5 of the best places to go with the girls
Single-sex traveling is on the rise – yet another excuse to plan a girls’ trip. DELILAH KHOMO discovers the hotels created with women in mind
AL BUSTAN PALACE, Muscat
This sun-drenched retreat boasts one of the largest stretches of unspoiled coastline in Oman, plus lays claim to the country’s first female-only beach. There is a separate indoor pool alongside a Six Senses Spa renowned for its extensive holistic menu, which includes prenatal treatments and luxe rituals such as a milk-and-honey bath inspired by Cleopatra – perfect if you’re in need of a recharge.
Insider tip: Get your adrenaline pumping with a horseback excursion or camel racing in the surrounding Omani desert. ritzcarlton.com
NAUMI, Singapore
Naumi’s 73 stylish rooms may be the epitome of urban cool, but it’s the secret no-men-allowed floor that’s the real draw. Accessed by a special key card, it offers complete privacy, not to mention total luxury: think in-room yoga mats and every toiletry imaginable, with hi-tech details like glass bathroom walls that switch to opaque at the touch of a button. For sundowners and views of Singapore’s skyline, head to the rooftop bar, Cloud 9.
Insider tip: Book the elegant Gabrielle & Camellia suite, inspired by Coco Chanel. naumihotels.com
LE ROYAL MONCEAU, Paris
Le Royal Monceau has a bar dedicated to chocolate, the menu of which is designed by none other than Pierre Hermé, the master of the macaron. The award-winning Clarins spa here is one of Paris’ best – quite something in a city where beautifying is considered a necessity rather than a luxury. Pick the brains of Art Concierge Julie Eugène for insider tips on exhibitions and events.
Insider tip: Book the spa’s Royal Detox for a full-body reboot. leroyalmonceau.com
DUKES, London
It’s not enough just to offer skirt hangers in the closet or spy holes for security – Dukes has gone one step further in the women-only Duchess Rooms. From organizing flowers in your room, discreet corner tables for solo diners, and luxe robes and slippers in smaller sizes, the female attendants cater to your every need. They will even arrange a tour around Mayfair for a curated shopping experience.
Insider tip: Start the day with the Sunrise & Stretch program, which includes a personal yoga class, training session and breakfast in St. James’s Park. dukeshotel.com
THE PENINSULA, Hong Kong
This ‘grande dame of the Far East’ has long championed the needs of the female traveler. It’s the extra touches like portable nail dryers in every room, the shawls on hand in the bars and restaurants, and, most importantly, the creative vision of the hotel’s legendary general manager, Rainy Chan, which make it a longstanding favorite – overseen by women, for women.
Insider tip: Try a signature Margy’s Monte Carlo Haute Couture à la Carte Collagen Facial at the spa, which houses steam rooms, a sauna and an indoor pool. hongkong.peninsula.com