Peninsula Suite Terrace
The Peninsula Suite Terrace at The Peninsula Chicago looks out on the Hancock Building.

While the traditional beach and spa getaway is classic for girlfriends, some ladies prefer the urban-chic route. For ladies who opt for life on the go, we recommend the Second City.

Where to Stay

Chicago has an array of luxe hotels for your posh princesses, but here are two we think fit the bill for this particular occasion.

The Park Hyatt Chicago recently unveiled a brand-new spa on its seventh floor, which provides the perfect excuse for your female clients to book a stay. The NoMI Spa is part of Park Hyatt Chicago’s new NoMI lifestyle brand featuring NoMI Kitchen, NoMI Lounge and NoMI Garden, all on the seventh floor.

The Scoop: NoMI Spa is a complete sensory experience, centered around aromatherapy. Each visit begins with a cup of organic tea, then spa experts customize an aromatherapy blend that is incorporated throughout every stage of the spa treatment. As the treatment concludes, the experience gives way to a menu of small bites created by NoMI Kitchen Executive Chef Ryan LaRoche. Nice Touch: Each plate is based on the season and healing properties of the spices.

Facial Fact: We hear that NoMI Spa will be one of the few Chicago spa locations to offer the Hydrafacial, a non-laser skin resurfacing treatment. Translation: The treatment is gentler, non-invasive, non-irritating and extra moisturizing. For spa reservations, contact NoMI Spa Manager Rachael McCrory ([email protected]; 312-239-4200).

We love the extra-luxe touches added to NoMI and an additional level of pampering (think private steam showers, private changing spaces and Frette and Andrew Morgan linen). The spa has two private spa suites, each done up in gray and natural hues. Other spa facilities include a fitness center, steam rooms, locker areas, men’s Hommage shaving station and a pool with sweeping views of the city. Luxury travel advisors can contact Director of Sales and Marketing Julie Gardziola ([email protected]; 312-239-4014) with further queries.

Advisor Insight:

Julia Douglas of Jetset World Travel in Chicago says, “My top picks for a girls getaway to Chicago must include a BYOB mani/pedi date to Arbre Nails on Wells. There is no girlier way to kick off the weekend than watching reruns of Sex & The City and sipping bubbles in a massage chair while having your nails polished.

“Chicago also has some of the best sushi in the world! Be sure to try Sunda or Japonais for modern interpretations of classical dishes.”

 

Girlfriends would also love a stay at The Peninsula Chicago, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. There is a multitude of attractive offerings at the hotel for your female VIPs.

Ladies can take advantage of the Shop Party, where guests travel throughout Chicago in a limo for three to eight hours on a personalized shopping experience. There are 25 tours available, including The Show Fanatics, Sweets and Trinkets, The Little Black Dress, and Wild for Denim.

The 10th Anniversary Royal-Tea raises the bar on the hotel’s traditional three-tier tea service. Translation: Guests can indulge in caviar with blinis, lobster soufflé, a trio of macaroons and a gift of 10 chocolate truffles to take home. Top Touch: Enhance the experience with a glass of Laurent Perrier, Cuvée Grand Siècle Brut Champagne. Note: This special service requires reservations two days in advance.

The centrally located Peninsula Chicago sits in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, steps from the city’s peerless shopping (Gucci, Coach), and near cultural attractions (The Art Institute of Chicago). The highlight of this hotel is the 3,000-square-foot Peninsula Suite. Why, you ask? We love the 2,000-square-foot private terrace and Jacuzzi. Note: All guest rooms come with marble bathrooms, complimentary Internet access, plasma TVs, iPod docking stations and more. Luxury travel advisors can contact Marc Anderson, director of marketing, for more information.

 

Spiaggia
Spiaggia is Tony Mantuano’s four-star Michelin-rated Italian restaurant.

Where to Dine

Chicago is a foodie’s Mecca, with world-renowned steakhouses, deep-dish pizzas and a slew of modern and eclectic restaurants. One of Chicago’s prime dining destinations is Spiaggia, one of the city’s few four-star Michelin-rated Italian restaurants, headed by Executive Chef Tony Mantuano.

We think this is the spot for your famished femmes. Cool Touch: We hear that the restaurant has just launched a Venetian Tasting Menu to educate its diners on the cuisine of Veneto and its capital Venice (Bigoli spaghetti with basil-fed snails, artichokes and spring garlic, anyone?). The seven-course tasting menu, with wine pairing, is available through September. For reservations or other questions, reach out to Restaurant Manager Chad Bertelsman (312-280-2750).

Girls Will Be Girls

Earlier this year, a private nightclub opened its highly polished (and guarded) gates. Say hello to Privét, the no-RSVP, no-guest-list hot spot occupying the former Le Passage.

The only way to get into Privét is through whom you know—on the staff, that is. Those who do ingratiate themselves with the concierge (try dropping Leo a line) are treated in A-list style. 

The Details: Glitterati will be transported from their hotel to the red-roped club, only to be greeted by cases of champagne. Luxe Touch: Each table is tended to by a personal liaison who works in tandem with the floor hosts to make sure your cup is bottomless. For table reservations, contact Leo (224-532-1886).

 

Nomi Spa
The Nomi Spa at Park Hyatt Chicago is part of the hotel’s seventh-floor expansion.

The mellower mommy crowd may want to make a stop at American Girl Place to pick up some souvenirs for little girlfriends-in-training at home. The deluxe doll palace is home to shops with all of the historical characters. Here, visitors can explore outfits, accessories and furniture to bring the dolls to life. A photo studio and doll hair salon is also on site, which could make a perfect trip if moms and daughters are traveling together. For a full schedule of events, visit the American Girl Place website.