5 escapes that will take your getaway with friends to the next level
We all enjoy weekend escapes with our friends, but why not take it up a notch on your next trip with your friends and add some sun and sand? From pampering spa getaways to escapes full of adventure, here are 5 fresh ideas for you to escape on an unforgettable trip with your friends.
When it comes to relaxing, few things compare to getting pampered in the tropics. At Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay in Jamaica, you and your friends can look forward to unwinding in lavish suites that include complimentary whirlpool tubs, 24-hour room service and free Wi-Fi. But, it’s at the resort’s world-class Spa by Pevonia where you can indulge in dozens of treatments that include combinations of the latest hydrotherapy and indigenous treatments: from seaweed wraps with mango and passionfruit to Swedish massages, to manis and pedis, hair treatments and even massages on the beach right under the stars. Plus, you can replenish some energy at the fresh fruit bar or find your Zen in the peaceful garden where you can practice yoga.
Practice your swing in a destination known for its amazing golf courses. You and your friends can easily enjoy complimentary green fees at adults only resorts such as Barcelo Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. In addition to its prime beach location, plentiful evening entertainment and on-site casino, you can enjoy a free round of golf at the world-renowned 18-hole course designed by P.B. Dye. There’s also an 18-hole miniature course if you need to polish up on your putting skills before you challenge your friends. Of course, you can always take advantage of other included activities such as basketball, volleyball, football, windsurfing, snorkelling and kayaking.
If you and your buddies are all about exploring, Costa Rica is full of opportunities for adventure. At the new Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica opening this fall, you can experience the best combination of adventure and luxury with the resort’s endless entertainment and modern amenities included in your suite. Here, it’s all about being able to Vacation like a Star™--you can even get your own personal agent to handle all your group’s reservations for dining, the spa and more. Off resort, the Arenal Volcano and hot springs tour lets vacationers hike at the volcano’s slops to enjoy the lush surroundings before arriving at the hot spring pools to enjoy a relaxing, warm soak. Then, you can continue to relax back at the resort with float around in the pool, enjoy your room’s Jacuzzi or sip on your favourite drink at one of the two bars.
You’re never too old for waterslides, and at Riu Republica in Punta Cana you can zoom down slides as much as you like without having to wait for any kids. This top-rated resort has its own Splash Water World just for adults as well as eight pools—some with swim-up bars. It’s the only adults water park in the Caribbean and you and your grown-up friends can enjoy as much splash time as you like with free, unlimited access. When you’re not zooming down slides, you can also enjoy the resort’s 24-hour all inclusive service, in-room liquor dispensers, unlimited reservation-free dining, complimentary Wi-Fi and much more.
If much of your time spent with friends involves food, you can experience a tropical getaway designed for foodies at El Dorado Sensimar Seaside Suites in Riviera Maya, Mexico. This award-winning, top-rated resort has its own 100,000 sq ft green house that grows much of the restaurants’ ingredients right on site as part of its Gourmet Inclusive® experience. You and your friends can look forward to enjoying a range of gastronomic adventures, from Latin Fusion to Mexican, Italian, Asian and more. Plus, you can take advantage of cooking classes that use produce from the greenhouse, as well as wine tastings that come with cheese pairings and tequila tastings where you can sample various cocktails—you may even become an expert mixologist by the end of your stay! And of course, this resort aims to inspires health and wellness with activities such as outdoor yoga classes, and lavish spa treatments including massages—right on the beach if you’re looking for some pampering too.