Congratulations on being a bride-to-be! There are exciting times ahead of you: your wedding, your honeymoon – and, of course, gathering your girl gang for a wonderful hen do. But not the tired cliché of neon sashes and pub crawls (unless you’re into exactly that, then go wild!), but something that’ll create memories you’ll love looking back at. An adventure with your closest friends to celebrate your wedding.

A recent survey by Hitched revealed that the average UK wedding now costs over £20,000 – a step-up of 12.5% of last year’s costs. It’s no surprise that hen dos are following suit. But we think that it’s for a very good reason; after all, the memories of an exquisitely curated high-end hen do will last you a lifetime.

So, without further ado, here are some ideas we think are excellent.

Vineyard hopping in Tuscany

“No, thank you” to pub crawls but “Yes, please!” to exploring authentic vineyards! Just imagine the rolling hills bathed in golden sunlight, charming Italian towns, and endless glasses of Prosecco at your hands. Marvellous! The best wines with the best Tuscan cuisine. You could rent a private villa for the ultimate escape or book an Italy tour to walk or cycle through whole parts of this beautiful country! The Italian countryside is simply breathtaking and an excellent choice for a celebratory getaway.  

The glamorous French Riviera

A bit more fast-paced, maybe a luxurious, jet-set lifestyle weekend on the French Riviera? Soirees in Monte Carlo, poolside lounging at a Saint-Tropez beach club? Shopping in the glamorous Promenade de la Croisette in Cannes? For the environmentally conscious bride-to-be, there are plenty of options that don’t compromise on sustainability. Look for hotels (high-end ones, too!) with eco-certifications and explore the region by bike or boat instead of car.

Wellness retreats in Morocco

We all love a good spa weekend – and doesn’t unwinding and recharging with your besties at a luxurious Moroccan spa resort sound just great? The country is a vibrant, exciting, and perfect destination for good food, rejuvenating treatments and the incredible world that is Marrakech’s souks. And if you’re done with the labyrinthine alleyways of the medina, there is a stunning desert that awaits you for adventure right next door.

Private yacht charter in the Greek Islands

If you’re looking more for open waters instead of a whole lot of sand, you could always set sail and explore the Aegean Sea. Island hopping, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and simply soaking up the sun on private beaches around you. Perfect! The Greek Islands are a classic choice for a boat charter, but we’ve got many other stunning destinations to explore close by, such as the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia or the Turkish Riviera.

Glamping in the Scottish Highlands

You don’t have to leave the UK to find something stunning. Quite the opposite – we’ve got tons of incredible places and the Highlands in the north of Scotland are one of them. Here you can find luxurious yurts of cabins in which you can spend your days exploring dramatic landscapes, hiking through their ancient forests, and enjoying whisky tastings at local distilleries. And at the end of the day, there will be laughter, stories, and stargazing.