Top 9 Best Friend Getaways | ALOHA Collection
9 YEARS OF GETAWAYS
Celebrate 9 years of Friendship, Adventure, and ALOHA!
Join us, Heather and Rachael, as we look back on the past nine years of ALOHA Collection and share some of our favorite destinations and memories!
Since 2014 we have been building ALOHA and exploring the world together. Along the way, we've discovered amazing locations and hidden gems that continue to inspire us. For us, a friends’ getaway is so much more than a typical vacation. It's our favorite way to connect and make memories with our best friends! As we celebrate our 9 year ALOHA anniversary, we're excited to share our top 9 destinations for the ultimate friends’ getaway!
Grab your favorite travel buddies, pack your suitcases and get ready to travel light! From our favorite beaches to buzzing cities, each location will have you creating your own unforgettable adventures.
Xo,
Heather & Rachael
Cabo San Lucas
Welcome to Cabo, Mexico – the perfect destination for a sun-soaked, endless surf getaway! Heather and I try to go at least once a year, and we are excited to share some of our favorite spots and must-do’s with you.
Where to Stay:
What to Do:
One of our favorite memories from Cabo was taking a boat tour to see the famous El Arco rock formations and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. We also love visiting Todos Santos, a charming town up the coast with colorful buildings, art galleries, and a vibrant cultural scene!
Where to Eat:
Flora Farms: Known for its farm-to-table cuisine, be sure to go early and explore the grounds. This gorgeous outdoor setting has much more to offer than delicious food.
The Office: Known for being the most fun spot in Cabo, we actually love The Office for lunch and afternoon margaritas. This beachfront restaurant serves up delicious Mexican cuisine, be sure to try the fresh ceviche and classic margaritas while you take in the beautiful views of the ocean!
Sunset Mona Lisa: If you’re looking for a stunning sunset dinner, this dreamy cliffside restaurant is a showstopper!
For a Night Out:
Rooftop Bar at The Cape: Ocean views and delicious drinks? Check!
Palm Springs
Who doesn't love Palm Springs? Whether we're spending the day by the pool, soaking up the desert energy on an early morning mike, or enjoying delicious food, it's our go-to destination for a great time with our friends. And the best part? It's just a short two-hour drive from San Diego, making it the perfect location for a quick weekend away!
Where to Stay:
What to Do:
Sit and sip by the pool! We love The Parker Hotel's adult-only pool, where you can unwind, sip great cocktails, and enjoy the stunning mountain views.
The Sound Bath at the Integratron is a must-do during your Palm Springs vacation. This unique experience is a guided meditation that takes place inside a domed structure and uses crystal bowls to create a relaxing and therapeutic environment. After the Sound Bath, you'll feel rejuvenated and ready for the rest of your weekend away!
Where to Eat:
Workshop Kitchen + Bar: This trendy restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine with a modern twist. We loved the bone marrow appetizer and the roasted carrots.
Cheeky's: This popular brunch spot is known for its creative and delicious breakfast dishes. We love their chilaquiles!
Mr Parker’s: Be sure to pack a air of heels and don't miss the chance to dine at Mister Parker's! Located in The Parker Hotel-it’s a must-visit for those who like to get dressed up for dinner.
Mr. Lyons: Go for the Beef Wellington. Stay for the strong (!) martinis!
For a Night Out:
Melvyn’s: Iconic piano bar at the Ingleside Inn. This place is old-school and you’ll feel transported back in time. Grab a martini at the bar, and dance to live music from the piano man.
PASO ROBLES
If you're looking for an amazing wine destination, Paso Robles on the Central Coast of California is an absolute must-visit! It's one of our all-time favorite places because it's home to our favorite winemaker – Daou! We fell in love with Daou's wine and the charming town of Paso Robles when we visited their tasting room in person. Their wines are so good that we just had to see where the magic happens! The vineyards and landscapes in Paso are so beautiful, and you can't help but feel relaxed and rejuvenated after spending a few days here. The downtown area is also super cute with its little shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Where to Stay:
What to Do:
Wine Tasting! Paso Robles has over 200 wineries, making it a wine lover's paradise. You can book a food and wine tour for your girlfriends or hire a driver to explore the best wineries in the region. Here are our faves:
Where to Eat:
Thomas Hill Organics: Another farm-to-table restaurant we love that offers seasonal, locally-sourced dishes in a rustic setting.
