Looking for recommendations for a bachelorette trip happening between mid-December and mid-April. We’ll be flying from the West Coast, so ideally looking for a direct flight or at most 1 stop. It’s a group of 8 girls in their early 30s.
Here’s what we want:
Beautiful destination
Some nightlife, even if it’s just fun dinners (full party scene is a bonus)
Good crowd and vibe
No ski trips
I’d pick places like St. Tropez, Mykonos, or Croatia if it wasn’t for the time of year. I would love St. Barths, but it seems hard to get to. Aspen is a no-go because I’m not into skiing. Open to anywhere in the Caribbean, Mexico, the Bahamas, or other places I may have missed! Just don’t want to spend 24 hours traveling with multiple stops.
Even if you don’t ski, Aspen can still be fun! But if you really want St. Barths, the extra flight from St. Maarten is super short, and it’s a cool experience. Some hotels even arrange your transfer from the plane to the hotel, making the whole thing easy.
Agree with KKV! Aspen is fun even if you’re not hitting the slopes, but just be aware it’s peak season, so it will be packed. If you don’t ski, you might feel left out of daytime activities. That said, there’s still plenty to do like hitting up Palm Tree Festival in late February. You could go VIP or even book a table for a club-like experience. Plus, if you’ve got connections, private parties with influencers and celebs will be everywhere. Don’t forget to check out the Snow Lodge at St. Regis for winter shows—they should be announcing them soon!
For Caribbean destinations, if you’re considering St. Barths, it’s worth noting that most destinations besides Mexico will involve a layover from the West Coast, so you might as well go if that’s your vibe! Another option is Miami, easy to get to and full of energy. Or St. John if you’re not into a heavy party scene but still want great restaurants and beach bars. It’s safe for a group of girls and a short ferry ride from St. Thomas. You asked about the Bahamas—skip it unless you’re chartering a boat; it’s mostly resorts and island hopping.
I work in event planning for bachelorettes and would recommend Aruba. You can get direct flights from the West Coast, and the beaches are amazing. Palm Beach is packed with clubs, bars, and restaurants perfect for a group of girls in their 30s. The Ritz-Carlton or smaller boutique hotels could be a good fit.
Playa del Carmen is another option. There’s a great balance between a solid party scene and upscale restaurants for fun dinners and cocktails. The beach clubs let you party all day without it getting too wild, and catamaran trips to nearby islands are always a hit. If you do look into the Bahamas, Nassau could work for your group. Baha Mar is a great spot with everything from casinos to high-end restaurants.
St. Barths is a vibe on its own! Rent a villa, hit Nikki Beach for second seating, get reservations at Petite Plage, and take a boat ride out. The extra flight is totally worth it. I have a list of villas if you’re interested.
If not, you could also consider Turks and Caicos, but from what you’re describing, St. Barths seems like the best fit.
Which West Coast airports are you flying from? What about Australia—would Melbourne be too far? There are direct flights from LAX.
If you’re staying closer, try Todos Santos, about an hour north of Cabo. Stay at San Cristobal, Paradero, or Hotel Todos Santos. It’s more about fun dinners and chill bars, not really clubbing though.
If you already do Cabo and Tulum often, it’s tough to find a better vibe than St. Barths in the Caribbean. Most other places are pretty relaxed.
SLS Baha Mar in the Bahamas is an option, but it’s not on the same level. Plus, there are a lot of families around, which can kill the mood. Miami might be your best bet if you want easy travel and a lively atmosphere.
How expensive is St. Barths compared to Mykonos? We did a five-night Mykonos trip for around $4k per person. Wondering if St. Barths is on the same level or more expensive.
Is that $4k including flights, dining, and accommodations? If so, St. Barths should be fairly similar, depending on where you stay. You’ll be fine if you’re looking for high-end beach clubs and restaurants.
Sounds like an awesome trip! Based on that, I think you can make St. Barths work. Budget around $2k per person for accommodations, leaving room for extras. You can find four-bedroom villas at that price in February (you’ll need to share king beds though). Or you can do two to a room at Gyp Sea Hotel or Hotel Christopher.
Why not do a few days in Miami and then hop over to St. Barths? That way, you break up the travel a bit. I can put you in touch with my villa guy; he’ll sort you out with tables, cabanas, whatever you need!
Just had a similar bachelorette experience, and Alotea, a luxury concierge service, made the trip perfect! For a trip from December to April, I’d say Cabo San Lucas or Tulum are excellent options. Stunning beaches, great nightlife, and they’re easy to reach from the West Coast. The Bahamas could also work for a chic, high-end vibe. Alotea handled everything for us, highly recommend using them!
Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic could be great! Check out Excellence El Carmen—this is where the party is. Or try Sanctuary Hotel for a more luxurious vibe.