When I think about it, the sleepovers with my besties in middle and high school were my first girls trips. Occurring often after a school dance, we loved watching movies and talking about life, sometimes till the wee hours of the morning. Life with my roommate and college bestie felt the same and when we moved into the Kappa house that feeling of a fun sleepover with your best girls was an endless supply. I am eternally grateful for my friends new and old. There is nothing like those who have grown up by your side, but it is also the greatest gift to develop bonds with those navigating the same seasons as you. Since moving back to our hometown area I’ve had the fortune of finding sweet Mom friends who are also in the weeds of raising littles. When we started tossing out the idea of a getaway and realized we actually had a weekend free of birthday parties and extracurricular activities, we immediately put “Girl’s Trip” on our calendar and started planning. Back and feeling better than ever here are my thoughts on the recipe for a fun mom’s trip, plus details on why the Ritz-Carlton Naples was the perfect spot for our trip.
The Right Destination – First of all, figure how much you can or want to travel to get to your spot. We decided driving distance was perfect since one of our mamas was still nursing, one of us had never left their kiddos before, and all of us liked the idea of being able to get back quickly. Plus, the less travel time the more play time! To hone in on your location, you also want to think about what you want your trip to look like. Is your group planning to stay in relaxation mode with the goal to move as little as possible? Are you all busy bees who need an endless supply of activities? Chances are you’re like our group and are a bit of a mix. The Ritz-Carlton Naples fit the bill because it truly has everything on property. To read more on the specific details of the property, here is the post I wrote after Curtis and I visited this summer. I knew then I’d be back again and again. It features an epic spa, multiple pools including a “Relaxation” pool that is 18+, a dreamy beach, golf, tennis, fitness classes and multiple restaurants and shops. Even if you never left the resort, everyone in your group would be happy. I fall more into the “move as little as possible” category for quick trips like this, but I’m so glad my friends pushed to head off the property and explore the shops of 5th and 3rd. The shopping did me in and I am seriously considering a day trip down there sometime just for the unique boutiques and home decor stores. I’m including some specific recommendations at the end of this post for anyone headed to Naples.
Childcare – A key part of a mom’s getaway is the actual “getting away” and getting over #momguilt is a real thing. With a few kid-free trips scheduled back-to-back this fall, I was having a bit of a struggle leaving the girls and Curtis. Not to mention Margaret spontaneously combusted at our school assembly sobbing that she didn’t want me to leave literally fromt of everyone. Talk about a knife in the heart! But having childcare that you feel good about is so important in order to be able to unwind and connect on a getaway. To work through these feelings I remind myself of a few things. First, that I’ve done it before and I know it will all be fine. While I am away I think about how the girls are loved and thriving, and how I get to connect and recharge, which helps me be the best version of myself. I’ll use that reminder again and again, honoring the reality that it is hard to leave my babies but that I know from experience it is so important for my relationships, whether it is a trip with my husband or friends. Furthermore, I see my absence as an opportunity for the person stepping in. Whether it is Dad time or grandparent time, they make special memories with Margaret and Catherine and have a unique chance to strengthen their bond in a way they wouldn’t if I were around. I am not saying this is easy for me- I literally developed a stress rash on my neck the morning we were leaving and my friends were like, “Seriously, are you okay?” But it was quick to disappear once we got settled and I felt great the entire weekend. It was honestly all perfect.
The Right Accomodations – Figure out where you’ll stay. Will you rent a house or find a resort? We wanted to be as relaxed as possible and the signature Ritz-Carlton service had us all in awe. We felt taken care of at every turn, our needs anticipated and our time celebrated. Plus we knew the room set-up would be great – the five of us planned to split the cost of our lodging and we were able to reserve a suite style room that connected to another standard room with two double beds. We were all together so there was never the odd gal out, but we had privacy when necessary and plenty of bathrooms. Here is a link for more details on the specific layout we had.
SWAG – We were all so into this trip we couldn’t help ourselves and each set out in search for some swag to share. Matching PJ’s, monogrammed wine tumblers, face masks, tote bags and personalized cosmetic bags. I wouldn’t say this is a key ingredient to a girls trip but I think of it like a garnish, like a maraschino cherry that sweetens the deal and looks super cute too. I’ll never forget all gabbing in our room, in our cozy matching jammies with face masks slathered on, like we were teens at a slumber party. The right girls trip gear can help set the mood for a fun weekend. Here are the links to the gear we brought.
