Healthy(ish!) Hen Party Ideas: Classy Party Weekends You Will Love!

Hang up your cowgirl hats and personalized t-shirts. The bride-to-be of today has endless options when it comes to their ‘final’ night of freedom with her BFFs.

This top eight list of hen party weekends and events provide all that you need to arrive home feeling refreshed and reenergized. But then again (never ones to be party poopers) we also have four ideas that could fit into a traditional hen weekend of debauchery and Dirty Martinis).

Top Four Activities for an Entire Weekend of Zen

1. Zen Retreat - And relaaaaax…

Planning a wedding ranks among the most nerve-fraying tasks during a lifetime. In fact, 96% of couples say that wedding planning is stressful. A Zen retreat hits reset. Expect maximum chill, mind-mending meditation and foods that make you feel fabulous (you don’t really like those 2am kebabs anyway, right?). Here are some of the most popular Zen retreats…

Western Chan Fellowship - meditation and silent retreats for developing mindfulness and investigating the inner self (open to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike).

Zen Ways - 3-day intensive retreats designed to discover your ‘true nature’.

The Boghill Eco Retreat in Clare, Ireland - A venue made for hippy hen parties with a healthy twist, this 52-acre location is filled with things to see and do during your Zen weekend.

2. A Countryside Escape - Voyage out in the Great Outdoors

Farewell, hangover. Hello rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking and just about any other adrenaline-pumping activity that takes your fancy.

Countryside retreats are a super flexible solution for a weekend away where each attendee has differing tastes and fitness levels.

Many large homes marketed for hens have facilities for an on-site Zumba class, while others can perfect their banana oatmeal muffins in the kitchen.

Head to the Peak District for hiking and rocking climbing; the Lake District for watersports and white water rafting or Cornwall for an idyllic surf escape break.

Airbnb is a great place to start for your accommodation, or for those with more refined tastes there is Landed Houses.co.uk, where this eleven-bedroom Georgian mansion would cost a group of 16 girls £113 each for an entire weekend (almost as cheap as a Travel Lodge!).

3. Sun, Sea and Spa - Health and Wellness in Sunnier Climes

Fluffy robes, the gentle lapping sound of the sea and a touch of vitamin-D - what’s not to love?

Sun, sea and spa breaks are an irresistible few days of bliss - thousands of miles away from table plans and supplier lists.

There’s an endless array of options, from the traditional spa retreat break (complete with detox, massages and pampering), to yoga and surfing spa breaks.

4. A Hen Hike - Strap on those Hiking Books, Intrepid Explorers

If you and your girls are real fitness fans who are up for a challenge, then how does a hen hike up a mountain sound? While this could be a total DIY break away in the UK, there are plenty of companies out that that arrange everything from flights to accommodation for you.

We’re sure you won’t miss those morning blisters from your stilettos (disclaimer: still a chance of blisters from your hiking boots however, especially if you take on the sky-scraping, 2,500-foot range of the Atlas Mountains).

The Healthy Holiday Company - Taking guests up mountains since 2004, this company arranges hiking holidays to the beautiful Atlas Mountains in Maghreb.

Top Four Activities for Fitting into a Traditional Hen Weekend

1. A Burlesque Class - Go Ahead, Show Dita Von Teese How It’s Really Done

Burlesque is all about the art of teasing (no nudity required). During a typical class you’ll shimmy, shake and strut your stuff.

There’s no need to have previous dance experience, these classes are designed with amateurs in mind.

Some classes allow you to bring your feather boa and bodice (if you fancy), while for others all props are provided. Burlesque hen weekends from Hen Heaven is one such example; these classes run for two hours and are choreographed by a professional, friendly dance instructor. Watch this video for an idea as to what to expect.

2. Stand up Paddle Boarding - Steady Now

Possibly the ULTIMATE hangover cure, paddle boarding will certainly wake you up and put your balance to the test. Don’t think that this activity is just for the coast either. While Brighton is a popular paddle boarding place, you can also take lessons on the River Thames!

3. SPIN! (an endorphin rush and cocktails for after)

BoomCycle in London is a much-lauded London spin studio. For hen parties they offer a one-hour private booking, complete with pumping music and a choice of themes for the ride. They even serve up alcohol and food afterwards. Go on, you’ve MORE than earned it.

4. Disco Barre - Make a Rock Star Ballerina of Your Bride-to-Be

Rebel Barre is a ballet studio with a difference. They teach classic ballet moves set to a backdrop of modern beats. They’ll even customize your class so that it fits in with the hen party theme!

So, what’s it to be? Whether fully-committing to finding your inner self, or simply starting your day out with a few pirouettes to Pink Floyd; your hen experience just got a whole lot healthier (and definitely no less fun!).

Got a great idea for a fun-but-healthy(ish) hen do? Maybe you’ve been on one lately? Let us know on social media using the hashtag #ProworksFitness! We’d love to hear about it!