10 Best Girls’ Trips to the Caribbean and Mexico

Gather the girls and head to some of North America’s best destinations.

Did you know that having strong friendships adds years to your life? Seriously, science says so. And if that’s the case, then going on amazing, bond-strengthening trips with your girls is basically investing in your health. Call it an alternative to the gym.

For incredible adventures and year-round warm weather, look no further than these awesome spots in the Caribbean and Mexico that are perfect for a girls’ trip. The quest will be to get the squad together, but if you succeed, you’ll be talking about this vacation when you’re brunching together in your 70s.

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Horseback riding on the beach in Providenciales

Courtesy of Turks and Caicos Tourism Authority

The ultimate girls’ trip destination, Turks and Caicos is straight out of a beach fairytale. Providenciales, the main island, is home to the world-famous Grace Bay Beach, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It is also renowned for its coral walls that bring in snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts.

Want a unique experience? Book a beach horseback riding adventure with Provo Ponies. And when you’re ready for a fun night out, enjoy Infiniti Bar, the longest bar in the entire Caribbean.

Where to stay: Wymara Resorts and Villas is right on gorgeous Grace Bay Beach.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

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Cancun is a little overdone, so instead, go to Puerto Vallarta for a Mexican beach vacation. While we wouldn’t call this a hidden gem, it does have more laid-back vibes and more reasonable prices. Plus, you’ll get to swim in the Mexican Pacific while still partaking in Mexico’s famed nightlife.

Needless to say, the food is amazing and the shopping is divine. What more can you ask for from a girls’ trip destination?

Where to stay: Hotel Mousai offers adults-only luxury and direct access to the Pacific.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Don’t want to worry about passports? Set your sights on gorgeous Puerto Rico. This enchanting island may be small, but it packs a punch. It has beaches, bioluminescent bays, mountains, a tropical rainforest, great food, beautiful historic architecture and an unmatched music scene.

Base your group in San Juan, the charming capital of the island. From here, you can do anything you want — go on an ATV adventure, rappel down waterfalls, visit museums or simply sip piña coladas (the national drink) by the pool. Whatever your heart desires, Puerto Rico offers it.

Where to stay: Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast is set in a converted, eco-friendly colonial home in the heart of Old San Juan.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

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Most people head to Punta Cana, but we’re here to say that Santo Domingo, the Dominican capital, is even better for a girls’ trip. You can book all-inclusive resorts fronting beaches in many places, but you won’t get to see the first city built by the Spanish Empire in the Americas anywhere else.

In the old town, you’ll see monuments and landmarks every few feet. You’ll also find places that serve strong drinks and encourage you to dance merengue and bachata. And if you absolutely have to go to the beach, you can get out of the city for some beautiful and not-so-touristy spots.

Where to stay: Casas Del XVI offers four-star luxury in the city’s historic center.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

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Jamaica’s premier destination is known for its beaches, reggae music, lively bars and food (jerk chicken, anyone?). You and your girls can spend the day exploring waterfalls, going on adventure tours, diving in coral reefs and working on your tans. And at night, you can experience one of the best nightlife scenes in the Caribbean.

Alternatively, you can go for a magical experience and swim at the nearby Luminous Lagoon, an incredible bioluminescent bay where you’ll glow as you move in the water.

Where to stay: Zoetry Montego Bay is all-inclusive luxury at its best.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

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Perhaps Mexico’s most beautiful Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town), San Miguel de Allende is absolutely captivating. It’s located only a few hours north of Mexico City, but it provides an antithesis to the chaos and bustle of the capital.

Instead, you’ll find colonial architecture nestled in the mountains, vineyards, luxurious boutique hotels and high-end restaurants. This is a perfect choice for a chill girls’ trip that centers around culture and pampering the senses.

Where to stay: La Valise is an artisan-inspired boutique that’ll make you feel at home.

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

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Virgin Gorda receives enthusiastic visitors seeking to escape the cold in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Its crown jewel is the Baths, a collection of beaches adorned by large boulders that form pools of crystal-clear water.

This place alone makes the trip worth it. But the squad will also enjoy doing hikes along natural sanctuaries, visiting historic sites and going out on private tour boats that’ll take you to the middle of the Caribbean Sea.

Where to stay: Oil Nut Bay offers eco-conscious experiences like turtle tagging and an interactive nature center.

Willemstad, Curaçao

Beautiful Willemstad embankment, Curacao

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Located outside of the Hurricane Belt, Curaçao is a colorful Dutch Caribbean island. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Willemstad is the island’s popular capital. You’ll find the usual sandy beaches and expansive coral reefs. But you’ll also get unique cuisine (iguana soup is available for intrepid foodies), great museums and lots of places to go shopping.

And if you ever need a break from the water, plan a scenic hike up to Mt. Christoffel for some breathtaking panoramic views.

Where to stay: The Royal Sea Aquarium Resort is steps away from the beach and the island’s impressive aquarium.

Christ Church, Barbados

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Located far from all the clusters of Caribbean islands, Barbados has elements of its counterparts but has also developed a strong individual personality. Take the girls to Christ Church, an area famous for its beaches, nightclubs and astonishing sunsets.

Here, you’ll find beaches with pink sand and a long boardwalk filled with bars and restaurants. But for something truly unique, plan to spend your Friday night at the Harry Bayley Observatory gazing up at the sky.

Where to stay: O2 Beach Club & Spa is perfect for a rowdy girls’ trip.

Merida, Mexico

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There’s a reason the Yucatan Peninsula is so popular for a getaway with friends. The area offers tropical jungles, reefs in the Gulf of Mexico, Maya ruins and amazing adventure parks.

But, again, we encourage you to get out of touristy Cancun and choose a more interesting destination. Our suggestion? Merida, the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatan. The city juxtaposes Maya temples with Spanish colonial architecture, offers everything from street tacos to fine dining and is close to both beaches and jungles. You simply can’t miss it.

Where to stay: WAYAM Mundo Imperial offers wellness experiences such as yoga classes and rituals inspired by Maya traditions.