Looking for Alternative Hen Party Inspiration? Bridesmaids We’ve Got You!
Just one of the wonderful parts of a hen party is the bringing together of some of the bride’s favourite people for some quality time. It builds new friendships and allows new connections, so when the big day arrives there's even more reason to have a wonderful day because you all enjoyed this wonderful shared experience.
So, for bridesmaids looking for alternative hen party inspiration, here at our New Forest spa hotel we have everything you need for an unforgettably beautiful weekend of celebration.
In a world that is pretty busy and bustling for your attention, keeping the hen party fairly calm and tranquil sounds like the best of both a celebration and a mini break away.
Alternative hen parties can tap into connection in a whole new way, with all the elements you want from a traditional hen party, with a little more space for the special moments.
We have just a few reasons why you might be ready to ditch tradition (just a little) and make it a spa break in the heart of an ancient woodland…
What Are the Best Ideas for Planning an Inclusive Hen Party?
It can be difficult to accommodate different groups of friends and family on the traditional hen party, but a short break away in the New Forest allows it to be inclusive and bring everyone together. On hotel hen weekend or spa break everyone has the option to join the activities or keep it relaxed, skip one and join another later.
Easy Access From London
For hens heading from in and around London, the drive is around 85 miles, so everyone can access the New Forest National Park in just 2 – 3 hours. Or hop on a train direct to Brockenhurst station and everyone could be chatting and sipping Prosecco in under 2 hours.
Looking for Small and Intimate Hen Party Ideas?
Today, hen parties aren’t simply an excuse to party, they offer a bride’s closest friends and family a little bit of downtime and the opportunity to recharge.
Keeping the group small allows you to keep things simple and more personal. Less people-management and organisation and more real time to enjoy time together.
Open a bottle of bubbly and chat in your hotel rooms all afternoon, or head to the spa and simply roam and relax if that’s what you are dreaming of. Small groups need less organising, allowing you all to go with the flow and be more spontaneous.
Connections & Cocktails
Swap noisy nightclubs and expensive taxis with a sophisticated hotel bar and a short stroll to and from your hotel rooms.
Sip prosecco and get ready for a delightful celebration dinner, and then head down to the hotel bar for cocktails. Eat great food in one of three hotel restaurants, reminisce and make new memories, together. Choose between aromatic and authentic Thai delights at the Zen Garden, the unforgettable flavours of France at Le Blaireau, or modern-British dining at Cambium.
Nature, Movement & Adventures
If it’s daytime activities and a little adventure your bride is looking for, the New Forest National Park can certainly accommodate your hen party. You needn’t travel far to get out and breathe in the fresh forest air. Simply step outside enjoy easy-going walks or longer hikes; forest cycles and guided tours or head to the nearby coastline for water-based, kayaking or stand-up paddle adventures.
What about a relaxing hen party in the New Forest?
If it’s a break of pure relaxation and rewilding you and the hens are after. Here at our New Forest hotel, you can enjoy the best of coast and country.
Get outside into nature for gentle walks, or forest bathing, (Shinrin Yoku), the Japanese practice of being calm amongst the trees, where you consciously observe nature around you and concentrate on soothing breathing to de-stress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way. Try it for yourself or book a session for your group.
Or perhaps the coast is calling; head to a nearby beach, Milford-on-Sea is just 8.4 miles away from our Hampshire hotel, for sunbathing, picnics and wild swims
Relax and Recharge: Make Your Hen Party a Spa Break
As a New Forest spa hotel, we recommend booking time in our award-winning SenSpa. Whether you make it a spa break, upgrade for an afternoon to use all the spa facilities or smaller groups look to book a spa day experience.
The perfect compromise that any hen will love is the wonderful Afternoon Delight spa day experience, giving you the morning to go slow, enjoy a walk and a wander and then it’s time to check-in at spa reception at 12.30pm.
You’ll spend the afternoon in exactly the way you wish, delighting in the relaxing spaces of the Hydrotherapy Suite & Health Club Facilities, reading beside the pool, floating away tension in the hydrotherapy pools or napping in the Tepidarium.
This will be followed by a deliciously indulgent Traditional Afternoon Tea, including finely cut sandwiches, speciality cakes and freshly baked scones smothered in New Forest Jam and thick clotted cream. This is the chance for the hens to regather and while away the afternoon eating and sipping tea.
Start Planning …
It’s time to turn tradition on its head; if you’re a maid of honour seeking an alternative hen party, you can’t go wrong with a hen weekend in the heart of the New Forest National Park. An inclusive, intimate break with something for everyone – time to relax, activities on the doorstep and the chance to enjoy an intimate and unforgettable celebration, together.
