Looking forward to your 40th? What if it involved a spa weekend getaway with a group of your closest friends? Now 40 doesn't seem so bad, does it? Recently my best friend turned 40. We had been discussing what she wanted to do for her big 4-0! We talked about a big party, a small party, dinner party, spa day, etc. She finally decided that she wanted to have a weekend getaway with some of her friends. Her husband set her up at The Hyatt Lost Pines, just outside of Austin with two, 2 bedroom suites for a weekend. She was able to treat herself and her friends to a girls getaway celebration. We went down on a Friday and ate dinner, stayed up late talking, dancing and celebrated. Saturday was spent together at the spa and we had lunch and relaxed. We hung out, talked, caught up on each other's lives, read magazines, books and listened to some great OLD music (Double Dutch Bus, Celebration, Tainted Love). All the girls pitched in and presented the birthday girl with a gift card to her favorite store. She later picked out a beautiful ring to remind her of the friendships she cherishes.
As we made dinner plans for Saturday night, we made sure the manager knew about the birthday girl. We ended up being able to take their shuttle bus (with a driver) into Austin to drive us around. On an occasion like this, it is worth talking to the manager to see if they can help with anything to make the celebration more special. We took the shuttle bus into Austin and celebrated another night with dinner and karaoke! We had lots of fun acting crazy. We got a big kick out of some (young) people asking us if we were having a bachelorette party. We were thrilled and appreciative when they acted as if they couldn't believe it was a 40th birthday celebration! We made some great memories and started off this chapter of our lives with fun and friends.
This idea can be incorporated into a less expensive version, too. A few friends can split a room, at a hotel or stay at one persons house while the rest of the household is sent away. You can do your own manicures and pedicures. Hang out by the pool, shop, take a walk, visit and have fun. The main idea was to spend some uninterrupted time together with some friends reminiscing and celebrating. Be on the lookout for more ideas on celebrating milestone birthdays.
Cammie Moise