I’m a big believer in making time for getaways with friends. I take several each year, and they’ve helped keep my closest friendships strong.

It’s not easy. Coordinating schedules, balancing budgets, and aligning priorities takes effort. But the reward is worth it. The right trip creates laughter, stories, and connection that last long after you return home.

At Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, I came away with fresh ideas for small group getaways. Here are some elevated options to inspire your next trip with friends:

A Quick Long Weekend in the U.S.

Los Angeles: The Sun Rose, a stylish boutique hotel on the Sunset Strip, doubles as a music venue. Its West Hollywood location puts you steps from LA’s best restaurants, rooftop bars, and nightlife.

Florida: For a timeless escape, The Cloister at The Boca Raton blends nearly a century of history with modern luxury. Golf, tennis, a lively dining scene, and a beautiful waterfront setting make it a group favorite. For a more glamorous vibe, The Setai in Miami places you right in South Beach, with suites, three pools, and easy access to Collins Avenue’s dining and nightlife.

Sea Island, Georgia: This traditional resort is an all-in-one destination. With five miles of private beach, championship golf, a beach club, and a sporting lodge offering seasonal hunting and fishing, there’s something for everyone. I’ve been for a girls’ trip in December and we loved it – the holiday décor makes it especially festive.

Longer Getaways with Friends

Cruising:

• For energy and nightlife: Virgin Voyages brings a party vibe to the seas. A standout is their June 2026 Istanbul-to-Santorini sailing, where stunning ports pair with evenings full of entertainment.

• For a boutique resort feel: Explora Journeys offers all-suite ships designed around immersive travel. Think longer stays in port, late departures, and shore experiences that dig deeper. The 7-night Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona to Rome includes an overnight in Ibiza, a stop in Tunis, and a day in Sorrento… ideal for exploring the Amalfi Coast.

Private Villas: Buy out a villa for your group in the Dominican Republic (10–15 bedrooms) or Anguilla (5–10 bedrooms). These include meals, transfers, and excursions for a seamless, all-in-one retreat.

Hawai‘i: The legendary Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is perfect for a group escape with championship golf, beachfront pools, and ocean adventures. And for something extra special, you can even fly directly from California on a private Gulfstream—sold by the seat.

Time with friends is never wasted. These kinds of trips become the stories you tell for years to come. If you’re ready to plan your own getaway, let Rosedale Travel help bring it to life.