There are only a few necessary ingredients for the perfect 40th birthday celebration: your girls, lots of delicious cocktails, 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 is break 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 private celebratory retreat — think rooftops, private pools, and oceanfront porches for idyllic morning coffee. Or for a zero-maintenance itinerary, take advantage of spa packages with mimosas, signature treatments, and gorgeous accommodations, like those at The Restoration on King and Fulton Lane Inn.
Play: In between shopping excursions, refuel at laid-back eateries (with signature Charleston quality) at spots like Coast or Leon’s, and try an assortment of craft libations at candlelit speakeasy Proof or at Latin American favorite The Americano.
Nashville, TN
Stay: Indulge in traditional luxury at The 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 between on-trend tiny plates and real, down home comfort cuisine.
Asheville, NC
Stay: Settle in and stay awhile at apartment-style Windsor Boutique Hotel for walkable access to all the pubs and bistros downtown, or check in to modern, colorful Hotel 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-ounce Pour Taproom.
Play: Look no further than The Spa at Omni Grove Park Inn for signature treatments worthy of the occasion in its incredible subterranean facility. If the season’s right, let yourself relax in the fresh mountain air with the Mountain View Massage.
Denver, CO
Stay: For a home-base with downtown vibes, you’re staying at Hotel 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 amazing hiking or even a dip in the hot springs, and come back for dinner at world class restaurants like Rioja.
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 into Prospect Hill for 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 destination within just four hours of CLT. Among the many lovely wineries, Pippin Hill Farm offers tastings and bites with an absolutely gorgeous rural setting — 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 renovated Le Meridien in 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’s Tales of the Cocktail festival. No matter which tickets you snag in advance of your trip, you can happily bounce from fantastic meal to fantastic meal with ease.
Vieques, Puerto Rico
Stay: There are two great reasons to travel to Vieques: no passports needed, and you get to stay at the W 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.
