IF there's a grown-up version of the no-boys-allowed slumber party, it's the bachelorette party. And this bride-to-be's last chance to kiss off the whimsies of youth and singledom has been elevated to the ultimate female bonding fest.
Although this rite of passage has always brought the dearest of friends together to make lifetime memories (some never to be recounted in the presence of husbands), the bachelorette party has evolved in recent years.
Blaire Allison, professional bachelorette-party organizer (www.bacheloretteexperts.com), summed up the shift.
"Bachelorette parties are no longer one evening of celebration but, rather, a weekend of bonding and fun," she says.
This is important, Allison says, "because once their friend gets married, the all-female vacations are less likely to occur and less acceptable, as they have husbands to travel with."
As bachelorette events grow in popularity, more women seek to defy the cliched Vegas party by searching for more personalized ways to celebrate their last moments of freedom with best friends. Here are some ideas.
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Destination:
Western Mexico's jungle coast
The bride-to-be:
Down-to-earth, outdoorsy types who aren't afraid to work for their fun; those who'd forgo an outrageous night out for a mellow, rejuvenating group getaway in a remote location.
The place:
Verana, Yelapa
(800) 530-7176 or (310) 360-0155
www.verana.com
Double rooms run from $240 to $450 per night; Jungle Suite (four guests) is $470; Casa Grand (six guests), $700. $60 per night for each additional guest. Non-optional meal plan: $70 per person per day.
The vibe:
Although Verana isn't for divas (getting there involves a boat, a mule and a strenuous hike; animals turn up in rooms), its amenities are luxurious: daily yoga, organic cuisine and a sophisticated spa menu that incorporates watsu and aromatherapy treatments using locally sourced botanicals. Gal groups enjoy jungle treks, kayaking, catching up at the beach, pool or bar (which has an amazing selection of tequilas) and day trips to the Marietas Islands (perfect for snorkeling fans) or Puerto Vallarta, 30 miles north. Yelapa has a small bar scene.
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Destination:
California's Central Coast and wine country (Santa Barbara-Santa Ynez area)
The bride-to-be:
Oenophiles on somewhat of a budget; female fans of the film "Sideways."
