Grab your friends, pack your bags and celebrate Friendship Day

If you and your friends have been burning the candle at both ends, there is no better way to spend time together than to book a relaxing getaway. Yet, with so many tempting destinations to choose from, it may feel hard to choose just one. Let us make things easy for you with our pick of the best relaxing Friendship Day holidays.

If you and your friends have been burning the candle at both ends, there is no better way to spend time together than to book a relaxing getaway. Yet, with so many tempting destinations to choose from, it may feel hard to choose just one. Let us make things easy for you with our pick of the best relaxing Friendship Day holidays.

These treatments can be enjoyed on the hotel’s Sky Terrace which offers breathtaking views of the hotel’s botanical garden and provides a private and discreet place to unwind and relax. Once you have enjoyed a full day of pampering, enjoy the other exclusive hotel experiences on offer such as sunset horse riding across Barrosa Beach or a market cooking class led by a top local chef. Or, if you want to explore further afield, why not book a day at Barceló Montecastillo Golf’s 18-hole, par 72 golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus? 

Are you and your friends keen foodies and love nothing more than exploring the latest gastronomic trends? Delight your taste buds with a Friendship Day trip to the island of Tenerife. While typical Canarian cuisine may not offer complex flavours, the island is a buzz with innovative dining options. For the best experience, head to the Royal Hideaway Corales Resort 5* GL where you can dine at not one, but two Michelin Star restaurants. Book a table and enjoy a Friendship Day date with your favourite people at either El Rincón de Juan Carlos or San Hô. El Rincón de Juan Carlos is the brainchild of the Padrón brothers, Juan Carlos and Jonathan, also known as Los Hermanos Padrón. This restaurant has raised the bar when it comes to creative dining in the Canary Islands, adding an avant-garde touch to traditional recipes. In addition to its two Michelin Stars, it also has 3 Repsol Sols to its name. The hotel’s second restaurant, San Hô created by the award-winning chefs Adrián Bosch (Best Chef in the Canary Islands 2012) and Eduardo Domínguez (Best Chef in the Canary Islands 2016) offers delectable Nikkei fusion cuisine that bursts with flavour and celebrates the clash of Peruvian and Japanese cultures. Want to enjoy a truly special dining experience? Ask for the stargazing tour which takes you out onto the ocean to enjoy a private meal and talk about the star-studded skies of Tenerife. Don’t forget to make a wish upon a shooting star!

When it comes to group travel, there is nothing that unites people together more than one-of-a-kind experiences. Push your adrenaline to the limit with these fun-filled active adventures designed to create unforgettable experiences that turn into life-long memories.

Keen to let off steam and feel like a kid again? Call your friends and hop on a plane to the Riviera Maya where the all-inclusive Occidental at Xcaret Destination hotel awaits. Located next to Mexico’s most famous eco-archaeological park, Xcaret Park, guests can upgrade to an unlimited experience allowing them direct and unlimited access to the park as well as a number of luxurious extras such as a bottle of tequila in their room. 

While enjoying your Friendship Day travel, explore the cultural attractions and shows, try your hand at water sports or get up close with the exotic flora and fauna as you enjoy every corner of the park. The hotel’s luxurious all-inclusive service will ensure that all cravings are met and that you can fully rest and relax during your stay. 

Have you been dreaming of getting your PADI qualification or simply want to have a taste of what it is like to scuba dive? Where better to explore than the topaz waters of the South Ari Atoll in the Maldives? Since friends make life better, gather a group of adrenaline junkies and book into a Maldives resort that has its own diving centre. The sea in this area is part of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) and is famous for being home to whale sharks and manta rays along with a kaleidoscope of vibrantly coloured tropical fish. Admire the beauty of the deep blue ocean and enjoy the feeling of weightlessness that only scuba diving provides. Of course, the island of Bodufinolhu provides excellent conditions for activities such as sunset yoga, revitalising spa treatments and eco-friendly boat trips to explore the sandy coves ensuring that you can celebrate Friendship Day in style.

Canfranc, nestled away in the Spanish Pyrenees is a beautiful mountainous region that is famous for its skiing, Yet, during the summer months, there is plenty on offer for thrill seekers keen to explore new horizons. The newly refurbished and historically iconic Canfranc Station has now been converted into a luxury hotel, the Canfranc Estación, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, providing the ideal place to bed down during your stay. Hiking is a popular activity and, did you know that part of the Camino de Santiago passes through this area? For the dare devils out there, mountain biking, rock climbing, canyoning and via ferrata walks are all possible activities during your stay at Canfranc. If your idea of Friendship Day travel is pushing yourself to the limit, this is the ultimate adrenaline fulled getaway. 

Let your friends know just how much they mean to you and invite them to celebrate Friendship Day with you in a far-flung corner of the globe. Explore the natural wilderness of Costa Rica or head to the Instagramable landscapes of Funchal. Wherever you choose, you will be guaranteed a fun time with your bestie.

Friendship Day is not just about showing your appreciation for your loved ones. It extends further than that, allowing us to appreciate nature and the species that coexist with us on this planet. For your Friendship Day celebration, why not round up the gang and head off into the Costa Rican wilderness to reconnect with nature? Tamarindo, in the Guanacaste region, is home to diverse wildlife, including sea turtles. Various organisations and local projects work towards protecting and conserving these species. If you are interested in giving back while staying in Tamarindo, tourists can participate in sea turtle conservation programmes, which involve monitoring nesting sites, protecting eggs, and releasing hatchlings into the ocean. By giving back you are ensuring a happy Friendship day to all friends (human or not).

Not sure about Friendship Day? Once you have seen the breathtaking landscapes of Madeira, awarded a silver prize for sustainable tourism by Earthcheck, you will beg your friends to join you on your next adventure. Explore the captivating capital, Funchal where you can explore landmarks such as the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and race down the hilly streets in the iconic basket carts. Visit the local markets and support local artisans by stocking up on souvenirs. Or, explore the biodiversity of the area with an eco-friendly whale watching tour that aims to educate and conserve the marine life surrounding Madeira. When visiting Funchal, immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the bewitching beauty of this city.