Who will win the battle for the best getaway itinerary—the girls or the guys? Let the games begin.
Music & Drinks
Nashville offers all the makings for a fun girls’ night(s) out, plus Southern charm. The Loews Vanderbilt Hotel Nashville has two packages to help ladies plan the perfect party. “Nashville is one of those cities that can’t help but be fun. We have great music, great restaurants, great bars, great shopping, great weather, and tons of attractions for a variety of ages and interests. It’s also still pretty affordable and easy to get to by car or by plane, so it’s a great central meeting spot,” says general manager Tony Phillips.
The “tame” Belles & Whistles package (starting at $229 per night) includes a champagne welcome amenity, cocktails at Mason Bar, and a choice of breakfast or lunch at Masons, plus late check-out. Now, for those who are ready to party hard and take in the music scene, the Rhythms of the South (starting at $274 per night) includes two tickets to a Grand Ole Opry performance, two tickets to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and a $25 food and beverage credit. Both packages include two nights in luxury accommodations and complimentary self-parking. In addition, director of public relations for the hotel Christina VerHeul points out that “this is a focus for 2015 and we will be creating new offerings throughout the year to appeal to even more people within this segment.”
(800) 336-3335; loewshotels.com/vanderbilt-hotel
For a legendary guys’ getaway fit to party like a rock star, gamble, and have a rambunctious time, Vegas is always the answer. Insert ARIA, home to the LIQUID Pool lounge, an adults-only poolside experience featuring world-class DJs; luxe cabanas with 40-inch, flat-screen TVs; plush daybeds; and access to two semi-private dipping pools. Lots of partying options can be found on-property including the largest selection of absinthe in the nation at Sage, where guys participate in a Russian-style absinthe tasting. During the tasting, the server ignites the drink and pours the blazing potion into a glass of OJ, then traps it in the glass with a cloth napkin. Guests then inhale the warm air through a straw, and exhale it as they finish the drink. Guys up for a challenge can take on the 7-second beer chug at the Todd English P.U.B. at Crystals. If they can pound a pint in seven seconds flat, the beer is on the house—talk about a pre-party. Guys can also take on a hand of poker or a round of golf on site. The Sky Suitesare the perfect complement to an epic guys’ getaway, offering the ultimate “man-cave” with views of the Strip, oversized flat-screen TVs, 24-hour butler service, roundtrip airport limo service, private entrance to the hotel, VIP check-in and access to the Sky Suite lounge for round-the-clock complimentary drinks and hor d’oeuvres. The Suite Escape package offers a $500 resort credit with any three consecutive nights booked.
Beachside
The Hotel Zamora, St. Pete Beach’s first new hotel in over 20 years, offers options perfect for a ladies’ escape.“St. Pete Beach has some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, minus the crowds and party-goers that you might find in South Beach. The area’s vibe is very laid-back, which makes it perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed escape,” says Tom Robertson, the hotel’s general manager.
However, beach-bumming isn’t the only thing on this agenda. A mixology class at Castille (the onsite restaurant), wine and brewery tours, plus rooftop yoga are a few of the experiences offered. The hotel can customize each group’s vacation with their preferred activities including paddleboarding and dolphin-watching. That combined with sunbathing on a gorgeous stretch of Florida beach make up a blissful girls’ getaway.
(727) 456-8900; thehotelzamora.com
Over on the West coast, the Montage Laguna Beach Resort in California offers guys a bit of pampering with a gentleman’s manicure or pedicure plus a complimentary draft beer. They can add in some sweat-inducing activities with the Remedy Seeker program including a 60-minute personal training session followed by a 90-minute Elements of Wellness Signature Therapy treatment. The Beach Core H.I.I.T.package allows guests to choose from a variety of fitness classes and activities including a 30-minute core beach workout and 30-minute, high-interval training. After all that strenuous work, guests can escape to the property’s recently renovated suites sitting atop a high coastal bluff: Aliso Suite, Sunset Suite, and Catalina Suite. Guests can check these out with the Suite Escape promotion, starting at $1,900 per night (for three nights) and a $500 resort credit.
(949) 715-6000; montagelagunabeach.com
The Great Outdoors
Who said outdoor adventure is mostly a guy thing? At Gateway Canyons Resort in Colorado, ladies can combine outdoor fun with luxury for an ideal mix. The Ultimate Pro-Baja Experience includes a choice of luxury accommodations, daily breakfast and one dinner for two at Entrada, plus a full-day “you drive” Pro-Baja truck experience for one. Those looking for a little more pampering can opt for the Dolores River Revival Spa option (2-night minimum stay), including a choice of luxury accommodations, daily 50-minute spa treatments for two, and daily breakfast for two at Paradox Grille. In addition, the property’sExperts in Residence can put together a 3- or 5-day itinerary—the Noble Adventure package—allowing guests to explore the area by helicopter, horseback, and ATV. They will also discover dinosaur tracks, Native American rock art, and 100 years of automotive history. But that’s not all, the Noble Adventure option also includes a spa treatment and indoor yoga options, plus all meals.
(866) 671-4733; gatewaycanyons.com
Over in Arizona, guys can delve into the perfect golf challenge with two distinct offers at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. The Unlimited Golf Getaway is all things golf including unlimited play at the three courses—Canyon, Ridge, and Hill—starting at $179 per night dbl. The Man-Cation: Golf & BBQ option includes a 9-hole game, Callaway rental clubs, and golf cart starting at $69. Guests also receive a La Paloma golf cap, Footjoy glove, and six golf balls. After their round of golf, guests enjoy a poolside BBQ every weekend. Rates start at $89 per night for Sunday through Thursday arrivals; and Friday andSaturday arrivals start at $99 per night.