Les Petites Canailles: After a day of tastings, you’ll definitely want to head over to Les Petites Canailles, a French restaurant in Downtown City Park. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time because this place is always packed. Bon appétit!
Daou: Order the Charcuterie and Mezzo platters. Their cheese pairings will change your life!
For a Night Out:
Eleven Twenty-Two: After a day in the vines, check out this full-blown Prohibition-era speakeasy. You can access the bar through a hidden backdoor, where you'll learn the "rules" in a dimly lit room and surrender your phone. Once inside, you and your girls will enjoy a fun experience with vintage music and 1920s cocktails.
Charleston, South Carolina
Southern hospitality is alive and well in Charleston, y’all! This is one of our all-time favorite cities and perfect pick for a friends’ getaway. It's like stepping back in time with horse-drawn carriages, cobblestone streets, flickering street lanterns, and beautiful magnolia-filled gardens. And did we mention the delicious low-country resturants? Charleston has that irresistible Southern charm that grabs hold of you and never let's go. Trust us, once you experience it, you'll be just as in love as we are!
Where to Stay:
What to Do:
Take a historical bicycle tour. We are fortunate to have a local friend, an 11th-generation Charlestonian (and former tour guide) who took us on an unforgettable historical tour of the city on bicycles, and let us tell you, it was one of the absolute highlights of our trip. Not only did we learn about the city's incredible history, but we also had the chance to make (several) pit stops for oysters and Rosé along the way!
Where to Eat:
Vern’s: This is a great spot to grab dinner and drinks with the girls. It’s small, quaint, and gets crowded, so if you go, be sure to book a table in advance! The escargot with tarragon and Gruyère sauce is SO good.
Chez Nous: Chez Nous is a charming little French restaurant that captures the European vibe perfectly. With a fresh hand-written menu of six options created by the chef daily, you can taste the love and dedication in every dish. It's a wonderful place to experience a slice of Europe!
Leon’s Oysters Shop: This was a pit stop on our bicycle tour. Known for their fried chicken, oysters, and surprisingly impressive champagne menu, it's a fun mix of high and low. Don't miss their famous fried chicken sandwich with fish seasoning and freshly made in-house buns, and definitely give their grilled oysters a try too!
Babas on Meeting: Head here for brunch and ABSOLUTLEY order the biscuit tower. You'll have to book it in advance, but, you will thank us!
For a Night Out:
Citrus Club: Located on the 8th floor of The Dewberry Hotel is the perfect spot for sunset sips with your besties. It has 360-degree views of the Ashley River, Charleston Harbor, and the Ravenal Bridge.
The Cocktail Club: This place has it all: a great atmosphere, a high-end cocktail menu, and awesome live music for dancing. Try the passion fruit-infused Certified Lover Boy or the 95 Miles an Hour, swirled with espresso.
The Commodore Live music is everywhere in Charlston but The Commodore never disappoints with classic cocktails, music, and dancing!
Mo’orea, Tahiti
Where to Stay:
What to Do:
Spend the Day on a Motu island
If you only do one thing in Mo’orea, book a boat and spend the day on a motu! We book with Corralina Tours. They will pick you up at your hotel dock by boat, where you’ll embark on a full day of fun. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot pods of dolphins, swim with reef sharks and stingrays, and drift dive with sea turtles. Once you reach the motu, your guides will prepare a delicious traditional Polynesian lunch featuring mouthwatering Poisson Cru and fresh fish. After lunch, spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and simply unwinding in paradise. It was truly an unforgettable experience!
Where to Eat:
Snack Mahana For the ultimate lunch experience on the island, Snack Mahana Mo’orea is a must-visit. To secure a waterfront table, try to arrive outside the usual lunch rush, and you'll easily spot the place by the line of cars parked along the street. Get the grilled Mahi Mahi, the burger, and the french fries.
Rudy’s Rudy's Mo’orea is a French restaurant in Maharepa and one of our favorite places to eat on the island. They serve a fusion of French and seafood dishes as well as great drinks! Look out for the owner, Syd–he’s a local legend and always has great stories to tell!