Pajamas Monogrammed Tumbler Personalized Cosmetic Bag Tote Bag
A Cause For Celebration – If there is someone in your group celebrating something near to the trip, what a fun time to highlight it. In my travel experience, Ritz-Carlton properties do a fabulous job celebrating with you, yet another reason why we picked the Ritz-Carlton Naples. Whatever it may be, a job promotion, birthday, or any noteworthy milestone – live it up! If you really can’t think of something, then just finding time to be together is a reason to celebrate in my book.
Dancing – We lucked out and one of the hotel’s restaurants, DUSK, had a DJ the last night we were there and we shut it down! But that was a happy accident and if you pick a destination where going out isn’t easy, bring the dance party to you by getting your playlist ready and packing a speaker. For us I think it added to that feeling we got from a sleepover with our girl friends in high school. We danced all night and headed back to the room to put on face masks and stay up talking way past our bedtimes.
Flexibility – I think the key to a trip with different personalities is respecting everyone’s differences. Your friend group may be similar but within every drynamic there are different personalities, preferences, needs and desires. Some may want to get up early and some may need to sleep in. Some may turn into pumpkins at 10 PM and some may want to party hardy. The key is communicating and planning for it. My roommate for the weekend has a super hard time with any light in the room while sleeping and I’m so glad she told me that so could be careful to keep the room dark. This is not the time to say “it’s totally fine” when it’s not. You can go with the flow but also speak to your needs or preferences and remember you’re with your friends after all and they’ll get it!
Future Plans – One of the hardest parts is finding the time to put all these ingredients together and actually get-away. I know some mamas who know that every year during the same month they’re going to have their annual girls trip. Maybe even pick the date for your next adventure while you’re on your current trip. However you do it, keep making time for those important to you. Right now, my family is everything to me and I think moms everywhere know that feeling of putting the needs of your children and family first and certainly we are in the season where that is what it looks like many days. But sometimes we need to tend to our own garden and for me last weekend looked like a little momcation. While we were dancing, my friend Sarah noticed some fun ladies sitting next to us that she was able to coax out on the dance floor. They were on a trip with their husbands but they’d all become friends when their kids started elementary school together and in fact two of them had been friends since they were four. Now they’re all grandmothers and they’re still get traveling together- it was such a perfectly timed moment and chance for us to appreciate the foundation of friendship we are building – and dance with some super fun women!
Our time on Naples 5th and 3rd Avenues included:
The Best of Everything – This store truly has everything. A fun treasure trove of scarves, costume jewellery, hats, little gifts, and pretty much, literally, everything.
Giggle Moon – A precious little children’s store filled to the brim with books, toys, and clothes. A good mix of styles but leaning towards modern baby clothes vs. traditional styles like smocking and applique. I found lots for the girls and would go back again and again if I lived in Naples. Perfect place to bring home a souvenir for your littles.
Monogram Goods – Was highly recommended and it did not disappoint. I could have taken home everything in there but took home a Brooke Wright printed dress and the most darling baby toy for Catherine. Will be calling them repeatedly for special gifts and monogrammed goods. The ladies helping us there were also a delight.
Jane’s Cafe on 3rd – Another recommendation that hit the mark. I had the Pyjama Rum Punch and Crab Cake melt for anyone curious and it was SO GOOD. We sat in the courtyard and the ambiance was positively charming.
A Mano – An impulse shopping stop since it was right next to lunch but wow, was it the right call. More dreamy home decor items alongside precious children’s clothes. I was tempted by their Beaufort Bonnet Company selection they had but ended up sticking with my Brooke Wright theme for the day and got Margaret a dress of her own. Plus some acrylic rocks glasses for Curtis’ poolside scotch. Safety first after all, no glassware on the pool deck!
Beth Mone Children’s Shop took all my money. Actually the opposite because they were (possibly are, maybe consider calling) having a great sale on children’s clothes. I found a bunch of Florence Eiseman for 50%-80% off. Sale or not, their selection of traditional and heirloom children’s clothes was stunningly large. A mom on a girls trip missing her babies didn’t stand a chance in here and I walked away totally fine with that!
There are so many truly fabulous shops all around here. You’ll hear about 5th Avenue a bunch and it was awesome, but I feel like 3rd was ultimately my happy place.
Dear gracehamlin.com webmaster, Your posts are always well received by the community.
Hello gracehamlin.com admin, You always provide practical solutions and recommendations.
Dear gracehamlin.com webmaster, Your posts are always well-received and appreciated.