How to Plan a Spa Bachelorette Party

For the bride who prioritizes self-care over shots, a spa bachelorette is the perfect way to relax, unwind, and indulge in some much-needed pampering after months of wedding planning. It’s a great way to bond with your girlfriends while also treating yourself to a little TLC. 

Reuniting with your gal pals from your past, present, and future at your bachelorette can be tricky when it comes to landing on a locale and planning activities that everyone enjoys. A spa bachelorette is something everyone can agree on (and if you’ve been a part of a 10-plus person bridal party, you know exactly how rare that is!)

The best spa bachelorette parties include long days lounging poolside, luxurious treatments, and an overall relaxing atmosphere where you can sit back and chill out with a drink in your hand and your best friends by your side. 

"Relaxation, good energy, and a clean and calm environment are all important elements to a great spa bachelorette weekend," says professional bachelorette party planner Maggie Rester.

Spa bachelorettes aren’t tied to a specific location or season. You can throw a great spa bachelorette party in the city where you live, or jet off to spend a weekend at a highly rated resort. Wherever you decide to relax, recharge, and reconnect before the big day, read on for everything you need to know about how to plan a spa bachelorette party. 

Spa Bachelorette Party Etiquette

Spa bachelorette parties can be a blast, but etiquette questions still come up. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Who throws a spa bachelorette?

Typically the maid of honor plans the bachelorette. When planning a spa bachelorette, the MOH should get the approval of the bride and bridal party before booking accommodations and treatments for the group. If the bridal party wants to pitch in and treat the bride to a surprise massage or facial, the MOH should be the one to coordinate payments and schedule the service.

What happens at a spa bachelorette party? 

A spa bachelorette is a low-key, stress-free weekend. Rest and relaxation are the two main objectives, so expect a loose itinerary with plenty of time allocated to chilling poolside, enjoying a refreshing cocktail or two, and the option to indulge in spa treatments. 

How do you throw a spa bachelorette party?

There are a couple of ways to go about throwing the ultimate spa bachelorette, according to Rester. "You can bring the 'spa' to you and have massage therapists, aestheticians, IV hydration therapy, mani-pedis, etc., come to the vacation rental," she suggests. "The key to this is to create a relaxing environment for guests without having to go anywhere. Typically, each guest can decide what service they want to do, which is great because then everyone can get what they want."

If you’d prefer to indulge in a chic spa weekend getaway, look into the top-rated resorts wherever you plan to have your bachelorette. "Lake Austin Spa or W Hotel [in Austin] is great because you can stay on the property to really immerse in the spa bachelorette weekend experience," says Rester. 

How long should a spa bachelorette last?

A spa bachelorette can be the entire bachelorette weekend, with each day dedicated to a different aspect of wellness. Maybe the first day is spent relaxing by the pool, the second day involves a morning yoga class and afternoon spa treatment, and the third day is spent exploring the resort grounds. 

"[A spa bachelorette] is a great hangover day for the party crew that wants to relax and recover one of the days," says Rester. 

Who pays for a spa bachelorette party? 

"Usually, each guest is responsible for paying their own way and what service they want to get," says Rester. "Occasionally the parents of the bride or groom will cover some expenses."

Budget is an important factor to consider for any bachelorette party, but spa treatments are an added expense that not everyone wants to pay for. "Definitely give the guests the option of what services they can get," she adds. "Some people don't like to spend the additional money—so it's great not to force that on anyone."

Before booking a weekend stay at a high-end resort, check with your bridesmaids to make sure everyone is on board with splurging on accommodations. It would be a great gesture to spring for a single spa service for all your bridesmaids, like a manicure or pedicure. That way, if certain bridesmaids can’t or don’t want to pay for additional spa treatments, they can still leave the weekend feeling pampered. 

Allocate some time during the weekend for the bridesmaids that want to get a facial or massage while the other bridesmaids are doing drinks and appetizers by the pool. 

Who should consider having a spa bachelorette?

Spa bachelorettes are a great choice for the ultimate chill brides who want their friends and family to treat their bachelorette like a true vacation. Sure, everyone is there for the bride and there will inevitably be group outings and dinners, but for the most part, a spa bachelorette isn’t about the bride. 

It’s about taking a break from the stressors of daily life and escaping to a world of tranquility for a weekend. It’s about connection and rekindling friendships with friends and family who’ve moved away over the years—something that’s difficult to do over loud music in a crowded club. 

For brides that are tired of the traditional bachelorette weekend marathon that’s become mega-popular over the last few years, a spa bachelorette is a leisurely weekend spent focusing on friendship and self-care. 

What games or activities can you play?

A spa bachelorette is fairly laid-back in nature, but you should sprinkle in a few activities throughout the weekend to help your bridal party bond with each other and you. Rester suggests having a mimosa or bloody Mary bar if you’re hosting your own spa weekend at the Airbnb.

You can also plan to take a fun workout class together as a group or invite an astrologer to pull tarot cards for your bridesmaids that can guide their future. Modern spas have tons of alternative wellness experiences to explore, from healing salt caves to blissful sound baths. Spend time in nature by taking a short hike or walk along the beach. A spa bachelorette is all about R&R, so whatever games or activities you plan, make sure to leave plenty of time for lounging, pampering, and star-gazing.