THE BEST PLACES TO
HAVE YOUR HEN DO ABROAD
Fancy a final fling before the ring, but not sure where to go? We've found the most amazing destinations to host your hen do, so you can sit back, relax and settle on a beach or city break the bride will love. Whether you gather the girls for a glamorous night out on the town, celebrate in a sumptuous spa or sip on bubbly on the beach – we’ve got the top destinations to go to before you say “I do”.
MARBELLA
FOR GLITZ & GLAMOUR
If you’re dreaming of a fun send-off, round up your Spanish henoritas and make your way to Marbella. The Queen of the Costa del Sol is a playground for the rich and famous, with an endless array of luxury hotels, trendy boutiques, golden beaches and sophisticated squares. Ocean Club and La Sala Beach Club are at the top of our list when it comes to lavish pool parties, but those princess-worthy beds come at a price, with VIP tickets starting from approximately €125. Plaza Beach is your best bet if you’re on a budget, with a choice of beds overlooking the marina from just €20.
IBIZA
FOR PARTY LOVERS
Nowhere says hedonistic hen like Ibiza. Perfectly positioned between the two gorgeous beaches of Playa de Talamanca and Playa d’en Bossa, is buzzing Ibiza Town - you’ll find a fair share of big name clubs and bars here, but San Antonio steps it up a notch. The waterfront bars in the West End area, Eden Ibiza, Ocean Beach and Es Paradis are perfect for champagne popping, while the famous Sunset Strip combines world-class clubs with spectacular sea views. Hot spots Amnesia, Ushuaia and Pacha are a 15-minute taxi ride from the resort (which will set you back around €20), so it’s worth hopping on the Disco Bus -it runs every half an hour after midnight and costs a couple of euros. If you’re up for a laugh during the day, for €15 you can try your hand at Ocean Mania – San Antonio Bay’s fun inflatable waterpark.
LISBON
FOR SANGRIA & SIGHTS
Grab your Portu-gals and hit one of Europe’s stylish capitals for all of the shopping, sunbathing and Sangria you could wish for. Luckily for those interested in Lisbon holidays, the city's sunny climate means there’s never a bad time for sightseeing, and by this we mean tearing through the hilly cobbled towns in convoy, on bright yellow GoCars, of course! If you want to browse the boutiques, head Downtown to Baixa and you’ll find the lively shopping areas of Rossio, Augusta Street and Freedom Avenue, which offer everything from high-street staples to luxury brands. Tours start from €30 and are definitely worth it if you want to make the most of this city while having brilliant fun. If you want more action, head for the hilltop district of Bairro Alto, brimming with thriving cocktail bars, restaurants and clubs for a jam-packed evening of entertainment.
BUDAPEST
FOR SPA SEEKERS
The vibrant city of Budapest is a popular choice for blushing brides-to-be, thanks to its mixture of sumptuous spas, world-class sights, designer shops and stylish bars. If you’re gal pals like to be pampered, the award-winning Mandala Day Spa on Ipoly Street should be the first stop on your Budapest holidays. Sip on steaming herbal teas and scoff complimentary chocolates while you sit in soft bathrobes and wait for a massage – plus there are special hen packages sure to cater to your party. The quirky ruin pub Szimpla Kert is a great place to hangout if you want an upbeat atmosphere, the cocktails here are class, but it’s the crazy interior that has you hooked from the moment you step inside.
Want to be the best bridesmaid? Check out handy wedding forums including The Wedding Community for tips and tricks on hairstyles, backdrops, workshops and more.
DUBLIN
FOR PUBS & PARKS
If you’re up for a great craic, this chirpy Irish capital never disappoints - that’s to be sure! Dublin’s quaint cobbled streets are abuzz with activity from 11am onwards, well that’s when you’re likely to hear the toe-tapping live music from Temple bar spilling out onto the town, anyway. If it’s nightlife you’re after, this party hub has an endless list of pubs, with Foggy Dew, Buskers Bar, Palace Bar and The Stag’s Head to name a few. Pull a pint of the black stuff in the Guinness Storehouse with tickets from €14, get competitive with Bubble Mayhen or if you think you can handle it, hop on a pedi bus pub tour for roughly €18pp – what better way to explore the city? If you want to walk off your hangovers, Pheonix Park makes for a pretty walk and there’s a cute coffee shop you can stop by there, too.
HVAR
FOR CULTURE & COCKTAILS
You’re bound to Hvar amazing weekend on this gorgeous Croatian island! This bustling hub serves up unspoilt beaches, glittering town squares and an abundance of spectacular coastal clubs, so you can mix luxurious days on the sand with lively evenings during your Hvar holidays. Hvar Town is where all the action happens and its best known for its après-beach party-scene with Hula Hula Beach Bar, Carpe Diem cocktail lounge and marina-side Red Baron ruling the roost. Hop on a boat party cruise to Pakleni Island from €27pp, head to the pedestrian-only piazza lined with boho-chic shops, seafood restaurants (Macondo is a firm-favourite) and quaint open-air cafes or savour one of the best kept secrets on the island on a local wine tour.
