By Team Womaness 5-Minute Read
Milestone birthdays—think your 40th, 50th, and beyond—are worthy of MAJOR celebration. Using tips from our in-the-know staff, we’ve compiled this very cool guide to some of our favorite places to raise a glass (or maybe three!) with the people you love most.
LOS ANGELES
Tips from Kara Sutton, Senior Vice President, Brand
WHERE TO COCKTAIL
Craig's in West Hollywood: “Order the Danny Ocean (just not three or you will throw up).”
Penthouse at Huntley Santa Monica: “For 360-degree views and a martini.”
WHERE TO DINE
Nobu Malibu: “For beach-front sushi. Gorgeous backdrops for pictures with you and your best friends, high-quality fish, and lots of great people watching/celebs.”
Polo Lounge @ The Beverly Hills Hotel: “Classic and old school; highly recommend.”
WHERE TO RELAX
Maybourne Beverly Hills (formerly The Spa at The Montage): “Two floors and gorgeous Moroccan vibes.”
Mila Moursi Skincare Institute: “Shhh....this is who does the skin of Jennifer Aniston, Charlize Theron, and Dakota Johnson. Book a facial and massage at the same time and you will feel like a new woman.”
WHERE TO STAY
Santa Monica, The Proper Hotel: “Hello, Kelly Wearstler. This is like living inside a beige Skimms ad for a minute.”
Four Seasons Beverly Hills: “Softest beds and an incredible floral budget.”
WHAT TO PACK
“Your trendiest (but most laid-back) dresses, sandals, hiking shoes, cute sunglasses, and a combo of your favorite bronzer + The Works body cream. Do what LA's own Kym Douglas does: Mix them and apply on arms and legs for a sun-kissed, California girl glow!”
“Shhh....this is who does the skin of Jennifer Aniston, Charlize Theron, and Dakota Johnson.” - Kara on LA's Mila Moursi Skincare Institute
NASHVILLE
Tips from Chloe Parrish, Senior Manager, Brand Partnerships & Social Media
WHERE TO COCKTAIL
The Patterson House: “Jazz lounge, upscale vibes where the lighting is always dim and the bartenders are dressed to the nines. Incredible cocktails, super sexy, sits below Michelin-worthy restaurant The Catbird Seat. Sip a cocktail while you wait for your table (aka, sitting at the chef’s table).”
Harriet's Rooftop: “Beautiful serene vibe with rooftop views. Rooftop-goers enjoy bespoke libations and eclectic light bites coupled with entertainment and curated tableside experiences. Crafted using seasonal ingredients and progressive techniques, their regionally-inspired menu has innovative, artfully presented cocktails that range from refreshing to spirituous.”
WHERE TO DINE
NoKo: “Nestled in the heart of East Nashville, Noko is an Asian-inspired, wood-fired restaurant influenced by wanderlust and simplicity of the region. Delicious cocktails, direct access to the kitchen and chef, and great GREAT vibes.”
Lola: “A neighborhood Spanish restaurant that is a local hole-in-the-wall that makes you feel like you're in Madrid, wine bar, cocktails-with-your-friends, travel-the-world kind of place. Come for the vibe, stay for the food and drinks, return for the hospitality.”
WHERE TO RELAX
Rose Nashville @ The Joseph Hotel: “A luxury spa 21 stories above downtown Nashville.”
Holiday Salon & Bathhouse: “An East Nashville (hip) neighborhood spot. You can book the bath house for a group soak, too!”
WHERE TO STAY
Fairlane Hotel: “Your license to indulge: Timeless, vibrant, with the right balance of luxury and rebellious spirit. A retro-modern experience that always hosts different pop-up bars and is the home of Ellington's restaurant. I love the art-deco vibe.”
The Noelle: “Boutique hotel with great amenities and restaurants for rooftop vibes and views.”
WHAT TO PACK
“Whatever makes you feel chic, cute, and comfortable. A lightweight jacket if the weather changes. Cowboy shoes aren't required, but rock 'em if you've got 'em. And who goes anywhere without at least one Let's Neck in their bag?”
“Delicious cocktails, direct access to the kitchen and chef, and great GREAT vibes.” - Chloe on Nashville's Noko restaurant
CHICAGO
Tips from Jamie Davoll, Head of Creative
WHERE TO COCKTAIL
Cindy's Rooftop: “Great for pre-dinner drinks, with amazing views of Chicago's Millennium Park and iconic Bean!”
After: “Swanky cocktail spot in The West Loop. Dark and intimate—good for cooler months or after dinner.”
WHERE TO DINE
Alinea: “The epitome of a creative dining experience in Chicago. Food is art and art is food here. Has even been named the best restaurant in the country by multiple publications.”
Maple and Ash: “A very ‘see and be seen’ steakhouse scene in the heart of Chicago's swanky Gold Coast. RHONY ladies frequent this spot when they're in town.”
WHERE TO RELAX
Kohler Waters Spa Lincoln Park: “Great spa treatments with complimentary access to water-based amenities including sauna, steam room, and hydro plunge pool.”
Cowshed at SoHo House: “Love the Cowshed products they use in treatment, and you can grab lunch at the Allis restaurant afterwards.”
WHERE TO STAY
Viceroy: “Luxe art-deco style vibes in the heart of Gold Coast. Prime location for shopping and dining, and a little removed from the Mag Mile tourist-filled scene.”
Langham Hotel: “Classic luxury with great views of the river and all of downtown. Easy access to shopping on the Mag Mile and good restaurants in the popular River North area!”
WHAT TO PACK
“Cute day dresses will work, denim, walking shoes, an umbrella. It's always smart to layer here, no matter the season. I also recommend Clean Slate in your luggage as your cleanser. It keeps skin beautifully hydrated, especially if you're visiting in the winter!”
