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The high-society hen do: Plan the ultimate send-off into married life with these 5-star resorts

From the beautiful clear waters of Crete to the bohemian city of Marrakech, here are five of the most luxurious destinations you can visit as a perfect send-off into married life.

By LLM Reporters   |  

Weddings are back and bigger than ever this season and bridal parties appear to be following suit, with searches for ‘hen-do’ on Google at the highest rate for a decade.

For those in need of some destination inspiration, we’ve rounded up our pick of luxury resorts to suit every bride-to-be from a riad buy-out in Marrakech to a ‘retox to detox’ retreat in East London.

Retox to detox: South Place Hotel, London

New for summer 2022, South Place Hotel has partnered with cutting edge wellness brand Get A Drip to create the ultimate East London party experience, Retox to Detox. Ideal for a fun-filled hen party in the capital, the stay begins with expertly crafted cocktails at the hotel’s 3 Bar and dinner at the contemporary British restaurant, South Place Chop House.

Guests can take advantage of an in-room party guide, with recommendations for the best bars and clubs in the area, before heading out on the town for a night to remember.

Detox the next morning with an in-room vitamin drip from Get A Drip before refuelling with a hearty breakfast. For an extra dose of relaxation, enjoy a full-body massage in the hotel’s wellness area, ideal for balancing out a no-holds-barred London hen party.

Retox to Detox at South Place Hotel costs from £400 per night (two sharing), including cocktails, dinner, breakfast and Get A Drip treatment.

southplacehotel.com

A riad fit for a royal: Riad Elegancia, Marrakech

hotel in Marrakech

For a magical hen weekend to remember, venture to one of the world’s most enchanting destinations with Riad Elegancia. Set in the heart of Marrakech, the 11-key riad is available to rent for private hire providing a truly intimate experience.

The perfect backdrop for a culture-filled escape, Riad Elegancia boasts 360-degree views of the ancient medina from the spacious rooftop terrace. A destination in its own right, here the bridal party can enjoy sunrise yoga sessions, soothing swims, sundowners and delectable dinners prepared by a private chef.

A stone’s throw away from sister property La Maison Arabe, groups will also have access to the boutique hotel’s spa, with traditional and contemporary treatments on offer to rejuvenate guests after days spent exploring all the city has to offer.

An overnight stay costs from £95 including breakfast.

cenizaro.com/lamaisonarabe/riadelegancia

Villa with a view: CAYO Exclusive Resort and Spa, Crete

Crete, Greece

Celebrate in Mediterranean style at CAYO Exclusive Resort and Spa, on Crete’s exquisite north-eastern coast.

A deluxe pool villa sits at the top of the resort, offering panoramic views from its private swimming pool. Providing contemporary comfort throughout, the villa is situated across three levels, with three bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, outdoor dining area with barbecue, gym, sauna, and cinema room.

Brides-to-be and their entourages can enjoy blow-out breakfasts at CAYO’s Ambrosia Restaurant and decadent yet innovative Greek cuisine at Kelari. If a night out on the town is calling, chic Elounda or lively Agios Nikolaos are just a short drive away.

An overnight stay in CAYO’s Deluxe Pool Villa costs from £625, including breakfast. Sleeps six.

cayoresort.com

Private island blowout: Thanda Island, Tanzania

Thanda Island, Tanzania

Take extravagance to the extreme and celebrate the imposing nuptials on an exclusive-use island. Thanda Island is situated within a private marine reserve off the coast of Tanzania, surrounded by some of the world’s most fascinating marine life and never-ending ocean views.

The on-site team are renowned for going above and beyond for guests, ensuring even the wildest dreams come true, whether it’s a dance party on the island’s white sand shores, a celebration by boat atop the tranquil Indian Ocean or a laid-back dinner in the jungle.

Groups can spend their days on underwater adventures searching for the elusive whale shark, indulging in spa treatments backed by the sound of waves lapping the shore, playing friendly tournaments on the tennis and volleyball courts, or taking to the water by paddleboard or kayak.

A buy-out of Thanda Island costs from $33,000 per night (approx. £27,500). Sleeps 18; minimum stay five nights.

thandaisland.com

Party in Paris: Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain, Paris

Paris hotel

New to the coveted Parisian neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain is an ideal base for a celebratory trip to the City of Light.

Bridal parties can take to the picturesque streets in a vintage Citroën 2CV, accompanied by local guides, or indulge in a gourmet tour of the neighbourhood’s bars and cafes.

By night, the legendary Crazy Horse Paris is just a short drive away, offering glamourous cabaret shows filled with colour and joy. After a night of revelry, partyers can soothe mind and body at the tranquil Spa des Prés, offering a menu of targeted treatments.

An overnight stay costs from €350 (approx. £303; two sharing), including breakfast.

en.pavillon-faubourg-saint-germain.com

And for that extra special touch, travel by private jet with Air Charter Service.

Avoid arduous delays and cancellations by making like the A-list and chartering a private jet for the ultimate luxury experience. With access to over 50,000 aircraft, no request is too great for global aircraft provider Air Charter Service. The team can perfectly match brides-to-be with a jet to suit their bespoke needs, with 130 aircraft types to choose from, and VIP access across the globe.

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