6 Great Girlfriend Getaways for Summer (Part I)

Girlfriend getaways offer opportunities for bonding and sharing memories as well as a welcome respite from the stresses of everyday life. The possibilities of where to go and what to do are endless, limited only by your budget and time.

If you've read my post entitled, How to Plan a Girlfriend Getaway in 5 Easy Steps, you're probably eager to hone in on a destination. This summer, many properties are wooing women guests with attractive girlfriend getaway promotions. Here are six possibilities to inspire your thinking:

1. Las Vegas

Yes, you can fry an egg on the pavement in Las Vegas in July or August (when the average high temperatures are in triple-digits), but hotels, casinos, and swimming pools are all kept delightfully cool. And any good shopper knows there are bargains to be had when you travel to a popular destination off-season. Las Vegas holds many attractions as a girlfriend getaway, such as easy air access from most major U.S. cities, spectacular hotels, luxury boutiques, restaurants presided over by celebrity chefs, and plenty of nightlife including casinos, shows, and star-studded entertainment.

The Vdara Hotel & Spa, located in the new CityCenter, happens to be non-gaming, non-smoking, all-suite, and eco-friendly. Available Mondays through Thursdays, the hotel's Ladies ACCESS Package includes a two-night stay in a deluxe suite, a $50 lunch credit at Wolfgang Puck, a $250 Donna Karan gift card, and a tasting dinner for two at Eva Longoria's Beso Steakhouse and Lounge. Package price for two in a room start at $580 on Sunday-Thursday and from $692 Friday and Saturday.

2. Napa Valley California

Napa Valley, a thriving agricultural area about 50 miles northeast of San Francisco, is a perfect for foodies interested in winery tours, casual strolls through farmer's markets, or cooking classes at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. Over 100 wineries are open for public tastings. Known for its destination spas, natural geothermal springs, and volcanic mud paths, there are scores of outdoor concerts and festivals during the summer including the ten-day Napa Valley Festival del Sole in July, and Music in the Vineyards, in August, which brings 40 musicians together for twilight concerts with wine.

The Spa Diva Package at the Meritage Resort & Spa, located in the heart of the valley, includes a two-night stay in a superior guest room or suite, daily breakfast in bed, late check-out, a complimentary bottle of wine, a selection of two 50-minute spa treatments (Terra Swedish massage or European facial) and two Spa Diva tees or hats. The resort's Spa Terra is located underground in its wine cave. Adjoining rooms can be booked for the ultimate girls' slumber party. Package starts at $500 per person, based on double occupancy.

3. New York City

New York City has been immortalized in movies and TV with its iconic Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the Status of Liberty, and Central Park. The city that never sleeps is a wonderful getaway for women who thrive on the excitement of city life because there's no shortage of things to do, including shopping on Fifth Avenue, getting two-fer tickets to Broadway shows, and dining at legendary restaurants of every ethnic persuasion.

From June through August, coinciding with the Monday night Bryant Park Summer Film Series, Kimpton's 70 Park Avenue Hotel offers a "Movie Star Munchies" package. Located in the Murray Hill neighborhood of NYC, this boutique hotel has just completed a multi-million dollar renovation. The package includes: two '"red carpet" cocktails at the hotel's Silverleaf Tavern, a complimentary in-room movie with wine and snacks, and a "shop like the stars" consultation with the hotel's "retail therapist." Moviegoers staying over on Monday nights will receive a blanket and complimentary picnic basket filled with their choice of traditional buttered or kettle corn, two bottles of soda or water, and a mixed bag of traditional movie theater candy. Rates start at $219 per person based on double occupancy.

Be sure to read Part II of this article.