Put a Sophisticated Spin on Your Bachelorette Party

You'll definitely gain Instagram bragging rights with these fabulous bachelorette party ideas. #squadgoals
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Sarah Newell
by Sarah Newell

Whatever you do with your best pals to celebrate your last days of being single is bound to be fun and memorable. But if you're looking for something a little more sophisticated than a raucous night out at a bar, we've got you covered. Read on for tips on how to elevate a few tried-and-true bachelorette party ideas into even more special adventures.

Instead of Dinner at a Restaurant….Try a Cooking Class

While a nice dinner out at a hip restaurant is a lovely way to relax and indulge with your besties, a private cooking class can be even better. You'll have tons of fun chopping, sautéing and plating (and, of course, eating) a meal together—and you get to learn a new recipe for your newlywed life at the same time. You can hire a personal chef for an at-home lesson, or contact your local culinary school or boutique home-ware store like Williams-Sonoma or Sur La Table for seasonal classes. If you live near a big city, check Groupon for deals.

Instead of a Regular Spa Visit….Try a Fancy Bathhouse

While we approve of pampering in any form, hitting a regular old spa can feel a bit ho-hum. Why not spend the whole afternoon with your girls at a luxury bathhouse, an upgraded take on traditional Korean, Russian or Turkish bathhouses where you can hop from aromatherapy steam rooms to hot, cold or even salt-filled pools. In between lounging around in your swimsuits, you can enjoy treatments like massages, Dead Sea salt scrubs and mud wraps. Admission packages vary, but oftentimes a set price allows all-day access to the facility, with special treatments paid à la carte. (Try Aire Ancient Baths in New York, or just hit a fancy hotel spa in your town that offers pool access!)

Instead of a Slumber Party….Try an At-Home Makeover Night

It doesn't get any better than a good old-fashioned sleepover, whether it's at your best friend's place or a charming Airbnb—unless you add a pro beautician to the mix. Before you pop open the champagne, bring the salon to you by booking a nail artist or hairstylist to give everyone a unique mani or an awesome braided 'do. Professional at-home pampering is easier to book than ever, thanks to apps like The Glam App (in 21 cities), GlamSquad, MySpa2go and Priv. If they aren't available in your city, give your fave local salon a call to see if it offers at-home services.

Instead of a Yoga Class….Try a Wellness Retreat

Whether you're all about your moment of Zen or simply trying to live a healthier lifestyle prewedding, it's worth gathering your fellow yogis for more than a 90-minute group class and a smoothie. For complete relaxation and revitalization, plan a weekend escape at a wellness retreat like the Canyon Ranch properties, where you can enjoy healthy menu options and a hefty schedule of exercise classes, healing treatments and more. While destination health/spa resorts are typically boutique (check out the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California), some luxury hotel chains such as the Four Seasons offer comparable services.

Instead of a Booze Cruise….Try Chartering a Yacht

There's nothing better than a glass of wine enjoyed out on the water. Or is there? How about a glass of wine on a private yacht? Take your party up a notch by chartering a private boat for just you and your best girlfriends to enjoy for an afternoon or evening sail. It's a popular service in most waterfront towns. You can book a local boat with a private chefs, a crew or even a tour guide to take you out on a cruise. Enjoy cocktails on the deck and toast to your friendships in style (hopefully with an Instagram-worthy sunset in the background!).

Instead of a Regular Craft Night….Try Learning a New Artsy Skill

If you bond with your crew over knitting needles on a regular basis, shake up your usual craft night and take a group lesson with a pro to learn a new art, like oil painting, calligraphy, floral design or jewelry making. Beginner painting classes, where you can wield your brush and sip on a glass of wine, are popular in many cities, or you can check with your local arts foundation, art supply store or even a local gallery owner for recommendations. Many wedding calligraphers will offer in-home demonstrations for a set price (though materials may not be included).

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