Top 10 Global Girlfriend Getaways

Oct. 14, 2008 — -- Forget Las Vegas. The new trend in girlfriend getaways is going global. More resorts around the world are now offering special getaway packages for bachelorette parties, reunions and girlfriend escapes. So grab your best friends and check out these Top 10 "Girlfriend Getaway" ideas.

Whether you want your trip to be all about shopping, hanging out at the beach or spa hopping, we have you covered with these destinations.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

What: CasaMagna Girls Getaway Package

Why: This affordable package is all about pampering. It includes an ocean-view room and breakfast buffet for two. Per stay, you can enjoy a "chocolate soak" and two other signature spa treatments plus passes to the Ohtli Spa's wellness center.

• How Much: Starting at $318 a night for two people.

• For more information, visit the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa Web site.

PUERTO PLATA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

What: Girlfriend's "Bagua Lite" Package

Why: This three-night package for two is all about a luxurious spa experience. For this special, you'll stay in a junior suite and be pampered with all kinds of treatments like facials, manicures, pedicures and hair styling. You'll have fresh fruit and vegetable juices daily, two sessions with a personal trainer and guided morning walks.

• How Much: Three nights for $1,504 per person

• For more information, visit the Casa Colonial Beach & Spa Resort Web site, part of VH Hotels and Resorts.

OAHU, HAWAII

Where: Waikiki Parc Hotel

What: My Place-Waikiki Escape Package

Why: This three-night package is packed with tropical fun and starts out with a bottle of wine and hors d'oeuvres. Girlfriends get the option of private surf lessons, cruising around the island in a Lotus rental car or heading to the spa. For dinner, you get the VIP treatment at the popular Nobu Japanese restaurant.

• How Much: 3 nights start at $999 for two people

• For more information, visit the Waikiki Parc Hotel Web site.

VIRGIN GORDA ISLAND, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

What: You Go Girl! Getaway

Why: This is the place to go if you have a large group and want to stay a week. This luxe package is offered in a private villa where there's room for 10 girlfriends. Highlights include: a daily breakfast, activities -- including wakeboarding, water skiing and snorkeling -- a cocktail party and bonfire at the beach, a Martini Movie Night and a relaxing 60-minute hot-stone massage for each person. You'll also have access to two 4x4 Explorers if you want to roam around the island.

• How Much: One week all-inclusive package starts at $16,500

• For more information, visit the Baraka Point Villas Web site.

ST. PETE BEACH, FLA.

Where: Don CeSar Beach Resort

What: Girls Spa Getaway Package

Why: This quick escape will have you feeling like you're in another world. This one-night package starts off with a champagne and gourmet cheese welcome. It includes a guest room and 60-minute spa treatments for two. You'll also feast on a special spa cuisine for lunch.

• How Much: Starting at $559 a night for two people

• For more information, visit the Don CeSar Beach Resort Web site, part of Loews Hotels.

MANHATTAN, N.Y.

What: Towers Shop Package

Why: Here's a great girlfriend getaway if you want to do some power shopping New York City style. This package for two friends includes a Tower deluxe room for two, breakfast and a $100 Saks Fifth Avenue gift card to help get you started on your shopping spree.

• How Much: Starting at $720 per night for two people

• For more information, visit the New York Palace Web site, part of the Dorchester Collection.

TUSCANY, ITALY

Where: Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort

What: Mediterranean Lifestyle Package

Why: Serving up the perfect combination of luxury wine and dining, this package for two friends includes a junior suite for four nights and three spa treatments per person. For this package you can also enjoy the thermal pools, play a little tennis or hit some balls at the driving range. This special also includes an afternoon tour of the different towns around Tuscany, guided morning hikes and a complimentary bottle of wine with dinner. Plus you have airport transfers, a welcome gift and dinner at the resort.

• How Much: Four nights start at around $4,439 for two people

• For more information, visit the Terme di Saturnia Resort Web site.

LOS ANGELES

What: Girlfriend Getaway Package

Why: For a day on the town Hollywood-style, bring a friend and check into the celebrity favorite Hotel Bel Air, where you start your visit with a bottle of wine and a fresh fruit plate. Your package includes town car transportation to Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Westwood or Century City in case you want to do a little shopping or to check out some local spas. Back at the hotel, enjoy a complimentary breakfast and relax while people-watching by the pool.

• How Much: Starting at $395 per night for two people

• For more information, visit the Hotel Bel-Air Web site, part of the Dorchester Collection.

PARIS

Where: Hotel Plaza Athenee

What: Haute Couture Experience

Why: If you've always wanted a taste of true designer shopping, this unique girlfriend getaway package answers the call. After checking into your luxury room you and a friend will be whisked away to the Yves Saint Laurent fashion house in Paris for an exclusive viewing of couture dresses. You'll also receive a special Haute Couture welcome gift. At the hotel, breakfast for two is included along with a historical souvenir book.

• How Much: Starting at about $1,867 per night for two people

• For more information, visit the Hotel Plaza Athenee Web site, part of the Dorchester Collection.

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

What: San Juan Marriott's Girls' Escape

Why: This three-night escape package combines a spa experience with some sightseeing and even a little gambling if you're ready to try your luck. Also included you have a one-hour Cosmo's Happy Hour at the Lobby Bar, ocean fresh facials, ice cream party and in-room chick flick, city tour for two and $25 gift cards to the Plaza Las Americas, the largest mall in the Caribbean.

• How Much: Starting at $470 a night for two people

• For more information, visit the San Juan Marriott Resort Web site.

The "Top 10 Global Girlfriend Getaway" packages in this article can all be adjusted depending on how many people you have in your group. Be sure to call ahead and book early so you can have exactly the kind of experience you're looking for.

For more unique Girlfriend Getaway ideas check out Karen Schaler's Travel Therapy Web site at www.traveltherapytrips.com.