A Winter Girls’ Getaway: Sun and Easy-Living
There’s nothing like rounding up your favorite girls and heading somewhere warm when winter hits. Whether it’s for a birthday, bachelorette, or just a long-overdue escape, planning a trip for a group of eight requires a balance of fun, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. These destinations hit that sweet spot. Each one with its own mood, flavor, and itinerary style. From laid-back beach days to scene-y lunches, here are the spots we’re brainstorming with a group of clients for a dreamy January escape.
St. Barths: Chic, Splashy, and Irresistibly Fun
With its hilltop villas, beach clubs, and breezy French-Caribbean rhythm, St. Barths is as glamorous as it gets. In January, expect ideal weather and just the right level of energy. Perfect for beachy recovery by day and buzzy dinners by night. The vibe here is barefoot chic, where mornings start slow, lunches are long, and days drift between easy seaside hikes and lounging at beach clubs like La Guérite or Shellona.
Renting a villa is a great move for a group this size. Think open-air terraces, views of the turquoise sea, and walking distance to the sand. The girls can choose between a chef at home, casual dinners in Gustavia, or iconic Sundays at Nikki Beach. It’s the kind of trip that’s equal parts polished and playful.
Cartagena: Colorful, Cultural, and Full of Flavor
Cartagena offers a dynamic mix of culture, colonial charm, and Caribbean coastline. The Old City, where most of the top hotels are tucked behind vine-covered walls, is walkable and filled with hidden courtyards, rooftop bars, and boutiques. Days here are best spent meandering through Getsemani’s murals, boating out to the Rosario Islands, or catching sunset cocktails atop a centuries-old fortress.
With more accessible pricing than other destinations, Cartagena lets you stretch your budget without sacrificing experience. From private boat days to tasting menus at Latin America’s best restaurants, it’s vibrant, adventurous, and ideal for a group looking for something unexpected but stylish.
Puerto Escondido: Surf-Town Cool
If your group is drawn to creative, laid-back beach energy with plenty of chips, guac, and margaritas, Puerto Escondido is a hidden gem on the Oaxacan coast. Warm days, dramatic coastlines, and architecturally striking hotels like Casona Sforza and Hotel Escondido set a relaxed yet design-forward tone. Most days are spent near the water, whether swimming, releasing baby turtles at sunrise, or enjoying a day pass at a boho beach club.
The town has a vibrant art scene centered around Fundación Casa Wabi and contemporary galleries, plus a food scene that ranges from fresh ceviche to refined tasting menus. It’s a great pick for a group craving a culturally rich escape with a low-key rhythm and plenty of golden hour toasts.
Palm Beach: Glam Meets Golden Hour
For a domestic getaway that feels effortlessly chic, Palm Beach delivers sunshine, standout shopping, and a hint of retro glamour. Resorts like The Colony and The Breakers set the tone for days filled with Lake Trail walks, champagne lunches at Swifty’s, and spontaneous stops along Worth Avenue.
The itinerary is as relaxed as the setting. Boat outings, beach passes, and rooftop cocktails flow easily into dinner at Le Bilboquet and late-night dancing at Cucina. While January can be cooler than expected, Palm Beach still offers that perfect mix of sunshine, style, and time well spent with your favorite people.
Whether you're in the mood for low-key elegance or a high-energy itinerary, each of these destinations offers its own unique take on a girls' getaway. Planning with a group means balancing structure with spontaneity, and choosing a place that makes room for both.
If you're gathering ideas with friends and want guidance on destinations or itinerary planning, don’t hesitate to reach out.