Life can get busy—between work, family life, and back to school it’s easy to lose touch with our girl friends. Isn’t it time to plan your next girl gang getaway? Give yourself a chance to recharge, reconnect, and create new unforgettable memories with the women who mean the most in your life. Whether you’re planning something adventurous, relaxing, or a bit of both, there are endless ways to create the perfect weekend in the beautiful San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Boutique hotels and resorts like Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa in Ridgway, could be the perfect destination for your next girlfriend escape. Here are 5 ideas for your next girl getaway.

1. The Classic Spa and Wellness Getaway

One of the best ways to recharge and relax with friends, is to treat yourselves to a spa and wellness weekend. Focus on relaxation, pampering, and reconnecting with yourself and each other. Perfect for groups who are constantly “on the go” in daily life. We give you permission to slow down.

Pamper yourself:

• Spa treatments: Chipeta Lodge Spa by ISUN has a full menu of massages, facials, and treatments on site. Book ahead to reserve the therapists and technicians you’ll need for your entire group.
  
• Yoga or meditation: Many resorts offer guided sessions to help reduce stress. Chipeta Lodge Resort has beautiful spaces to do yoga and mediation on your own and as a group. Or hire an instructor to provide a group session for all your friends.
  
• Outdoor heated pool: A newly renovated outdoor heated swimming pool is available for all overnight and day spa guests of Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa.
  
• Hot springs: Several hot springs in Ridgway, Ouray and the surrounding area have natural mineral hot springs for a fun and relaxing field trip near the resort.
  
• Hot tubs and mountain views: Multiple hot tubs are available to guests of the Chipeta Lodge Resort, with beautiful views of the surrounding San Juan mountain range.
  

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2. Adventure and Outdoor Escapes

For the group that loves adrenaline and the great outdoors, an adventure retreat is unbeatable. And you don’t have to give up relaxation if you stay at Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa. We let you balance both at the same time. 

Get active during the day:

• Hiking: Explore scenic trails, waterfalls, and mountain vistas in the area surrounding Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride and Montrose.
  
• Star-gazing: Located in Ridgway, one of only a handful of certified dark sky communities in Colorado, you’ll have more stars than you can count. Enjoy a seat by the pool, star-gaze from one of our communal hot tubs, or hang out on our charming rooftop bar.
  
• Biking: Whether on bike paths or mountain biking, you have easy access to biking in Ridgway. Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa has bikes to borrow, for overnight guests, or rent an e-bike in town for longer distances.
  
• Ice climbing or rock climbing: For thrill-seekers, some of the best climbing is available just up the road from Ridgway in Ouray and in the surrounding San Juans Mountains.
  
• Climb a mountain: A challenging and unique way to explore nature together, there are two Colorado Fourteeners located within an hour of Ridgway. Overcoming challenges as a group—whether it’s hiking a tough trail or conquering a fear of heights—deepens bonds and creates unforgettable stories. Know before you go – do your homework, plan accordingly and be prepared. 

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3. Food and Wine Weekend

If your group loves good food and even better drinks, a culinary retreat could be the perfect getaway for your group. Make sure to choose a destination with plenty of dining choices, and consider neighboring communities for exploration. 

Explore the culinary scene near Ridgway:

• Wine or beer tasting tours: Spend a day at local vineyards in the surrounding area of Montrose. Check out the craft brewery scene in the small towns of southwest Colorado. Wine tasting rooms and tap rooms are plentiful. 
  
• Enjoy sunset from a rooftop bar: Try craft cocktails or a wine tasting flight from a rooftop bar. Dance under the stars. White Buffalo Restaurant + Bar has one of the only rooftop bars with panoramic views of the San Juan Mountain range. With heaters and comfortable seating, a rooftop bar is the perfect place for long conversations into the night.
  
• Foodie tours: Plan a foodie scavenger hunt through surrounding towns. Ouray, Ridgway and Telluride all have diverse culinary choices and enough restaurants and cafes to eat a different meal in a different town through the day. Collect different food experiences as you cruise through the valley exploring.
  
• Linger over a special meal: Food and drinks bring people together. Sitting around a table, sharing wine, and laughing over a home-cooked or restaurant meal is one of the most natural ways to bond. Plan for long conversations, play a game of two truths and a lie, or bring ice-breaker card prompts, to ensure everyone participates and shares around the table,

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4. History and Cultural Immersion

For the friends who love art, history, and more cerebral escapes, a cultural retreat might be perfect for your group. This option combines entertainment, culture, arts, history and alone time for getting cozy with a book. The towns of Ouray County and southwest Colorado offer a little of everything. With endless options, you can tailor the retreat to suit everyone’s mood, whether that’s brunching in a charming western town, café or reading by the fireplace.