Allo Pizza Dine in or deliver to your hotel. We always do at least one night here when we are on the island! Their woodfired pizzas always hit the spot after a long day out on the water.
For a Night Out:
Moorea Beach Cafe + Yacht Club: Great spot to sip on sunset cocktails overlooking the water in Maharepa. Fun music and lively atmosphere.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
We absolutely love Italy, and there's one place that has us coming back year after year—the Amalfi Coast. We fell in love with it on our first trip to Italy and have come back several times with our friends and family.
Where to Stay:
What to Do:
Rent a boat and take a day trip to Capri! We cruised around the island making stops at the Arco Naturale, Tiberius' Leap, the Faraglioni Rocks, the grottoes, and the Punta Carena Lighthouse. Stop at the Capri Rooftop Lounge Bar for a spritz in the afternoon before heading back to the mainland.
Where to Eat:
Chez Black: Located right on the sand in Positano. Get the spaghetti alle vongole! We also love their freshly caught langoustines.
Da Adolfo Beach Shack: A boat-in lunch spot on Laurito Beach. Book a reservation and wait on the jetty for the gozzo boat with the iconic red fish on its mast to pick you up. It's an experience you won't want to miss!
Lo Scoglio: Sitting above the waves at Lo Scoglio, chilled white wine, and dining on farm (and sea) to table dishes is why we come to Italy. Try their famous zucchini spaghetti and seafood risotto–both are out of this world.
For a Night Out:
Il Tridente Cocktail Bar & Restaurant: Head here for sunset aperitifs! It’s a gorgeous rooftop bar in the center of Positano with lounge chairs and a huge deck overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Austin, Texas
Where to Stay:
What to Do:
See live music! Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, so be sure to catch a show while you're in town. Venues like the Continental Club, Stubb's BBQ, the White Horse, and Antone's are great places to start! Pro Tip: The White Horse offers free dance lessons Thursday to Saturday at 7 pm.
Where to Eat:
Clark's Oyster Bar: “The freshest oysters in Texas.” Order from the raw bar and if you’re in the mood–caviar!
Guero's Taco Bar on South Congress is the REAL Margaritaville with 19 flavors to choose from, making it the perfect spot to grab a marg and people-watch.
BBQ: In Austin, BBQ is a national treasure, and choosing just one spot is an impossible task, but here are some of our favorite joints:
Geraldine’s: Located at the Hotel Van Zandt. Lively atmosphere, live music, and delicious Southern dishes. It’s family style, so start with small shared plates. We loved the cheddar tater tots and crispy pork ribs!
Ranch 616 : This spot is the original home of Ranch Water, serving up delicious Southwestern cuisine in a Texana-themed setting. It's the perfect place to start your night out on 6th Street!
For a Night Out:
The Jackalope: Classic ATX dive bar. Don’t miss the giant Jackalope statue inside!
Midnight Cowboy: Another speakeasy-style bar–great spot for an old fashioned.
Montauk
We love MTK! Don’t worry, the drive (and traffic) from Manhattan is totally worth it. We first visited for a friend's bachelorette, and we've been hooked ever since. Montauk's surf culture, awesome dining scene, and laid-back beach atmosphere make it an essential destination for an East Coast getaway. Soak up the sun, catch some waves at Ditch Plains, and experience a quintessential Hamptons weekend in Montauk.
Where to Stay:
What to Do:
When in Montauk, check out the Beach Club at Gurney's. This expansive 2,000-ft-long private beach is a must-visit, even if you're not a guest at the resort. Whether you rent a daybed or want to relax by the bar, you'll love the endless flow of rosé and the chilled-out atmosphere. It's the ultimate place to spend a full day in MTK!
Where to Eat:
The Crow’s Nest: Book a table and come early to catch the sunset down at the beach bar by the lake. The menu is classic seafood but with a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean twist. Get the lobster pasta!
Duryea’s Lobster Deck: Lobster + Rosé. On the deck at sunset. That's it. That's the rec. You're won’t be disapointed.
Happy Bowls: Perfect spot for an acai bowl after a surf session at Ditch Plains
The Inlet: Best sushi in Montauk. Pro Tip:If you are on a boat, you can pull right up for dockside dining.
