Relax by the beach, relieve pre-wedding planning stress or let loose with you girlfriends on one of these hen-party holiday hotspots…
Words Helen Brown
Whether you and your hens are looking to relax before the big day or completely let loose, we’ve rounded up the best destinations to do this and everything in between. From beach-breaks to shopping meccas, these holiday hotspots will guarantee an unforgettable trip with your best gal-pals. Hen-party couldn’t be easier; here’s where we’ll be going…
BEST FOR PARTYING: BARCELONA
With its vast selection of cocktail bars, nightclubs, cafes and hotel bars, a hen-party in Croatia is where you can really let your hair down. The sea and the sand make a perfect backdrop for a bike ride or long leisurely stroll along the seaside, followed by a refreshing dip. As darkness falls, the city is transformed with live music. Start with sunset drinks from a panoramic terrace then take your pick from one of Barcelona’s incredible nightlife venues.
BEST FOR A BEACH BREAK: CROATIA
Croatia is one of Europe’s sunniest spots. Imagine picturesque pebble beaches surrounded by crystal waters. It’s the ideal destination to top up those wedding tans and relax before the big day. Hvar Town is Croatia’s most fashionable resort, attracting the likes of Prince Harry and Daniel Craig. It’s a magnet for yachting types and boasts a wealth of rustic-chic seafood restaurants, cocktail hideaways and wine bars.
BEST FOR CULTURE AND ADVENTURE: MONTENEGRO
Montenegro sits on the borderline between east and west; a vast display of cultural history and boasting a 50-year legacy as a non-aligned communist state. Discover mosaic floors from the Romans, flamboyant monasteries, ornate Churches, mosques and formidable fortresses. For hens looking for history, it’s a fascinating place. For those looking for action and adventure, there is Durmitor National Park. This is a breathtaking expanse of glacial lakes, mountains and awe-inspiring scenery just waiting to be explored.
BEST FOR SHOPPING: MILAN
Milan is Italy’s buzzing metropolis, famous for its fashion, a fast-pace and creativity. With pretty much every big name in the fashion-verse clustered within Milan’s Quadrilatero d’Oro, it’s the perfect destination for hens looking to burn a hole in their wallet. When you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped, pick yourself back up with a cocktail on one of the city’s many rooftop terraces.
BEST FOR A PAMPER SESSION: BATH
What better way to take a break from the stressful wedding-planning process than pamper party with your best girl mates. Thermae Bath Spa is an award-winning natural spa in the heart of picturesque Bath. Here you can bathe in Britain’s only naturally warm, mineral-rich waters, just as the Romans did over 2,000 years ago. With massage and skin care, hot-stone treatments and the Kraxen Stove, you and your hens will leave feeling invigorated and renewed.
