 oceanfront suites, which feature outdoor terraces with plunge pools, complimentary poolside cabanas, and 24/7 concierge service, perfect for travelers seeking a private paradise... with an edge. While the resort’s secluded location and open-air design already provide the perfect “hideaway,” this ultra-exclusive experience gives small groups the best of what the property has to offer plus more. Perks include a beachfront yoga session and a private pool day equipped with a personal DJ at the resort’s adult-only pool, the only thing separating the suites from the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. A special welcome amenity, farewell happy hour in the sand and a daily B&F credit round out this unforgettable getaway with your closest friends. Rates start at $14,899 USD per night, plus taxes. For more information or to book, call +52 844 631 0595.
Friendly Spooks at Southernmost Beach Resort | Key West, Florida
Near all of the action, but in a world of its own, America’s Southernmost Point is the ideal location to gather your crew close to Key West’s famed attractions, well-known restaurants, and of course, stunning Atlantic ocean views. At the newly renovated
Southernmost Beach Resort, your group of friends can enjoy three palm-fringed pools with private cabanas, a secluded tanning pier, a signature restaurant, four bars and all the charm of the Keys — set on one award-winning resort. An incredible full-service spa, group fitness classes, live entertainment, and unique programming including cocktail tastings and painting classes make Southernmost Beach Resort the ideal home base whether you want to unwind or wind up in one of Florida's most sought after locales. And for a unique bonding experience/story to tell, book one of the resort's group add-ons, like a Haunted Key West Ghost Tour! Tours with groups of up to 24 guests can be privatized through the resort for a friend-cation with a spooky twist. Explore Key West's underpinnings past the gorgeous seaside views, and give the guys or gals a friendly spook while staying in this gorgeous historical town. Quirky and unexpected, Southernmost Beach Resort is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for your squad.
The Crew in Aruba | Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Palm Beach, Aruba
Aruba Marriott Resort is inviting the whole crew to take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a squad-certified sea-side escape. “The Crew in Aruba” package is the perfect island getaway for celebrating life and friendship. The offer includes an assortment of friendcation-friendly activities and perks such as a premium ocean view room with two queen beds, a cabana at the adults-only H2Oasis pool, in-room snacks and local beer upon arrival, a heart-pumping UTV tour on the island’s desert side, some time in the island’s arts district with a San Nicolas Art Tour and Workshop with Aruba Mural Tours and more. From adrenaline packed adventures to poolside paradise, an unforgettable friendcation awaits at the Aruba Marriott Resort. Visit https://www.arubamarriott.com/ to learn more, and use code ES7 at checkout to book.
Bikes & Bites | Grand Universe Lucca, Italy
International travel is back and better than ever, and Grand Universe Lucca is the ideal destination for the Italian summer getaway the whole friend group has been dreaming of. The hotel, located in the heart of Lucca, offers a special Bikes & Bites package designed specifically for the best travel buddies. With the package, the hotel prompts friend groups to put the pedal to the medal with extended bike rentals and an Italian-inspired picnic basket filled with Tuscan flatbread stuffed sandwiches, sweet bread, and Tuscan wine; all the necessary ingredients for a perfect picnic. Pedal across the top of the city's walls for a birds-eye view into the historic city, or enjoy wherever your bike adventures may take you. What better way to tour the beautiful city than with bikes, bites and besties? https://www.granduniverselucca.com
Rendezvous for ‘22 | Thompson Zihuatanejo
Feeling '22? Now is the perfect time to book that long awaited family reunion, girls getaway or bachelor party at long last, and what better way to do it than with Thompson Zihuatanejo's new 'Rendezvous for '22' package. The sophisticated boutique hotel is currently offering the ultimate group getaway package with accommodations in the property's 11 swanky swim-up suites for up to 22 of your closest friends. Guests are invited to celebrate a special occasion or simply reunite for some much needed quality time and relaxation after a stressful past couple of years at these unique suites which allow easy water access to each other’s rooms. The mid-century modern suites surround a shared infinity pool with ocean views allowing guests to take a dip directly from their private balcony just a few feet from their back door. Additionally, Thompson's 'Rendezvous for '22' package includes a customized welcome amenity in each room which can be customized for the occasion, a self-service mimosa/margarita bar for 2 hours, glow up pool floats, a DJ for 2 hours, and hangover bites and drinks, including the destination's signature dish, pozole. It’s the pool party we’ve all been waiting for. Call the hotel to book.
Anguilla Made Affordable For Small Groups | “Quinn” at Quintessence
Perched above the powder-white sands of Anguilla’s secluded Long Bay Beach, Quintessence Hotel recently debuted the Quinn building, an addition of three guest suites with the same resort amenities as the five-star hotel at a significant discount. While a bit smaller in size than the nine suites at Quintessence, Quinn accommodations are equally unique; the property is known for its museum-quality art collection and the Quinn suites also feature metal sculpture work by acclaimed Haitian artist Serge Jolimeau. The suites come with access to all resort amenities, including a private beach path, sprawling infinity pool, a full service spa, French-Caribbean fine dining, and an award winning wine cellar. Quinn rates start at $350/night (nearly half price compared to the average nightly rates at Quintessence). It’s perfect for a few friends looking to do Anguilla in style…and save on accommodations so they can spend more on enjoying the island and everything it has to offer. www.qhotelanguilla.com
