Not Your Average Girls' Getaways

Not Your Average Girls' Getaways

Whether you and the gals love a good art stroll or a healthy bit of adventure, here is something for everyone. 

A Different Type of Island Getaway 

Hotel Rangá / Iceland

For girls who like to chase waterfalls instead of guys, head to the land of fire and ice and stay at Hotel Rangá, a four star resort located in Southern Iceland. The countryside retreat is the perfect home base to adventure through the country's black sand beaches, glaciers, highlands, hot springs, and more. Take an ATV to an ice cave, chase the Northern Lights in a super jeep, fly over a volcano, or hop on a dogsled to explore this vast and magnificent island. The adventures are endless on the island and the luxury Hotel Rangá arranges packages to accommodate every guests' desired activity - from stargazers and surfers to hikers and foodies. After a long day of activities, there's no place better to relax than in one of the hotel's suites, themed after each of the seven continents, providing an experience that is, literally, a "world apart". Guests can be adventurous eaters too at Restaurant Rangá, which serves up gourmet Nordic fare and the signature Icelandic spirit in custom basalt rock glasses. Hotel Ranga, situated under South Iceland’s clear dark skies, is the best place to see the famous Aurora Borealis while soaking in one of the Hotel Rangá’s outdoor hot tubs or to star gaze alongside their resident astronomer at the property’s hi-tech, roll-off roof observatory. For more information, visit www.hotelranga.is.

Adventure & Culture in the Andes

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco / Peru

Round up your gal pals and head to Cusco, Peru, for an unforgettable group trip! Stay at the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco and enjoy culture, history and flavor at this culinary mecca of the world! Built on the site of the 16th century San Agustin convent, in a historically protected area within the city of Cusco, the five-star hotel preserves an amazing amount of the site’s history with highlights that include original colonial arches, exposed pre-Inca walls in some of the guest rooms and suites, and archeological exhibition areas in subterranean levels of the property.  The hotel also does an amazing job bringing the culture in, with experiences such as nightly Pisco Sour mixology lessons, chef-led tours to the local San Pedro market, and daily visits from Panchita, a baby alpaca who is always happy to pose for a selfie. Located nearby Peru’s Sacred Valley, the JW Cusco is the ideal homebase for groups visiting Machu Picchu, and offers daily transportation to and from the departure point to the Valley, as well as unique on-site amenities like coca tea and oxygen-regulated rooms to help visitors acclimate to the altitude.

Aim High at Barnsley Resort

Barnsley Resort / Georgia

Shoot for the stars with this girls getaway that is anything but girly. At the 3,000 acre resort filled with Southern charm and tradition, you and your best gals can roll up your sleeves and enjoy some anything-but-traditional girly activities with the Aim High package. This down in the dirt option includes a shooting lesson with expert instructors at the clays course at the Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company, including 50 targets per person and gun rental, and a $100 activity credit per person toward outdoor activities such as horseback riding, fly fishing, golf on the Fazio course or a bit of pampering with spa services. Kick off your stay with a personalized wine amenity the evening of arrival and, after a day full of fun, wind down with a bourbon tasting flight at Woodlands Grill. The Aim High Package also includes breakfast for two daily and luxurious cottage accommodations. For more information, visit www.barnsleyresort.com.

Girl Time in the Galapagos

Ecoventura / Galapagos Islands

Ditch the group selfies and snap a shot snorkeling beside a sea lion, also known as the puppies of the ocean. Grab the girls and set sail through the Galapagos Islands aboard one of Ecoventura’s two luxury mega-yachts for a trip everyone will be sure to cross of the bucket-list. This adventure-packed girls getaway comes with a seven-night itinerary, equipped with daily water and land excursions led by two naturalists through some of the most secluded and remote sites in the world, engaging with the rare wildlife that fearlessly roams about. After becoming an ambassador of the island, reward yourselves with an afternoon on the sundeck, lounging in a hammock or daybed, indulging in gourmet Ecuadorian cuisine and enjoying the open bar. Jacuzzi time anyone? They aren’t called luxury yachts for nothing. Each room features a king bed, flatscreen TV and grand, three-panel windows for cruisers to soak in the changing scenery from day to evening. Venture outside your typical girls getaway and book a trip that is sure to be both relaxing and adventurous...yes, it’s possible.

Wild & Free in the Land of Eternal Spring

Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel, Museum & Spa

If you and the gals are seeking a weekend getaway away from the hustle and bustle, Guatemala — the “Land of Eternal Spring” — is calling your name!  Located in the colorful town of Flores, only a short drive from the bucket-list ruins of Tikal, Uaxactún and Yaxhá, Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel offers 19 bungalow suites that hover over the Quexil Lagoon, where visitors can take in unobstructed views of sunrises and sunsets from their private decks, to the soundtrack of native species and nature. Book the “Born to Be Wild & Free” package and enjoy a remote escape where adventure, fun and relaxation meet. Enjoy accommodations in an overwater bungalow, complete with a private deck and Jacuzzi- perfect for enjoying the view with a cocktail in hand! The package includes a guided hiking tour of Tikal, transportation, entrance fees, lunch and beverages, as well as your choice of adventure activity: zip lining by the ruins or an ATV tour. Also enjoy access to Las Lagunas’ state-of-the-art spa amenities, a la carte daily breakfast and WiFi. Don’t miss complimentary daily boat rides to Monkey Island, just across the lagoon, for friendly meet-and-greets with rescued monkeys who inhabit the more than 300-acre reserve. Valid through December 2019, with a 3-night minimum stay. More information online at www.laslagunashotel.com

Viva Frida in Puerto VallARTa 

Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa / Puerto Vallarta

Art lovers are invited to paint their own Puerto VallARTa adventure with a new Viva Frida package available at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. The resort’s resident artist will lead aspiring painters to channel their inner Frida Kahlo- complete with a flower crown- with a Frida-inspired painting lesson on-site. Guests who book the Viva Frida package will also receive accommodations and breakfast for two, a Frida Kahlo beach bag, a local art gallery guide for exploring the countless collections of artwork showcased in a dozen places in downtown PV, along with a $100 bar credit. Nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay, Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is the ideal destination for travelers looking for the complete cultural experience - from the art and food to the tequila and sunsets. A spa that specializes in the ancient healing traditions of the local Huichol people, a newly renovated infinity pool, and unique foodie programming such as a tequila tasting led by the resort’s own Tequilier are even more reason to visit this colorful and enchanting region of Mexico. For more information visit www.puertovallartamarriott.com