One of the key components of the modern hen is an individual approach. Tapping into the bride's character, passions and pastimes seems to be the springboard for many a modern hen party, which take inspiration from everything including your favourite cocktail and crafty activity to sport, food, spa days and camping.
We've delved into the latest hen trends and found some thoroughly fabulous things to do across the South West to help you plan a perfectly personalised hen party (or two)...
For adventure-seeking hens...
MESMEAR
Set in 15 acres just a mile from Polzeath, Mesmear is a wonderful spot to while away a memorable hen weekend. The luxurious cottage accommodation comes complete with a hot tub, swimming pool, gym and games room, while an eclectic list of activities - ranging from fun and games to fine dining and dancing - will ensure a tailor-made party designed entirely around your tastes.
For an action-packed weekend, there's surf lessons, speed boat rides, kayaking, paddleboarding, coasteering, bike trails, dance classes, rounders, treasure hunt or sports day inspired Olympic challenges. For something (slightly) more chilled, enjoy a Pilates or yoga session. Or forget the active element altogether and indulge in a cupcake making and decorating class, a private dinner party, afternoon tea and maybe even a butler in the buff!
mesmear.co.uk
BABES IN THE WOODS
Glamping specialists, Babes in the Woods, is branching out with brand new packages for their Wild Woodland hen dos in the foothills of the majestic Malvern Hills.
Californian domed tents, wild walks and woodland wedding favours combine to create a fabulously alternative hen weekend set in a secret woodland camp, allowing hens to experience a bit of bushcraft alongside free-flowing champagne and luxury camping.
Located within a broadleaf woodland on the 1200 acre Bromsberrow Estate near Ledbury, the assortment of flexible packages includes everything from fire and shelter building, wild walks, mini treks and girlie pampering to yoga, foraging, meditation and their brand spanking new 'wild cocktail workshop'. Meanwhile, evening entertainment can take an eclectic mix of forms including
storytellers, folk singers, a classical guitarist or comedienne.
Babes in the Woods are operational between 1st March and 31st October and weekends are available at the Malvern location.
babesinthewoods.co.uk
For chilled-out hens...
HARTLAND HOUSE SPA
Escape the pre-wedding tensions by retreating to Hartland House Spa. Boasting a beautifully away-from-it all vibe, the luxury boutique spa blends a sublime location close to the coast of North Devon with gorgeous spa surrounds and a tempting treatment list. Drift into the height of relaxation with a professional treatment, sink into the hot tub and doze in the relaxation room before devouring a traditional afternoon high tea in the lounge.
Presenting a variety of packages to suit all budgets (starting at just �75 per person), Hartland House also offers spa breaks in immaculately appointed and uber comfy five-star self catering cottages on-site, with a farmhouse that sleeps up to 16 people.
Wed readers can also take advantage of a special offer simply by quoting 'Wed Magazine' when booking a hen weekend at Hartland, which allows brides to go for free!
hartlandhousespa.co.uk
GAIA SPA
Bask in some heavenly timeout with your hens at Gaia Spa, the South West's unfeasibly luxe new spa experience. Housed in a new, modern wing of Boringdon Hall Hotel in Plympton, Gaia offers world-class facilities, sumptuous Gaia rituals and treatments and thoughtful touches throughout - all woven together by an ethos centring on natural wellness.
There's an infinity pool and hydrotherapy pool, where you can swim through a door and sit outside, taking in the fresh Dartmoor air while you soak in the warm jets of water. There's a series of heat experiences, ranging from a Finnish sauna and Crystal Salt steam room to a Laconium herbal sauna, traditional steam room and a series of shower experiences varying in intensity, temperature and sensory effects. Then there are the beautifully designed treatment rooms, the deep relaxation room, gym and beauty salon.
And don't forget to visit the Spatisserie where a delicious menu of nourishing dishes is served alongside indulgent treats such as dainty cakes and champagne.
gaiaboringdon.co.uk
For hands-on hens...
MAKE AT 140
For brides designing a DIY W-day, what better way to spend some downtime with the girls and pick up some top practical tips than with a crafty hen do?
Make at 140 is a modern haberdashery cafe in Plymouth that hosts fun workshops ideal for hands-on hens.
