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Bachelorette Weekend Getaways

YES, A BRIDE REMEMBERS HER wedding for the rest of her life. But she’ll also never forget that quintessential all-girls rite of passage that precedes it: the bachelorette party. Whether the multiday extravaganza is debauched, decompressing or downright decadent, it should bring the bride-to-be’s best friends together to collectively kiss off her singledom. Seeking destinations that will make the event appropriately memorable? Read on.

Live Like a Celebrity in Los Angeles

L.A. is home to the stars, so no other city knows how better to cater to their every whim. Make the bachelorette feel famous with a stay at the brand-new London West Hollywood. Designed by David Collins, who did Madonna’s London home, the luxury hotel brings European sophistication (bespoke furnishings, private terraces, gorgeous views) to L.A.’s glamorous Sunset Strip. Lounge at its rooftop pool, then head to dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, run by überchef Gordon Ramsay.

At night, take a quick cab ride to Hollywood and slip the entourage past the velvet rope and into a booth at Les Deux, the perennial favorite of starlets. After a night of partying, rehab at sexy LeSpa at the Sofitel, brunch at the iconic Polo Lounge and shop the haute couture on Rodeo Drive.

Unwind in Santa Fe

If the bachelorette feels frazzled by all the wedding planning and just wants a low-key getaway, Santa Fe’s where to stay. La Posada is a high-end Southwestern-flavored boutique resort two blocks from the historic plaza. Its adobe cottages are surrounded by many sculptures and the on-property spa, Avanyu, administers Native American-inspired treatments.

For more far-flung rejuvenation, Ten Thousand Waves is a sublime Japanese-style day spa incorporating Eastern ambience with desert-mountain scenery. Enjoy a massage or facial, then hang out together in the outdoor hot tubs.

Later, browse the city’s 200-plus art galleries, visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and take a history tour of landmarks such as the Palace of the Governors.

Hungry? Head to the Cowgirl Hall of Fame Restaurant, where live music plays and cowgirls serve cocktails. For high-end food and service, choose Geronimo, set in a 250-year-old adobe.

Out on the Town in San Francisco

San Francisco’s nightlife scene is always robust, and since none of the hotspots are far from each other, it’s a dream town for party girls. Start off classy at the Clift’s Redwood Room, in the heart of Union Square, where wealthy socialites have mingled since the 1930s. Next, head to nearby Vessel, an upscale lounge with table service and a dance floor. Then, head to the North Beach area and the hottest,swankiest new club, Apartment 24, where you can reserve a VIP booth for your party.

Make sure your girls eat before they drink. Just off Union Square, the newly redone Fifth Floor restaurant serves fine French food with a view of the chef ’s rooftop herb garden and offers sommelier-led winetastings, as well as the chance to dine at the chef ’s table. To crash an old boys’ club, invade the Huntington Hotel & Nob Hill Spa’s Big 4 restaurant. Named for California’s historical tycoons (Huntington, Stanford, Crocker and Hopkins), the acclaimed restaurant feels like a members-only hideout—with superb cuisine. Book overnight accommodations at the new InterContinental San Francisco, located in SoMa; every room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and plush accoutrements. Seeking group therapy after all the fun? That’s what the nearby W’s 5,000-square-foot Bliss Spa is for.

Nibble and Sip in Napa and Sonoma

If the bride’s an incurable foodie, do a weekend in wine country. Partake in a chauffeured tasting tour of the region, requesting a stop at Round Pond, a Rutherford estate that produces ultra-premium wines, extra-virgin olive oils and red-wine vinegars. In Sonoma, stop by laid-back B.R. Cohn Winery, owned by the Doobie Brothers’ manager; he’s often behind the mahogany bar regaling tasters with rock ’n’ roll tales as he pours high-quality wine. If you’re planning months in advance, nab reservations at what’s often called America’s best restaurant: Yountville’s French Laundry. However, Healdsburg’s Cyrus gives the heavyweight culinary contender a run for its money and is easier to book. For food-themed spa treatments, go to Carneros Inn.

Stay at Les Mars, an utterly charming French-style abode; included in your stay will be European-caliber service and a gourmet threecourse breakfast.

Be Carefree in Cabo San Lucas

Sometimes girls just want every detail to be taken care of for them. Cabo’s ultra-luxurious Las Ventanas al Paraíso is a shrine to luxury and above-and-beyond service that provides whatever you want— including a world-class spa, 24-hour room service, customized amenities, a personal butler, Sea Grill restaurant, cocktail cruises, tennis and golf lessons, cooking classes and yacht excursions. Or forget all the plans and just laze at the infinity pool and order drinks from the swim-up bar.

Las Ventanas also provides nightly live entertainment, but if you do choose to venture out, have the concierge arrange for you to hit hip restaurants such as French Riviera, Nick-San and Edith’s, and hot nightclubs such as Nikki Beach and Barometro.

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