For spa sessions and spoil-me surrounds...
THE MAGDALEN CHAPTER
Exeter's oh-so stylish new hotel is all about sleek modernity, flamboyant artwork, modish accommodation and sumptuous leisure facilities - not to mention mouth-watering food and moreish cocktails. Where it comes to a luxe hen weekend, The Magdalen Chapter has it covered.
Its location a stone's throw from the city centre means the shops, bars and various hen activities are conveniently close, while Exeter's atmospheric quayside, which is lined with vintage shops and quirky pubs and tearooms, is just a short walk away.
In-between your jaunts into the city, spend your downtime unwinding in the inside-out pool, indulging in a treatment in the REN spa and chilling - with a delectable beverage in hand - in the plush lounge.
The hotel's hen package includes two nights accommodation complete with a full English breakfast each morning and a choice of a one-hour or two 30-minute spa treatments. The price starts from �142.50 per person based on two people sharing a regular room.
You might opt for a personal dinner party in one of the hotel's three private dining rooms for an exclusive dining experience. Menus for a private dinner party start from �19.50 per head for a three-course meal.
www.themagdalenchapter.com
When in Exeter...
Strut your stuff. Enjoy a pin-up and makeover party at Elizabeth Armitage's city centre photography studio (elizabetharmitage.com). Revel in a glamorous few hours having your hair and make-up professionally styled in the era style of your choice, and pose for photos, which will make for covetable keepsakes of a wonderful weekend.
Bride-to-be Emma's fabulous hen party shoot took a 'Romantic Tiger Lily' theme, inspired by her mother's pet name for her since childhood. A pretty and rustic take on the Indian theme, Emma and her bridesmaid enjoyed a vintage afternoon tea and champagne during the hair and make-up preparations. They then worked the camera before a specially commissioned backdrop that worked perfectly with the theme.
Hair Sophia Lewis | Make-up Molly Barrett
Go for cocktails. Decadent, glamorous and delightfully retro, the bar at Southernhay House (southernhayhouse.com) is a super stylish spot to sample the utterly delicious list of concoctions.
Get crafty. Spend a creative few hours at the MakeArt Studio (makeartexeter.com) where you can get stuck into crafts such as decoupage, pottery painting and canvas or fabric painting.
Cook up a storm. Get busy in the kitchen baking whatever tickles your fancy with Exeter cookery school Fun Kitchen (funkitchen.co.uk). Vintage tea party treats are a favourite; or you might even make chocolate truffles or another moreish treat for your wedding favours - thereby ticking off a job on the to-do list while enjoying laughs and sweet nibbles.
For bohemian digs and free-spirited fun...
HOOE'S YURTS
So you fancy something outdoorsy and bohemian with a generous dollop of luxury thrown in for good measure? Hooe's Yurts offers an enticing option. You simply find a campsite or field, and the team will set up a yurt or yurts for a weekend of VIP camping.
Your hen yurts will be designed according to your preferences. A popular option comprises one large yurt - complete with a beautiful Bedouin sitting room and up to 16 beds - making for an opulent sleeping and partying area. Alternatively, opt for a medium sized party yurt and a series of small bedroom yurts, which can be arranged around a fire pit for stargazing and marshmallow-fuelled nighttime chatter.
We're not talking back-to-basics living here: we're talking super comfy beds, piled with soft bedding and linen, and a wood burner to keep you warm and cosy, even in the depths of winter.
www.hooesyurts.co.uk
For seaside daydreams and fabulous food...
SOUTH SANDS
Escape for a weekend by the sea in South Sands bay, where life moves to a slower and altogether more alluring rhythm. Perched on the edge of the beach, boutique hotel South Sands offers sand-between-your-toes style at its best: sink-into-me furnishings and luxe bathrooms alongside a palette of crisp white and nautical stripes. The dreamy seascapes at the walls are surpassed only by the mesmerising ocean views at the window.
The Beach Suites are blissful bolt-holes for a hen weekend. Each suite sleeps six people and comes with oodles of private entertaining space for relaxing, tucking into gourmet feasts and drinking champagne alongside panoramic sea views.
Activities might include a pamper session, cocktail making, a traditional sleepover party or an extravagant dinner party - all in the seclusion of your suite.
Adventurous hens may try their hand at coasteering, power-boating or surfing. If you'd rather stick to dry land, opt for a treasure hunt around Salcombe or even a pub crawl on horseback for a particularly memorable farewell to single life!
www.southsands.com
For rural relaxation and hot tub heaven...
THE RECTOR'S HOUSE
Located on the edge of the quiet North Devon village of Chulmleigh amidst five acres of landscaped gardens and 20 acres of river meadows, this extraordinary house is the perfect pad for a private hen party. The building blends contemporary comforts with quirky features, such as a Victorian grotto nestled in its walls and wonderful art, sculptures and furnishings. What's more, with 12 beautifully styled bedrooms accommodating up to 26 people, you shouldn't need to make any tricky decisions concerning cutting your guest list.
Although the dramatic coast of North Devon and the wilds of Exmoor are close enough for a day trip, you'll be reluctant to leave this veritable playground of a property. There's a tennis court, sauna, dance barn, games room, solar heated outdoor pool and even a hot tub begging for long soaks and excitable chatter under star-speckled skies.
www.housepartysolutions.co.uk
words Rebecca Matthews
Copyright WED Magazine 2013
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