So your mate is getting married and you have been delegated the duty of organising a hen party to end all hen parties… the pressure is on.
Fear not however, as seasoned hens we’ve rounded up the best alternative hen do (that’s bachelorette party for you American folk) ideas in Dubai.
Turkish delight
What: Spoil yourselves with a day of the most decant and luxurious pampering treatments Dubai has to offer. Rent out a gorgeous traditional Hammam (Turkish bath, or steam room) for just you and your friends to get scrubbed, detoxed, massaged, washed and left with the softest skin and hair you’ve ever had. Perfect before a night out or before the big day.
Where: Jumeriah Zabeel Saray Talise Ottoman Spa, The Palm
How: Call (04) 4530000
Raise the barre
What: If the bride is diligently sticking to a healthy eating plan as the big day approaches, the thought of an indulgent hen night might fill her with dread. Barre fitness – combining postures from ballet, yoga and pilates – will keep all the hens and bride at their absolute physical best. The trainers will help you craft your own unique “hen do” class with its own theme, playlist and workout goals.
Where: Physique 57, Citywalk and Al Thanya Mall
How: Email info@physique57.com
Read: 8 Bridal Dresses For The Rock N Roll Bride
What’s cooking?
What: Acquire some helpful new skills and unleash your creativity with your closest friends at a hands-on cooking class. Maybe you’re in desperate need of the absolute basics, maybe you want to learn how to cook healthier every-day meals or perhaps you just want to really impress with a top chef gourmet class – there’s a workshop for your every type of cooking. There’s even a mixology class to learn the subtle art of food pairing.
Where: Top Chef Dubai, Jumeriah Beach Road
How: Email booking@topchefdubai.com, (04) 3855781
Good Vibes
What: Yoga for a hen do? “It’s a great bonding experience and a way to send the bride off into her next journey in life in a fulfilling and community-energised way,” says Dina Ghandour, Jivamukti Yoga instructor. She offers private group classes of up to 12 participants, providing yoga mats, music and speakers for an uplifting and positive pre-wedding event.
Where: Abu Dhabi and Dubai
How: Email info@jivamuktiwithdina.com
Read: How To Be A Body Beautiful Bride
Pole goals
What: Learn some moves, spins, tricks and some choreographed combos in a fun and supportive environment. For 1 or 1.5 hours, you and your friends will be treated to a perfectly tailored pole fit lesson – feather boas, hats and other fun outfits are encouraged.
Where: Pole Fit Dubai, Dubai Marina
How: Email info@polefitdubai.com, (056) 7952210
Make It Up
What: Gather your girlfriends for a private make-up lesson form some of Dubai’s best make-up artists. Not only is it a fun and way celebrate a hen do, but it will also help the bride learn soem valuable make-up tricks for her wedding day. The session includes tutorials for your specific face-shape with M.A.C make-up training as well as get a detailed review of the cosmetics in your bag to make sure you are utilizing what you already own. Food is provided or can be organised in advance.
Where: Illumin8, JLT
How: Email info@illumin8makeupstudio.com, (050) 8728374
Read: Wedding Dress Tips For The Plus-Sized Bride
Jump around
What: This one is perfect for any bride-to-be who desperately needs to de-stress a little. Unlock your inner child at the free-jumping indoor trampoline centre. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, food is provided by Freedom Pizza – Dubai’s favourite healthy, organic pizza chain – they even do vegan pizzas!
Where: Bounce, Al Quoz
How: Book online at bounce.ae
Hint Hunt
What: Forget passing the test of true love, this is one that’ll prove your best friendships can hold up under pressure. You and up to 4 friends have 60 minutes to escape a room by solving the puzzles and mysteries within it. It’s all about teamwork and staying calm – and you thought planning a wedding was trying.
Where: HintHunt, Times Square Centre
How: Dhs 550 for five players, book at hinthunt.ae
Read: Best Dressed Hollywood Brides
Sing your heart out
What: Sing and dance like no one is watching (because they can’t) in your own private karaoke room inside one of Dubai’s only authentic Korean restaurants. The hen party will have the place to yourself, complete with mics and an extensive song selection, to really let yourself go for two hours while food and drink is delivered to you on request. (We’ve included Jennifer Hudson’s carpool karaoke with James Corden above for inspiration).
Where: Kung Korean, Tecom
How: bybloshoteldubai.com, (04) 4327966
Picture Perfect
What: Make your hen do as colourful an event as you can and rent your own painting studio. The package comes with the studio itself, canvases, aprons, brushes and unlimited paint. At the end of the day, take your masterpiece home to remember forever (whether or not you chose to display it in your house, however, is up to you.)
Where: Thejamjar, Al Quoz
How: Email info@thejamjar.com
