Okay, so it’s February, when the shops are full of pink and red cards, boxes of chocolates and all sorts of cutesy items to encourage the expression of love. But what if you’re solo this year? Start a new tradition: Valentine’s season can be the right time to take — or at least plan — a getaway of the girlfriend sort. Here are a few ideas to get the party started.
Grown-up Pajama Party at Barnsley Gardens
If you’re old enough to remember the sleepover scene in Grease where the girls break into song between ear piercings and the latest high school gossip, then you’re probably ready for the more elegant version — and it’s easily found at Barnsley Gardens.
Slow down in the lap of luxury at this Italian estate 60 miles north of Atlanta. Built in 1842 to honor a woman who never lived to see the results, it’s a bit like the Taj Mahal and makes a perfect spot for soothing a broken heart. A golf course, hiking trails and nearby stables are among the options if you want to get outside and play, but why not take the lazy route for once? Sleep in, and then head to the European spa for a Lady Barnsley Custom Facial or a Hot Stone Massage.
At night order room service and eclectic dining can be had in the comfort of your private English cottage — the resort has several luxurious multi-bedroom cottages that sleep 16-22 girls; per night rates vary, but a private cottage for four starts at $556, plus tax.
Our fave perk: The resort’s Fairy Godmother, who can arrange whatever your heart’s desire, such as a choice bottle of bubbly, an in-cottage masseuse or a nail tech visit. She could even decorate the cottage to look like a scene from Grease or Sex and the City, in honor of your well-earned girl time. Say the word and she can make any theme happen for the cost of materials.
Girl Time on Tybee
Think: Road trip, posh-but-affordable rental house and relentless girl talk. Sound like a plan? Gather your girlfriends; your best driving tunes, and less than five hours away, paradise will be yours. This tiny island near Savannah has plenty of coastal charm and social activity, and if your focus is quality time with dear friends, bonding is always better with an ocean view.
Oceanfront Cottage Rentals provides stress-relief in the form of beautiful homes with décor and views that will absorb your cares the minute you trade the stress of the city for the soothing call of the sea. Put down that cell phone and sink your feet into the sand outside the door of your luxe rental. Despite all the island fun to be had, you won’t want to leave your new home — and you don’t have to rush out — Tybee’s local market delivers free of charge. Call ahead and have the wine, cheese and Ben & Jerry (the only guys invited on this getaway!) waiting for you when you arrive.
Venture outdoors for an afternoon bike ride and a trip up the historic Tybee lighthouse. Quench your cultural thirst with a visit to the island’s many art galleries — Tybee born artist Debbie Brady Robinson is one to keep your eye on; Oceanfront Cottage Rentalscan arrange a private ladies night at her gallery, which can be the first stop on your “cosmo crawl” — when you can take in the Tybee night scene. Before you head back, fuel up at the Breakfast Club, where sassy girls go for brunch. Health magazine called this the “healthiest beach in America,” so what better place to restore your soul?
Our fave perk: Too many to choose just one, but Buzz Entertainment Magazine readers can enjoy them all with a 20% discount on select Oceanfront Cottage accommodations and local attractions, good through March 20. Mention this story for the special deal, and look for other bargains online.
Big Girls’ Play Date at Callaway Gardens
Head south on I-85 and about an hour after leaving Atlanta, you’ll enter a land where butterflies are cherished, serenity seems to grow on trees and now until the end of February, admission is free. Doesn’t that sound like the right place for an escape with your BFFs?
During warmer months, Callaway is dressed in daffodils, dogwood and azalea blooms, but even with a chill in the air, this is a pretty — and practical — option for girlfriends wanting to secure some “me” time with friends in tow. Accommodations received a makeover not too long ago, and package deals make a stay at the Lodge and Spa even more girl-friendly. (Think: spa menu filled with treatments inspired by the botanical gardens, and a room with a balcony view of the pool and an outdoor fireplace.)
Ladies looking to renew their spiritual side will find respite at the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel. This gothic treasure tucked into the woods is where you can catch your breath, reflect on life’s joys and restore your sanity. Even a day trip can be rejuvenating and the location is close enough to keep you coming back. Everything here is about connecting with nature; when’s the last time you made that a priority?
Our fave perk: It has the be the glass-enclosed Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, where it’s impossible to be stressed as you walk among the delicate creatures and realize that life is too short to sweat the small stuff.