For a Night Out:
Surf Lodge: Yes, it’s a total scene and can be difficult to get into–but if you’ve made it all the way out, it’s a must-go. Pro Tip: Make a reservation for dining instead of fighting the crowds at the rope.
MYKONOS
When Mykonos calls, we answer! We've been returning almost every year since our first visit in 2017. The island offers a perfect balance of fun and relaxation with its beach clubs, nightlife, beautiful shorelines, amazing food, and legendary sunsets.
Where to Stay:
What to Do:
Mykonos has a beach for every type of traveler. Soak up the sun and take a swim in the blue waters of Platios Gialos. If you're looking for a more secluded and bohemian vibe, head over to trendy Ftelia Beach. To see and be seen, Psarou Beach is the place to be with its luxe beach clubs and chic crowd. Lastly, take a scenic walk to the peaceful Panormos Beach and unwind in its tranquil atmosphere.
Where to Eat:
Yialo Yialo: located on Platios Gialos beach, Yialo Yialo is a favorite of ours. The staff is SO fun, and it’s a great place to have an early dinner before heading to Scorpios. If you see Giovanni, the host, tell him the ALOHA girls sent you!
To Maereio: We discovered this gem a few years back–it’s hidden in the maze of Mykonos Town, but worth the effort to find! It’s run by two brothers, and it feels like you are dining in their home–the best food in Mykonos!
Katerina's Restaurant & Cocktail Bar: Best lunch spot in Little Venice, with views of the Aegean Sea and the ‘_Kato Myloi_’, aka the famous windmills. Don't miss out on their delicious moussaka, and if Nektarios, the bartender, happens to be working, be sure to indulge in one of his phenomenal cocktails because he is THE BEST! Fun Fact: The place is named after Mykonos' first female ship captain!
Kiki’s Taverna: There is no sign here, and there will probably be a wait, but it’s worth it for the marinated anchovies and vibrant salads.
Pro Tip: There are tons of fun shops in Mykonos Town’s winding streets, where you can score linen shirts and dresses, locally-made leather sandals, and handcrafted jewelry.
For a Day + Night Out: (because it’s Mykonos, and you should do both!)
Hippie Fish is a laid-back, low-key beach club. They also have an incredible restaurant that serves local, sustainable seafood–this place is perfect for a day of swimming, seafood, and chilling.
Principote Mykonos A beach club with a sushi bar in Mykonos? YES PLEASE!
Astra Bar This is one of our favorite places to go out in Mykonos Town. It's a classic spot to listen to late-night music, dance, and people-watch.
Scorpios Mykonos: This is our go-to spot in Mykonos. Every night we're on the island, we end up coming here! We love starting our evenings with sunset cocktails, and once the DJs and live music kick in, the atmosphere becomes electric. It’s a GORGEOUS property you have to experience. Pro Tip:They also have a Day Club and restaurant—we highly recommend eating here at least once!
Packing Essentials and Tips
Ultimate Packing Guide: What to Pack for a Memorable Getaway
Anniversary Tote:
Heather and I love going with the flow and following the “open doors”. That's why the Reverse Tote is a must-have for any trip. It's the perfect companion for our impromptu invites, seamlessly transitioning from beach to bar and day to night. No itinerary here—just good times and letting our trips unfold organically!
Mini Pouch:
Rachael: This is great for packing light. If we are going from day to night, the mini pouch is great for packing a few essentials to go. I can fit a lip gloss, bronzer, mascara, brow gel, and a foundation stick.
Small Pouch:
Rachael: I always pack an extra small pouch for my bikinis! If you have the chance to dip into the ocean or pool before a flight, we always have a place to put my wet swimwear.
Dopp Kit:
Heather: I like to travel with full-sized products, and the Dopp Kit is perfect for packing my shampoo, conditioner, skincare products, etc. I never have to worry about spills and love having my “full” beauty routine on the go.
Mid Pouch:
Rachael: I always use the Mid to organize my tote–no matter what bag I am carrying, the Mid pouch will keep me organized. It’s also great as a casual clutch for girls' nights out!
MAX:
Heather: I love to outfit plan, and I use the Max pouches to separate my activewear, daytime, and nighttime outfits. Also–it makes my suitcase so much more fun!