Immerse yourselves in local culture:

• Local music or theater shows: Check out live music shows or festivals playing this season in Telluride, Montrose, Ouray and Ridgway. Whether it’s live local music in a main street bar, or a weekend festival like Telluride Blues & Brews, hanging out with friends and hearing live music rarely disappoints.
  
• History and museums: Spark conversation and learn together. The Ute Indian Museum in Montrose provides an in-depth perspective on the history of the Ute tribe and its impact on Colorado history. The Ouray County Museum and Ouray Alchemist Museum provide a glimpse into life in historic Colorado. The Telluride Historical Museum has a unique collection of historical artifacts and rooms displaying life in Colorado in the 19th-20th centuries.
  
• Shop local: From luxury boutiques to quirky thrift shops, the towns of Ridgway and the surrounding counties provide endless options for local shopping and finding unique gifts. Bring your holiday or birthday shopping lists and stock up on special finds for friends and family.
  
• Art galleries: Do a gallery walk through the small towns of Ridgway, Ouray and Telluride. Local artists display unique pieces throughout the smaller towns, and look for street art unique to each town. Create an art walk of your own and provide maps to your group to help them explore each town’s artwork. 
• Read a good book: Boutique hotels and smaller resorts are the perfect place to cozy up to a fire with a good book. Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa has cozy suites with fireplaces, as well as a comfortable great room with a large stone fireplace and relaxed furniture perfect for sinking into with a book.  
  

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5. Creative and Artsy Retreat

For the group of friends who thrive on creativity, a craft and arts retreat is both inspiring and fun. Bond over the act of creation and bring home souvenirs from your getaway. Boutique resorts like Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa often have creative spaces where your group can gather to work on your chosen craft. Be sure to ask about room fees and other amenities that will make your group comfortable in the space. A creative retreat combines relaxation with personal expression, and can focus around a skill you’re already expert in, or learn a new one!

Creativity ideas to try:

• Painting workshop: Hire an instructor or follow online tutorials to try painting for the first time. Or try a new painting technique, if your group is experienced. Bring all the supplies with you and kit them, to relieve the stress of last-minute shopping for obscure art supplies in small towns. 
  
• Pottery or ceramics: Look for a local pottery studio that offers group options near your resort or hotel. Or check out a class at the local community center in Ridgway or Montrose.
  
• Scrapbooking and journaling: Document your retreat in real time. Share scrapbooking supplies and create memorable pages, books, or journals as a group.
  
• Photography outings: Explore a new place with cameras in hand. Go hiking, biking or exploring on nearby trails. Capture the sunset from a rooftop deck. Take portraits of each other. Create lasting memories and don’t forget to grab some selfies.
  
• Crafting: Knit, crochet, candle-making, jewelry-making, and more are all great options for bringing girlfriends together to spend time creating. 
• Book Clubs: Bring your book club on a retreat. Spend time reading and discussing books. Add a craft or meal related to the books your read together. Theme the weekend to a single author or book genre. 

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Tips for Planning the Perfect Girls’ Weekend Retreat

No matter what type of retreat you choose, here are some universal tips to ensure success:

1. Set a Budget Early – Money can cause stress if not discussed upfront. Make sure everyone is comfortable with the cost.
   
2. Choose Dates in Advance – Give plenty of notice so everyone can make arrangements.
   
3. Consider Everyone’s Interests – Mix activities so each person gets something they’ll love.
   
4. Build in Downtime – Don’t overschedule. The best memories often happen in the unplanned moments.
   
5. Assign Roles – Have one person book accommodations, another plan meals, and another organize activities. It lightens the load.
   
6. Pack Themes or Surprises – Matching T-shirts, gift bags, or surprise activities add an extra touch.
   
7. Capture the Memories – Designate a photographer or create a shared album so you don’t miss any moments.
   

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Treat Yourselves

At its heart, a girls’ weekend retreat isn’t about the destination or even the activities—it’s about connection. It’s about stepping away from routine, celebrating friendships, and making space for laughter, reflection, and joy. Whether you’re reading books by a fire, hiking a trail, or sitting in matching robes at a spa, what matters most is that you’re doing it together.

Pick a theme, gather your closest friends, and start planning. A well-planned girls’ weekend retreat is waiting for you at Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa —it’s an investment in your friendships and in yourself.

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Girls’ Weekend FAQs