Where to Celebrate Milestone Birthdays
Is a big milestone birthday approaching? Where do you go to splurge on yourself? As my 40th gets closer, I have been giving this a lot of thought. Each big birthday, I use the excuse to do something big. Since a birthday should be low maintenance planning and absolutely fabulous, it’s smart to center the trip around an incredible hotel with an exceptional concierge, which can make all the difference and birthday surprise and delights.
Here are some great options, near and afar, in destinations that pack a lot of amazing ways to celebrate from cocktail bars, fine dining, experiences and shopping:
Antigua
Make it an all-inclusive but fancy! “Touch down in Antigua, jump on board our private yacht and breeze across turquoise seas. In two miles and less than ten minutes you are on your 300-acre island home, one of the most desirable, all-inclusive retreats in the Caribbean.” Yes, please. You can splurge and do all the activities that you and your party companions would want to do. The property has villas which make it very easy for family and friends’ sharing. Other wonderful properties to consider in Antigua are Curtain Bluff and Hermitage which can be based on your budget and preference. We have a great relationship with Jumby so please do reach out and let me help you celebrate!
New York City
Make it a classic New York City experience! Stay at The St. Regis New York in the exquisite Dior Suite with a view of the Park, make reservations at the King Cole Bar & leverage the concierge to snag a spot at the Polo Bar - across the way. Step out onto 5th Avenue to shop till you drop. It’s a whole Instagram-worthy weekend.
Stay uptown at The Carlyle, which an experience by itself with an incredible hotel lobby scene. To change it up, head downtown to Soho Grand Hotel. It’s neighborhood is perfect to stroll and the spaces in the hotel have great vibes for cocktails. Definitely make time to go here and try the sumptuous Crosby Hotel. I love a design-forward hotel, yet with the inviting warm decor.
Miami
Spend a weekend at the spectacularly designed and ever so sexy Faena Hotel! Book a dinner and cabaret show in their very own theater. The acts are fantastic - fun for a girls trip or spice up the romance life. If you want to get into a classic Miami scene, consider the W Hotel, SLS or iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach. You cannot go wrong with any of these and make sure you hydrate and prepare yourself for dancing into the morning.
Fitler Friends in France!
France
Currently booking a close friend’s 40th birthday this May & June that will make you green with envy and has inspired these recommendations. Combine a few highlights in France: Paris, Champagne, Provence and South of France! Take a week to c’est la vie.
Puttin’ on the Ritz! The best bar scene and iconic Ritz-Carlton Paris is the place to stay to be centrally located and a built in classic Paris experience. Another fantastic option, Le Bristol, an Oetker Hotel - part of the Marriott Collection, to consider that most locals dine and frequent, so you know, you’re practically French. Want to go Emily in Paris style? Head over to the prestigious avenue Montaigne to stay at Hôtel Plaza Athénée and brunch/dine at the Le Relais Plaza. It’s worth it!! I’m still dreaming about the food there.
Head to the Champagne region, a short drive away from the city, and stay at the ever so lovely Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. The newer Leading Hotels of the World property owns a nearby Champagne House Leclerc Briant. The team can organize a full day of Champagne Houses and dining in coveted region!
Villa Saint Ange is an oasis near the famed lavender fields and enjoy rosé all day. The gorgeous pool, grounds and dining make for a lovely stay.
South of France, please! Stay at the Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes across the beach and Promenade de la Croisette to end your trip in sunny South of France! I can attest to the fun bar scene there and the pool looks just as tempting - since I went in December for a work event. The sun was shining and we dined, wined on the beach every day either way. At night, we yacht hopped and it’s just so much fun.
London
Bridgerton fans, rejoice! The Lanesborough Hotel has teamed up with the Netflix show to create the Afternoon Tea dreams were made of. Get all dressed up in character and toast to the next season! The hotel is perfectly located and find yourself in the Mayfair neighborhood for more amazing dining or brunch plans.
Stay at the Nobu Hotel for a sumptuous stay and delectable dining. Want to level up? Allow me to recommend The Dorchester, The Ritz or the Bulgari property. You cannot go wrong with these classic, sophisticated places. It’s all a matter of the vibe you’re going for. Ask me for help and rates! The hotels love booking with my agency, so we can spoil you.
Greece
Picture yourself in sun drenched islands of Santorini, Mykonos and Milos! Athens has some incredible properties so start at the Melia Athens, Hotel Grande Bretagne or the Divani. Hop on a flight or ferry to the islands for top-rated Kalesma (who I just met the owner!), Mykonos Theoxenia, Once in Mykonos, or Soho Roc House in Mykonos. On the isle of Santorini, consider NOŪS Santorini, another Nobu property there, Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection or Katikies, shop-stopping pool setup. For Milos, check out the adults-only resort Domes White Coast Milos. It’s a stunner.
Philadelphia
Of course, I have to sneak Philly since having celebrated my birthday here! I have to give my city some Sisterly Love! Stay at The Four Seasons Philadelphia souring above the skyline with one of the best bar’s in the city, as well as fine dining at Vernick Fish for a fabulous birthday dinner. Don’t skip the spa too! Treat yourself. For a stunning boutique hotel in a historic building, look to The Guild House or even more boutique go for Lokal, tucked away in Old City across from my favorite, Art in the Age.
Charleston
One of the US’ top cities for a group party! It’s been on Travel+Leisure’s top cities for 10 years running. We’re headed there for a dear friend’s 40th birthday this May and staying at The Emeline. The southern charm city is known for it’s dining, and nightlife. Other great hotel options would be The Loutrel, and really splurging at The Dewberry Charleston.
Cabo, Mexico
Head to Cabo for some rest and relaxation at the Montage Cabo - a true Baja oasis with pristine waterfront and plenty of water activities. The dining on site will keep you busy and well-fed over a long-weekend escape in the sun. Other spectacular options would be the Nobu, Waldorf Astoria, Esperanza, an Auberge Resort, Viceroy and Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort - where apparently the Kardashians stay. This is definitely the spot for a relaxing, sun soaked trip - not the hustle and bustle of the other recommendations. Prepare to lay back and be pampered.
Start Planning
Where’s the best place to start your research? Contact me, let’s dream up something amazing, and I’ll dip into my favorite hotelier contact list for you, since they are eager to host you for your special occasion. Hotel perks and connections are the best ways to work with a travel advisor!
