1. Understand that “Girlfriends” go shopping for their Girlfriend Getaway options and the internet is the first place women go to shop these days. Have a girlfriend getaway tab that shares special girlfriend getaway services, amenities, Getaway Tips and packages.
2. When Girlfriends call reservations be sure that your team understands that it is hard for Girlfriends to give themselves permission to get away so be sure to acknowledge this girlfriend time with a “congratulations and we understand how hard it is to get away”. We tend to handle male getaways (golf outings, fishing trips, etc.) with more ease as they are activity based. Women buy a feeling not an activity.
3. Make booking the reservation easy. We are coordinating a lot of people (2 to 4 is the average size of a girlfriend getaway) so help us not stress.
4. Offer connecting rooms when ever possible – girlfriends like to hang out together and having nearby rooms is more important than most Resorts understand.
5. Include room service breakfast that Girlfriends can share together if we chose
6. If you have rooms with sitting areas or suites with connecting rooms be sure to mention them. At a minimum, Girlfriends want to be on the same floor and the closer the better. There is so much to talk about!
7. Offer a “we hold your lounge chairs pool side” service so regardless of when we hit the pool (a major girlfriend getaway bonding spot) we have chairs together.
8. If you have cabanas offer them as a package option
9. Girlfriends like options so be sure to share added value components like manicures, pedicures, facials, gift cards, etc.
10. If you have a concierge be sure they are promoted to help Girlfriends so they don’t have to organize and coordinate various activities. Girlfriends are trying to level their responsibilities behind for this getaway and letting go of their never-ending to do list is part of that desire.
11. If you have in-house or local entertainment be sure to let Girlfriends know the schedule and any transportation needs or reservations required.
12. Resort credits per Girlfriend are a great way to allow women the chance to chose and not be obligated to any one activity.
13. Views and balconies are a great added value. Please be sure you have enough chairs for us all to sit out and hang together.
14. Girlfriends need hangers. We love free pressing services and if someone can shine our shoes we will bring a few extras as we don’t have time to get them done at home! Sounds crazy and if you don’t believe me just ask a Girlfriend!
15. Packages are great for girlfriends as long as they are flexible. Girlfriend getaways are about relaxation not being on a schedule. Where you can do a make your own package you will not only meet the need you will also find that girlfriends will spend more.
16. A pre-arrival email sharing directions to the hotel, weather, transportation information, amenities that is above the fold and helps girlfriends get excited and packing!
17. Offer a special Girlfriends room service breakfast
18. Suite accommodations are a plus as we love to catch up in the living room. ‘
19. Girlfriend Getaways are about bonding not necessarily activity. Promote your areas to catch up and talk. For example:
- Sitting areas/Hang-out areas
- Pool/Beach area
- Spa (or nearby Day Spa)
- Shopping and easy transportation to it
- Nearby Dining options (girlfriends like options)
20. Girlfriends love amenities: Some ideas include:
- Champagne to celebrate their getaway upon arrival
- Special discounts or gift certificates for area shopping
- Easy transportation service that ensures our safety and we don’t lose time together being lost
- Complimentary makeovers by your nearby department store
- Lush robes so we can sit and relax
- Yoga or meditation classes
- Relaxing CD with aromatherapy
For ideas on what gals are looking for when planning a girlfriend getaway, check out the conversations going on!
