5 places for the perfect chilled-out girls trip

All vacations are great… but a getaway without the guys? Priceless. There comes a time when every lady needs a break from the testosterone-filled guy scene. And when that time comes, a solid, chilled-out girls trip is the perfect cure. Whether it’s a college reunion, bachelorette party, or simply some long overdue catching up with the gal pals, keep reading for 5 places to plan your perfect, chilled-out girls trip!

Ojai, CA

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Don’t feel bad if you haven’t heard of Ojai. I hadn’t until a few years ago. (Granted I am an East Coast gal.) It’s hard to imagine that Ojai is so relatively understated, given that this resort town basically combines the relaxed lifestyle of Napa Valley with the scenery and weather of Southern California. Located just northwest of Los Angeles in Ventura County, Ojai is a destination known for its nature, farmers market and incredible curation of local art. When you and your girls aren’t outside enjoying the beautiful nature and hiking trails of Los Padres National Forest, head into town and grab everything you need for a great girls weekend at the Ojai Certified Farmers Market—and don’t forget to pick up a few bottles at the Ojai Vineyard, either!

Sedona, AZ

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Arizona has a reputation, largely deserved, as a desert that, while visually stunning, offers less in terms of natural diversity. Not Sedona. Set within the Tonto National Forest, Sedona is a gorgeous town where towering pine trees meet the ruby red cliffs and canyons of Arizona’s natural desert. As far as the town itself, Sedona serves as the unofficial spa capital of Arizona, and nothing says girls trip like a beautiful spa getaway to recharge and rejuvenate. While you can’t go wrong with any Sedona spa, a popular favorite is Amara Resort, set along Oak Creek and featuring gorgeous red cliffs as a backdrop.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

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Straddling the Mexican states of Jalisco (home to most of Mexico’s tequila!) and Nayarit lies Puerto Vallarta, by far Mexico’s most popular Pacific Coast resort city. Unlike the Yucatán spring break haunts of Cancún or Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta offers a more refined luxury that’s perfect for a mature-yet-fun international girls trip! Aside from relaxing at any one of Puerto Vallarta’s numerous luxury resorts, enjoying the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the Bay of Banderas is one of the most popular things to do in this resort town. To really see Mexico’s natural beauty at its zenith, head a few miles off the coast of Nayarit to Islas Marietas National Park, a group of uninhabited islands that feature stunning beach and rock formations along with flocks of gorgeous and rare birds such as the blue-footed booby or red-billed tropic bird. Once you’re back on the mainland, head north along the bay to Sayulita, an old surfing town boasting waterfront seafood shacks, cute roadside boutiques and plenty of homegrown tequila shops!

Miami, FL

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Come on, you knew the Magic City was going to have to make this list! Probably at or near the top of any bachelorette party destination list, Miami is the perfect weekend spot for a go-get-’em girls trip, upcoming nuptials or not! Whether it’s the beach itself, lunching at the late Gianni Versace’s mansion or partying all night at The Clevelander‘s pool or at the famed Fontainebleau‘s Club LIV, there’s plenty to do in Miami Beach. That said, there’s more to Miami than the beach. North of downtown lies Wynwood, one of the most exciting up-and-coming neighborhoods anywhere in the country, let alone Florida. Featuring its own array of bars and nightlife options, as well as plenty of breweries, coffee shops and the public art installation known as the Walls, Wynwood is definitely a spot you won’t want to miss in the Magic City!

Burlington, VT

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The Northeast has some fantastic girls trip options, too, including the adorable city of Burlington. While remote (the best and only way to get there is via airplane, pretty much), you and your girls will love the seclusion this lovely New England town has to offer. By day, I would recommend exploring the outdoors—both the Burlington Bike Path and the Waterfront Park offer gorgeous opportunities to take in Vermont and surrounding Lake Champlain. By night, make sure you spend plenty of time walking around the Church Street Marketplace, which offers plenty of local restaurants, boutiques and coffee shops to relax and catch up with your ladies!