Help for my wife's 40th with her best friends
 

So my wife wants to go somewhere for her 40th with a few of her best friends. I have always been able to surprise her and do something amazing when it comes to these things. I need some help because I'm not sure of all the places that can be explored here. So here are the details:

Background first; Multiple cruises (Eastern and Western Caribbean, Jamaica, St. Thomas), St. Lucia (Sandals resort), FL beaches all over the state, and eastern Tennessee in the mountains.

- Most important question you will ask; budget is not an issue however, I'd rather not go over $3,000 per person for the vacation (not including airfare if possible).
- Timeframe is 4-5 days and her birthday is the first week of June.
- 3-4 women, 3 of which in the 30-40 age range and one mid 50's, all very active women
- They LOVE the beach, waterfalls, lakes and ocean so to be close, if not waterfront, is desired.
- Somewhere in wine country with beautiful scenery and lots of culture would suit them as well.
- They are basic with food but there need to be options. They don't need gourmet.
- They had a margarita bar near their last vacation together over 10 years ago and still talk about it so there needs to be GREAT, reasonably priced, options for that very close, like walking distance from the hotel/condo.
- Flying is no problem and out of the country is fine too, all-inclusive in the Caribbean stepping out of the room onto the sand is probably where I'm leaning to.
- No dives or hard to get to locations, however private or secluded locations are welcomed as well. I want this to be a vacation to talk about for the next 10-20 years if not longer.

So I hope I gave enough for detailed responses and solid options.

Ok, 3...2...1...and GOOOOOOOOOOOO!

OK -- definitely not tropical -- But I'd maybe consider the Carmel area. Lots of vineyards/wineries, beautiful ocean scenery, good to great food, pubs/bars, nice shopping, Big Sur, maybe a casual lunch at Nepenthe.

http://whiskeytangoglobetrot.com/wp-...2/Nepenthe.jpg

(if they went in May the weather might be better though -- can be foggy in June.)

When you say "out of the country" I assume you mean outside of the US. If so, and you are considering a trip length of only 4 or 5 days that would rule out anything in Europe, Asia or the south pacific since you'll lose at least 1.5 to 2 days just "getting there". I suggest you limit your search to North and Central America or perhaps the Caribbean.

Now, if they would like "wine country" - there are lots of options but probably one of the best areas with a concentration of vineyards would be Sonoma and Napa Valley regions in California. It's easy to reach from most areas of the us - fly into San Francisco then a little more than an hour's drive north. Lot's of hotel and B&B options to choose from and a whole slew of restaurants. Obviously, "wine country" won't be anywhere near a beach so "waterfront accommodations are out of the picture.

If you want a "beach vacation" with great dining options look at Bermuda - short flights from most US east Coast airports, wonderful beaches, many dining options. St. Barth's is another great option - many upscale hotels on beautiful beaches, some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean, great shopping and it is a very safe island - perfect for unescorted women.

>>probably one of the best areas with a concentration of vineyards would be Sonoma and Napa Valley regions in California.<<

Napa/Sonoma would be the obvious wine area -- but there are MANY other terrific wine regions all over California -- The reason I suggested Carmel/Monterey was for the other amenities/scenery in the immediate area.

But a long spa weekend in the Sonoma Valley (better IMO then Napa) w/ wine tasting, maybe an excursion to the coast, would be fun.

For something really memorable, yet doable in your time frame - Iceland!
Where would everyone be coming from? That would affect travel time and so affect suggestions for only a few days.

This is a wonderful place for a girls getaway. I realize it isn't what you've indicated but I thought it might be worth a look.

I spent 5 days there and it was heaven. Classes, food, walks, talks, spa, and much more all included.

Fly into Las Vegas and take a shuttle [2 hours] or into St. George

http://redmountainresort.com/

Daily activities:

http://redmountainresort.com/calendar

Where are they starting from (as far as figuring airfare)?

Not sure if you have booked a trip yet for your wife's bday, but I just got back from Iceland and it was AMAZING!! I'm from California and going to Napa Valley for wine tasting is definitely fun, but Iceland was so fun. And so beautiful. We took a short flight to Switzerland too, and neither place was too expensive.

Not sure if you have booked a trip yet for your wife's bday, but I just got back from Iceland and it was AMAZING!! I'm from California and going to Napa Valley for wine tasting is definitely fun, but Iceland was so fun. And so beautiful. We took a short flight to Switzerland too, and neither place was too expensive.

>>Not sure if you have booked a trip yet. . . .<<

The OP registered, posted once and never returned. Doubt if he is still planning,

Her birthday is first week of June, so he still has plenty of time.

yep - he has time. But he never came back so I doubt he is interested . . .

OR - he is one of those newbies who assumes that Fodors will notify him when there is activity on his thread. We lose a lot of people that way - they think no one responded.