“A very ‘see and be seen’ steakhouse scene in the heart of Chicago's swanky Gold Coast.” - Jamie on Maple and Ash restaurant
MIAMI
Tips from Michelle Jacobs, Co-Founder who threw her 50th here!
WHERE TO COCKTAIL
Joia Beach: “Go for great drinks and stunning views. It would also be fun to go for the day; you can soak up the sun in a beach chaise or go old school and swing on one of the swings that overlook the bay.”
Jaguar Sun: “If hip, bohemian vibes are more your speed, hit this intimate, super cool spot in Downtown Miami. The cocktails are worth every penny and, if you need to nosh, the carbs are worth every calorie: the plates of pasta and the Parker house rolls with honey butter are a MUST.”
WHERE TO DINE
Mandolin Aegean Bistro: “Fun for a chic outdoor dinner. The Greek food here is great. It’s got garden vibes and is a bit more low-key: it’s in a restored 1940's home with one of the city’s most notable outdoor patio spaces.”
The Surf Club Restaurant: “This one’s for the foodies! Michelin-starred and oozing swinging '50s and '60s glamour, this is the only restaurant in Florida by renowned chef Thomas Keller. Serves classic Continental cuisine and lots of fabulous vibes.”
WHERE TO RELAX
Soho Beach House: “With its beachfront cabanas, this place is great for a day hang with your gang. While you lounge and people watch, you can order food and drinks (I highly recommend the ‘Picante de la casa’) or opt to hit the spa, try the downstairs outdoor bar, or choose the rooftop bar with its killer views of the ocean.”
Carillon Wellness: “Large and welcoming, this spa offers the traditional spa services you crave plus non-traditional experiences like Cryotherapies and Salt Float Therapy. You could spend the whole day treating yourself here.”
WHERE TO STAY
Fontainebleau Miami Beach: “With its great location, lovely beach, and tons of beautiful pools, this lively, sprawling resort can be your one-stop shop: it has plenty of food, nightlife, and entertainment options if you’re up for a legendary evening out.”
The Setai: “This five-star property is where all the celebs flock. And it’s no wonder: it’s like an oasis in the middle of Miami Beach. The level of service is second to none. Be sure to indulge at Valmont for the Spa.”
WHAT TO PACK
“Miami is one of this country's sunniest destinations, so you know the drill: fun swimsuits, glamorous sun hats, and big movie-star sunglasses. My other trick is to load up on vitamin C: layering Fountain of Glow under your facial sunscreen is a smart way to keep sun damage at bay (and look gorgeous while doing it).”
“...soak up the sun in a beach chaise or go old school and swing on one of the swings that overlook the bay.” - Michelle on Joia Beach
PARIS
Tips from Amy Feezor, Head of Content
WHERE TO COCKTAIL
Bar Les Ambassadeurs: “Set in the iconic Hôtel de Crillon (an actual palace from the late 18th century!) and with a view on Place de la Concorde, this is the place to raise a royal toast to your big day. Select something from their inventive cocktail menu or go classic with a big glass of bubbly.”
Abricot: “If you want a more chill vibe, make a beeline for this woman-owned space. With darling cocktails and plant-based small plates, it's a secret, unassuming spot near-ish to the Canal Saint-Martin that's starting to get noticed. If you contact them ahead of time (don't freak, they speak English), they can order you a cake AND create a custom cocktail for your celebration.”
WHERE TO DINE
Substance: “The area around the Eiffel Tower isn’t always a food destination (try the 11th arrondissement for that—see below), but Substance is your pick if you want glamour and gastronomy near the Iron Lady. Expect an excellent tasting menu from hunky young chef Matthias Marc.”
Maison: “Comfy, cozy, and chic, the space of this notable resto feels like an actual house in the middle of the 11th. Buckle up for the impressively large (and unbelievable) tasting menu from chef Sota Atsumi.”
WHERE TO RELAX
Sense, a Rosewood Spa: “THIS is where you and your friends can indulge. Located in a Parisian landmark—Hôtel de Crillon, also a great spot for a cocktail afterward—this very private spa feels like a sanctuary. Try a bespoke massage (and bonus: you can get your hair styled before a celebratory night out as well).”
Teatime at the Ritz: “OK, it's not a spa, but I still think it's indulgent and relaxing to have French afternoon tea at the Ritz! Dress up in your best with girlfriends and try every single one of Chef François Perret’s award-winning pastries in Salon Proust.”
WHERE TO STAY
Hôtel Dame des Arts: “Once you experience the unrivalled 360-degree views of Paris at this hot spot, you’ll thank me for the rec! Snuggled into a classic Left Bank location, the Hôtel Dame des Arts is one of the newest and buzziest spaces to hit the scene. My Paris-based travel editor friends place this one at the top of their lists.”
Maison Proust: “This is a smart pick if you’re staying in the hip Right Bank. Set in the lively Marais neighborhood, the understated elegance of this luxe hotel will have you coming back for more. Don't skip out on the fabulous tile-covered indoor spa pool, which each guest can reserve privately for one hour each day. Doesn’t get any better than that.”
WHAT TO PACK
“My best tip is to NOT overthink your fashion choices: come to be cute, but comfortable. Skip the idea of all high heels, all the time; right now, chic sneakers are in (try the French brand Veja) and you'll be walking a ton anyway. You don't have to wear, like, a striped shirt and a khaki trench coat to fit in. And my other tip? It's the City of Love, so absolutely bring Gold Vibes with you! It's 100% discreet enough to tuck into your cosmetic bag.”
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