Wise x Joe Thomas’ guide to the ultimate stag or hen do

Mucho dinero destinations

A cultured stag or hen do can be a sophisticated and memorable experience, combining elements of refinement, culture, and unique activities that go beyond the typical boozy night out.

Wise research has revealed that in 2024 only a fifth (17 per cent) of Brits now opt for a ‘traditional’ affair – featuring exotic dancers and fancy dress - while more than double this amount (39 per cent) want to do something more cultured.

When planning, it’s important to consider whether the cost of activities is within budget for everyone in the group. Once you’ve decided your budget, you can start to map out the perfect stag or hen event.

If money is no object for your group, you should consider destinations that are rich in culture and offer activities and scenery, avoiding the usually déclassé stag or hen activities:

1. Wine regions: Consider a trip to a famous wine region such as Napa Valley (USA), Bordeaux (France), Tuscany (Italy), or Rioja (Spain). Include wine tastings, vineyard tours, and gourmet meals.
2. Historical cities: Explore cities rich in history and culture like Rome, Paris or Vienna. Plan visits to museums, historical landmarks, and architectural marvels.
3. Art and music capitals: Visit cities renowned for their art and music scenes, such as Florence for Renaissance art or New York for Broadway shows.

Wise’s research has revealed that Lake Como, Italy is one of the top six destinations for a sophisticated and luxury stag or hen do in 2024. Known for its stunning scenery, luxurious villas, and charming towns, Lake Como offers a variety of activities that combine relaxation, culture, and a touch of glamour.

To get to Lake Como you will need to fly to Milan and then organise transport, it’s around an hour and a half drive away.

Accommodation in Lake Como:

Luxury villa: Rent a luxurious villa with a pool and lake views. This can serve as a base for your group and provide a private and comfortable setting. To find your perfect stay check out sites like AirBnB and Plum Guide.
Boutique hotel: Consider staying in a boutique hotel in one of the charming lakeside towns like Bellagio, Varenna, or Menaggio. If you want full luxury, consider the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. For something a little more affordable, consider the Hotel Villa Cipressi, by R Collection Hotels.

Here’s some inspiration for the perfect itinerary for a cultured stag or hen in Lake Como:

Day 1: Arrival and welcome

• Check into your villa or hotel
• Welcome dinner at Ristorante Aurora Lezzeno. Part of the Hotel Aurora, this lakeside restaurant has a beautiful terrace overlooking the water. The menu includes a range of Italian and regional dishes.

Day 2: Exploring Lake Como

• Charter a private boat or yacht for a day on the lake. Explore the picturesque shoreline, visit lakeside villages, and enjoy swimming or sunbathing.
• Tour some of the famous historic villas, such as Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, or Villa Melzi. These villas offer beautiful gardens and stunning architecture.
• Lunch in Bellagio at a lakeside restaurant such as Ristorante Bilacus. Located in the heart of Bellagio, Bilacus has a charming terrace that offers picturesque views of Lake Como. The restaurant serves a variety of Italian and local Lombard dishes.
• Relaxing afternoon by the pool or at a beach club such as Lido di Bellagio. Situated in the heart of Bellagio, this beach club features a private beach, swimming pool, sun loungers, and a vibrant bar.
• Dinner at a fine dining restaurant such as La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi, located in the luxurious Grand Hotel Tremezzo. This restaurant offers a sophisticated menu created by the late chef Gualtiero Marchesi. Guests can enjoy contemporary Italian cuisine with stunning lake views.

Day 3: Culture and Cuisine

• Morning cooking class with Chef Luigi Gandola who offers hands-on cooking classes in Bellagio where participants can learn to prepare traditional Italian dishes using fresh, local ingredients. The classes often include a market visit to source ingredients.
• Afternoon wine tasting at a local vineyard - Sorsasso Vini di Domaso. Situated on the northern shore of Lake Como, Sorsasso is a family-run winery that produces a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. They offer guided tours of their vineyards and cellars, followed by wine tastings paired with local products.
  Spa treatments at CastaDiva Resort & Spa. Nestled in a historic villa, the spa at CastaDiva Resort offers holistic treatments and wellness programs, indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, a Turkish bath, and a range of treatments inspired by the natural surroundings of Lake Como.
• Evening aperitivo private cruise with Bellagio Water Limousines.You can choose from various packages that include aperitivo on board while you cruise along the picturesque shores of Lake Como.

Day 4: Adventure and Relaxation

• Book a group kayak tour with Bellagio Water Sports to get out onto the lake as a group and enjoy the scenery.
• Lunch in Varenna - a quaint village located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Its picturesque waterfront promenade, colorful houses, and narrow alleys give it a romantic charm. The village is known for its botanical gardens and the historic Villa Monastero.
• Free time for shopping or sightseeing around Varenna and Mennagio.
• Farewell dinner at fusion restaurant The Fassushi Como and farewell drinks on Terrazza 241 rooftop bar at Hilton Lake Como.

Day 5: Departure

• Relaxed breakfast and departure

Wise’s research also identified Santorini as a popular stag or hen destination in 2024.

Planning a luxury stag or hen do in Santorini involves combining the island’s stunning natural beauty, upscale accommodations, fine dining, and unique experiences.

If you are going for true luxury, book a private villa with a pool overlooking the caldera or stay in a high-end hotel like Canaves Oia Suites, Grace Hotel, or Katikies Hotel.

Here’s some inspiration for the perfect itinerary for a cultured stag or hen in Santorini:

Day 1:
•Arrival and Private Transfer: Arrive and transfer to your luxury villa/hotel.
•Welcome Dinner: Enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by a private chef at your villa.

Day 2:

• Morning / afternoon: You can hire a private yacht for a day to explore the surrounding islands and enjoy the Aegean Sea. This is a great chance to experience the underwater beauty of Santorini with a private dive or snorkelling tour. Options like Sunset Oia Sailing Cruises provide premium experiences.
• Evening: Dinner at a fine dining restaurant, such as Selene, Lauda or Metaxi Mas.

Day 3:

• Morning: Book a day at a luxury spa such as those at the Grace Hotel or Canaves Oia Spa for relaxation and pampering.
• Afternoon: Private Helicoptre tour of the island with Helicopter Tours & Charters by Choose Yafy.
• Evening: Learn to cook traditional Greek dishes with a private cooking class in your villa with Santorini Chef. They provide hands-on lessons where you can learn to cook Greek and Santorinian dishes with a chef.

Day 4:

• Morning: Relaxation around the pool in your private villa or hotel.
• Afternoon: Arrange a private tour of the island’s best wineries like Santo Wines or Venetsanos Winery, complete with tastings and food pairings.
• Afternoon: Free time to explore the island or relax by the pool.
• Evening: Private dinner at your villa with a DJ and catering.

Day 5:

• Departure: Private transfer to the airport.
• Whether your bride or groom is looking for Renaissance architecture in Lake Como or the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, you can be sure both of these destinations will provide an unforgettable and luxurious experience for everyone involved.

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