5 Tips for the Perfect Manhattan Girls’ Getaway

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Whether it’s for a bachelorette party or just a weekend jaunt into the city, there’s no better place for a girls’ getaway than New York City. James Jolis, chef concierge at The Chatwal, recommends plenty of ways for female friends to fill a trip to Manhattan with both fun and relaxation.

 

Rise and Dine

Slide into a girls’ getaway with a leisurely brunch at Jack’s Wife Freda, a popular cafe with two locations near Soho, Jolis suggests. Plan out the day over mimosas and specialty dishes like the Madame Freda, a pressed sandwich with duck prosciutto, cheese and a fried egg, or the Rosewater Waffle (at the Lafayette Street restaurant) topped with Lebanese yogurt, mixed berries and honey syrup. Grab a spot at the long community table that runs through the quaint space or some smaller tables off to the side. (West Village: 50 Carmine St.; 646-669-9888) (Soho: 224 Lafayette St.; 212-510-8550; jackswifefreda.com)

 

Tranquil Treatments

Red Door Spas - massage High Res

Once you feel satiated, Jolis suggests the group goes to Red Door Spa at The Chatwal hotel for some pampering. The sanctuary is complete with spa apertifs in the relaxation lounge, a saltwater lap pool, steam shower and Jacuzzi plunge pool. If your group is more active, work out together in the fitness center, then indulge in massages or detoxifying and nourishing body treatments. Complete your visit with manicures. Amid the girl talk, get your nails polished in a sultry summer color to look stunning when you hit the town. (130 W. 44th St.; 212-764-5900; reddoorspas.com)

 

Perfect Pairing

(Photo by Daniel Kreiger)
(Photo by Daniel Kreiger)

After a refreshing spa session, Jolis recommends visiting Aldo Sohm Wine Bar to raise a glass of cabernet or sauvignon in a toast to your friendship. This Midtown establishment offers more than 40 wines by the glass and 200 by the bottle with varieties from around the globe. A food menu offers an array of light bites that complement the different vintages. Share a plate of charcuterie or artisanal cheeses, or sample the truffle pasta or short rib skewer with fried shallot in a red wine reduction. (151 W. 51st St.; 212-554-1143; aldosohmwinebar.com)

 

Classic Cuisine

For dinner, make your way to Elio’s, an authentic Italian restaurant that serves classic pasta from spaghetti to ravioli as well as dishes like scaloppine Marsala, veal or steak paillard and fresh fish of the day. “Dinner at Elio’s [is the place to go for] wonderful food and great people watching,” Jolis says. Frequented by celebrities, this Upper East Side establishment keeps it traditional with white linen tablecloths, wood paneling and paintings of the Italian countryside. Elio’s is quite popular, so expect to wait for a table; use the time to soak up the welcoming atmosphere while enjoying drinks at the bar. (1621 Second Ave.; 212-772-2242)

 

Evening Entertainment

At night, Jolis encourages getting the ladies together to watch a Broadway show. A wide range of plays and musicals abound, so getting the gals to agree on a selection won’t be too difficult. Choose from popular productions such as “The Book of Mormon,” “Wicked” or “Jersey Boys.” You can also try one of the 2015 Tony Award nominees: “An American in Paris,” a romantic musical about a U.S. soldier and a beautiful French girl seeking a fresh start in postwar Europe, at Palace Theatre; or “Hand to God,” a hilarious and provocative play about a shy student who finds his creative outlet with a hand puppet in small-town Texas, at Booth Theatre. (broadway.com)

 

—Written by Sharon Stello