There are only a few necessary ingredients for the perfect 40th birthday celebration: yourgirls, lots of delicious co*cktails, and at least one ultra-luxe spa treatment.
Whether you choose to keep it close to home with a short road trip or jet away (first-class only on birthdays, we say) to one of these easy domestic destinations, all that’s left to do isbreak out the champagne.
Charleston, SC
Stay:Where to begin in gorgeous, foodie-centric Charleston? You and your crew can take over a waterfront villa rental for a privatecelebratory retreat — thinkrooftops, private pools, andoceanfront porchesfor idyllic morning coffee. Or for a zero-maintenance itinerary, take advantage of spa packages with mimosas, signature treatments, and gorgeous accommodations, like those atThe Restoration on KingandFulton Lane Inn.
Play:In between shopping excursions, refuel at laid-back eateries (with signature Charleston quality) at spots likeCoastorLeon’s, andtry an assortment of craft libations at candlelit speakeasyProofor at Latin American favoriteThe Americano.
Nashville, TN
Stay:Indulge in traditional luxury atThe Hermitage. Just walking into the historic lobby immediately sets the this-is-a-really-big-deal-yeah-it’s-expensive tone.
Play:Nashville is a no-brainer for country fans, but any music lover will enjoy the abundance of shows and venues to check out any given weekend. For foodies, you can bounce back and forth betweenon-trend tiny platesand real, down homecomfort cuisine.
Asheville, NC
Stay:Settle in and stay awhile at apartment-styleWindsor Boutique Hotelfor walkable access to all the pubs and bistros downtown, or check in to modern, colorfulHotel Indigo.You absolutely can’t miss tapas at Curate during your downtown visit, and for a totally unique beer experience, enjoy a self-guided tasting at pay-by-the-ouncePour Taproom.
Play:Look no further thanThe Spa at Omni Grove Park Innfor signature treatments worthy of the occasionin itsincredible subterranean facility. If the season’s right, let yourself relax in the fresh mountain airwith the Mountain View Massage.
Denver, CO
Stay:For a home-base with downtown vibes, you’re staying atHotel Monaco, within two miles of one of Denver’s coolest spas,Spa Universaire. As the name suggests, it brings your bucket list destinations to you with signature treatments from cultures all over the world. You can day-trip out for amazinghiking or even a dip in the hot springs,and come back for dinnerat world class restaurants likeRioja.
Play:If you get to enjoy the gorgeous Colorado summer, get your zen on at a Yoga on the Rocks session at famed Red Rocks.Of course, a winter visit brings its own set of luxuries, with extensions to Vail or Telluride — complete with Bailey’s sips in front of the fireplace.
Charlottesville, VA
Stay:For the ladies looking for historic charm and a little peace and quiet (perhaps a break from the little ones at home?), Charlottesville offers some of the oldest and sweetest B&Bs in the country. Check intoProspect Hillfor a plantation experience, or 200 South Street Inn for personal attention and charm paired with easy walking to downtown restaurants and cafes.
Play:Not to knock Napa, but the 30 wineries that make up the Monticello Wine Trail in and around Charlottesville make it a pretty tempting destinationwithin just four hours of CLT. Among the many lovely wineries,Pippin Hill Farmoffers tastings and biteswith an absolutely gorgeous ruralsetting — so gorgeous, it’s known as one of the top wedding venues in the country.
New Orleans, LA
Stay:A name familiar to Charlotteans, the newly renovatedLe Meridienin New Orleans can set the right tone for your grown-up getaway. NoLa for a birthday bash is less about beads and shots, and more about soaking in the authentic culture; kayaking through the middle of downtown is a great way to start.
Play:Like in Nashville, it’s worth checking out the events calendar to see if you’ll hit any music festivals or fan-favorite traveling acts — or even summer’sTales of the co*cktail festival. No matter which tickets you snag in advance of your trip, you can happily bounce fromfantastic mealtofantastic mealwith ease.
Vieques, Puerto Rico
Stay:There aretwogreat reasons to travel to Vieques: no passports needed, and you get to stayat theW Retreat & Spa.This swank hotel is anything but stuffy, with eclectic decor, colorful accents, fantastic on-property cuisine, and — yes — an amazing spa.
Play:You can contently eat, drink, and play on the hotel grounds (semi-submerged pool chairs and nighttime beach bonfires, anyone?), but hire a ride to explore the island’s several world-class beaches, like Playa Negrita with black sand and Cofi Beach with red rocks and unforgettable views.
