Calling all soon-to-be brides, maid of honours and hen party participants! Been to Marbella, done Monte Carlo and need hen party ideas for somewhere new that’s got a sophisticated vibe, glorious beaches and a lively nightlife? Say hello to our brand new destination for hen weekends: Vilamoura.
Located in the Algarve, Vilamoura offers up so much more than your traditional beach holiday. Built from the ground up in the 1980s, this seaside town was created as a playground for the elite. We’re talking exclusive beach clubs, where you can party on Thai sun beds, sipping on cocktails created by master mixologists and watch the sun go down over the glittering waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Vilamoura isn’t just a beach resort. The entire city is built around a fabulous marina that houses swank restaurants, chic cocktail lounges and sumptuous nightclubs. Vilamoura is a vision of perfection, after all this is the place where the rich and beautiful come to play and park their superyachts along the marina.
For the sun seekers in your hen party, Vilamoura doesn’t disappoint. There are a plethora of beaches along the coast that boast white sandy beaches, crystalline water and gorgeous, warm temperatures from April to November.
The most popular stretch of sand in Vilamoura is without a doubt, Praia de Vilamoura. It’s conveniently located between the Marina and Quarteira. It’s a favourite with water sports lovers, with its quality waves and no strong currents to speak of. With a beach bar right there on the sand, we think this screams out summertime vibes for a hen weekend.
You may come for the sun and nightlife, but when it comes to shopping Vilamoura has its fair share of high street, designer and unique brands. Throughout the area, there are tons of places to bag a bargain or buy something spiffy for your best friend’s big day.
By far the most popular place to shop (and eat, drink and dance) is the Marina. This isn’t just somewhere the rich park their big boats. It’s a complex that houses literally hundreds of boutiques. For the girls who’d rather spend their money on cocktails and club entry, but still want to pick something up for posterity, there are plenty of budget friendly establishments. But if you’re a fashionista prepare yourselves! There are tons of unique boutiques, luxury fashion shops and chic places to pick up your next fashion fix. Grab a one of a kind accessory, a pair of statement heels or the perfect designer sunglasses for a day on the beach in this high-end destination.
If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Marina, there are cities and villages close by where you can splash the cash. Hop in a taxi and take the 20 minute ride to Faro, where you’ll find the Algarve’s largest shopping mall. Alternatively, you can hit the seaside town of Quarteira. Famous for handmade linens and clothes, this is the place you come if you want to haggle for one helluva deal on your final fling before the ring.
There’s no shortage of things to do when you’re in Vilamoura. You can always hit the beach, play in the sea and top up your tan. If your girls worship the sun, get them a little squiffy while they bask in the warm weather with cocktail making on the beach or spend a day relaxing under the sun at a fabulous, sophisticated beach club. We’re sure your hen party will love sipping mojitos with the toned, tanned and seriously handsome playboys that come here to getaway!
When you want to take a break from the beach and if the bride’s the sort who’d enjoy an alternative hen do activity why not go for mini golf? It’s bigger than your average venue with 36 holes to enjoy and a bar on site where you can have a celebratory round for the winners.
Sending off the bride in the time honoured way, with an oiled up stripper is easily done in Vilamoura! Check out the hen fiesta night, where your dinner and entertainment is sorted in one quick swoop. Easy for the hen party planner and easy on the eyes for everyone else!
With all the shops around the opulent marina, you wouldn’t think it had room for anything else, but oh, ladies; it does! The Marina is one of the best places to party when the sun goes down with loads of restaurants serving traditional Portuguese food here (think Nandos!) to classic French and Italian cuisine.
There are tons of bars and the entertainment is typically live - which makes for a brilliant experience. The Irish Bar on the Marina is easily the most popular, with its live music, friendly staff and great atmosphere it’s perfect for a single life send off. If you’re missing home (we wouldn’t be!) and want something more familiar, check out the British pub that serves up full English breakfasts and a carvery.
When it comes to dancing ‘til the sun goes down with like-minded party animals, you’ve got to head over to Estrada de Vilamoura. It’s got a wicked venue that caterers to up to 7,000 club goers. It boasts five floors of banging music, open air terraces and it doesn’t close until 7am. Partying into the wee hours just took on a new meaning!
Want more information on how you can wave goodbye to the single life in Vilamoura? Visit our hen party packages or get in touch with our hen party planners for the ultimate bespoke hen party experience.
Date Posted: Tuesday 29th August 2017
Author: Kat Gibbons