Choose from lampshade making, button jewellery and knicker customisation to a session specially designed for DIY brides to craft decorations, favours, place settings or whatever W-day features take your fancy. One of the most popular workshops, however, is the 'Illustrate Your Own Selfie' hen party, where you'll create quirky self-portraits over high tea under the expert tutelage of Abi McKenzie from Dearly Beloved wedding stationery. Explore a combination of techniques including drawing, collage and hand lettering to complete your portrait, which will then be collated into a beautiful book as a unique keepsake for the bride.
makeat140.co.uk
HOLLY YOUNG
Make something fabulous for your wedding courtesy of Cornwall-based milliner, Holly Young. Having worked alongside the heady likes of Philip Treacy, Holly has honed her creative skills with some of the industry's finest and now shares her eye and expertise with hens desiring some crafty downtime.
At her 'cocktail hat making' parties (3 hours, �35 per person) Holly will help you to handcraft a vintage inspired fascinator to your own imaginative spec at a venue of your choice, so why not combine the class with an extended drinks or dinner party before going out for the evening?
Alternatively, opt for 'make a fascinator in a day', (5 hours, �60 per person), 'silk flower making' (3 hours, �30 per person) or the forthcoming '1920s headband' workshop for a brilliantly bang-on trend tutorial.
hollyyoungboutique.com
For foodie hens...
TWO TARTS COOKERY SCHOOL
Running a range of 'saucy' cookery classes especially for hens, North Devon's Two Tarts Cookery School is renowned for its educational and fun approach to food.
At Two Tarts, hens can either produce delicious baking options for an afternoon tea or arrive for afternoon tea to make a selection of canapes to enjoy with Prosecco. Each workshop lasts three hours and includes Prosecco, tea and canapes (at �21 per head), and includes challenges such as invention and team presentation tests. Or select a supper party and tuck into a delicious pre-made main after creating your own canapes and desserts (�32 per person) for a sumptuous and memorable group dining experience.
twotartscookeryschool.co.uk
CHERRY BLOSSOM CAKES
The sweet-toothed or budding Mary Berrys amongst you will revel in donning the pinnies for an afternoon of cupcake decorating with Cherry Blossom Cakes' Yvonne Lister. Specialising in bespoke cakes and cupcakes for weddings and events, Yvonne's creative offerings are as visually striking as they are utterly delicious, with mouth-watering flavours such as lemon and blueberry, lavender, gingerbread and rosewater regularly featuring in her delectable designs.
Having recently moved into a studio at Choristers House in the heart of Exeter, Yvonne's new cupcake decorating classes for hens are sure to go down a treat. The talented baker will divulge her tips on piping perfect swirls and pretty sugarcraft in a relaxed and welcoming environment, leaving you armed with a box of goodies and, quite possibly, a new-found passion for baking!
cherryblossom-cakes.co.uk
For glamping-loving hens...
COASTAL CABINS
Love the idea of a glamping hen weekend? Then look no further than Coastal Cabins: North Devon's coolest hen weekend venue. The beautiful wooden yurt style cabins lie in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just over a mile from the coast.
Each brilliantly designed cabin has an en-suite shower room, kitchen and comfortable beds to sleep in as well as electricity and hot water for home comfort heaven. There's even a decked area with seating and a barbecue - perfect for feasting as the sun sets over the Atlantic.
There are three village pubs nearby and a wide range of local activities on offer such as horse riding, surfing, coastal path walking, a visit to nearby Hartland House Spa or wine tasting in the Camp HQ barbecue cabin, combining escapism with a sense of adventure - and a few luxe comforts. Quote 'Wed Magazine' for 10% off all hen bookings in 2017 (excluding school holiday dates).
henweekendglamping.com
CORNISH TIPI HOLIDAYS
Wild camping in the Cornish countryside may not get more spellbinding than this. The site of Cornish Tipi Holidays was created from the old Tregildrans Quarry and comprises a woodland valley, brimming with wild flowers, and a spring-fed lake for a tranquil, back-to-nature setting.
Combine a stint of 'real camping' with any of the activities on offer, from surfing lessons at nearby Polzeath, coasteering or sea kayaking at a secret cove just minutes from your tipi, or take a bike trip along the camel trail to Padstow (where you can stop off and sink a glass of Camel Valley champagne).
Then there's the nearby South West Coast Path and, of course, the resident lake complete with boats, fishing and clear water swimming. Or why not opt for a jewellery workshop with designer Sarah Drew or a creative session with Betty's Birds (who offers workshops for everything from unicorn costumes to feather crowns) who will deliver a fun-filled class at the site? Alternatively, various treatments, therapies and massages can be arranged in the privacy of your own tipis or tents for some proper pamper time.
Round off the day with a slap-up barbecue featuring Porthilly oysters, Port Isaac lobster and local asparagus cooked over your campfire and washed down with white wine chilled in a campsite stream before bedding down under the stars.
cornishtipiholidays.co.uk
words Hannah May
Copyright Wed magazine 2017
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