HOT GIRLIE GETAWAYS

 

FORGET BRIGHTON OR BARCELONA - TRY ONE OF THESE COOL NEW DESTINATIONS FOR A GIRLIE WEEKEND AWAY

By Amanda Morison

BEST FOR... SUN AND SHOPPING

 

Palma, Majorca

This city is fantastic for eating and shopping in the sunshine, and is known for its chilled-out vibe. You might even spot regular visitors Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

What to do: Eat the finest tapas at La Boveda or La Cuchara (a favourite of Claudia Schiffer). For shopping, Spanish chains Zara and Mango are about 25 per cent cheaper than the UK, while Bossa sells jewellery and designer clothes. Party after dark at Tito’s on the Passeig Maritim, which has a dance terrace overlooking the beach.

Getting there: Two nights at the hip Puro hotel cost from £230, including flights (www.originaltravel.co.uk). Easyjet flies to Palma de Mallorca from £49.99 return (www.easyjet.co.uk).

 

BEST FOR... PARTYING

 

Tallinn, Estonia

By day the atmospheric Old Town in this fairy-tale city is great for sightseeing, but by night it’s all about letting your hair down.

What to do: Browse the market near Viru Gates for amber jewellery and linen, then go for afternoon tea at Café Chocolaterie. For a lively night, Karja Street is home to Irish-themed pubs – but if it’s sophistication you’re after, try Stereo, which has Estonia’s hottest DJs.

Getting there: Two nights at the Vana Wiru hotel cost from £278 B&B, including flights (www.inghams.co.uk).

 

BEST FOR... THE BEACH

 

Tel Aviv, Israel

The country’s cultural capital boasts miles of golden beaches lapped by the Med, plus designer shopping and fabulous restaurants.

What to do: Go shopping for designer goods – though prices are on a par with the UK. For boho chic clothes, head to Allenby or Shenkin streets. Base yourself in the old city port area for cocktails – Erlich is the current hot bar.

Getting there: Two nights at the Cinema Hotel cost from £342 per person, including flights (www.thomson.co.uk).

 

BEST FOR... SEAFOOD

 

Marseille, France

This southern city is celebrated for its glorious beaches, while fishwives still shout out the day’s catch in the old port.

What to do: Sample bouillabaisse, a saffron-scented fish stew, and visit one of the shops selling Marseille’s traditional olive oil soap. The Vieux Port has the best bars – try Le Guépard for fruity cocktails on the terrace.

Getting there: Doubles at the Pullman Marseille Palm Beach cost from around £120 (www.accorhotels.com). BA flies to Marseille from £76 return (www.ba.com).

 

BEST FOR... COCKTAILS

 

Belgrade, Serbia

The capital city is famous for its medieval Old Town and fabulous nightlife.

What to do: For traditional veal schnitzel try Daca. If shopping is on the agenda, don’t expect great boutiques, but look out for the cute hand-painted wooden icons. If you want to party, the Old Town has the coolest bars.

Getting there: Two nights at the Srbija Hotel, flights from London included, cost around £225 per person (www.expedia.co.uk).

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