"Let's Celebrate!"
With wedding season upon us, Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies of holidaylettings.co.uk gives the low down on just how to master an unforgettable hen party, handpicking the best places to go with your hen posse.
According to the Office of National Statistics, there was one marriage every two minutes in 2012. In fact after 40 years of decline, the number of weddings also rose by 3.7 per cent in a year. With this recent resurgence and the traditional summer wedding season now upon us, soon-to-be brides all over the land will be wondering where to have their hen parties.
No longer is a hen do a meal at the local Italian followed by karaoke with Mum, Auntie and the girls. Increasingly, women are turning their hen dos into mini-breaks or holidays. The benefit of renting a holiday home for a hen do is that not only does it offer something for everyone but it can also be a real money saver too. There are holiday lets available for large and small groups and for those who want to spend it in the UK or abroad. More importantly it also gives budding brides to be what they really want, quality time with their nearest and dearest in a relaxed setting.
For those looking around for where best to spend their hen do, the below list of suggestion may help to inspire you. From aristocratic Edinburgh homes to glamorous New York apartments there is something to suit the wishes of any bride-to-be.
Top places for hens
Take a bride-sized bite of the Big Apple
For the perfect trip away with the girls, head to the fast paced, shop-till-you-drop city of New York. Experience the Sex and the City lifestyle, flaunt your stuff in Times Square at night and during the day visit world renowned sights such as the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. For the ultimate in first class living we suggest trying an apartment in Manhattan to ensure you are right in amongst the best that this bustling city has to offer - true glamour for you on your hen trip.
Hot springs for cold feet
Do you want to combine tranquil day time spas with lively nightlife? Then head to Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland. This city, with its cool climate, has an abundance of natural, hot bubbling springs. One of the best springs to visit is at Reykjadalur, a short 45 minute drive from the centre of Reykjavik City. Relax and unwind with your friends and the stresses and worries of the impending wedding day will drift away into the fresh Icelandic air. After you have finished with the great outdoors there are plenty of award winning indoor spas to visit. The city is also known for its stylish night clubs so make sure everyone is dressed to impress.
Like a fringe?
Edinburgh is the place to be in the UK at the moment, with a nightlife scene that is consistently raved about by tourists from all over. The city has brilliant historical elements to it with sights such as Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, and if you travel between the 1st and the 25th August, you will get to enjoy the delights of Edinburgh Fringe Festival too – just get your booking in quick!
Life’s a beach
Whether you’re a TOWIE fan or not, Marbella is a great place to head to when the sun is shining. Famed for its party atmosphere, beaches and celeb hunting, (look out for footballers and TV personalities) it is a top destination for hen groups that really want to have fun. It is also a beach lover's paradise, with a staggering 23 beaches along its 27 kilometres of coastline and it counts famous Nikki Beach amongst them. In a place where appearance counts for everything make sure you are staying in the swankiest of villas for true Marbella kudos.