Where to go (alone?!) for a week?

[annh]

Bit of background -DH and I have booked the summer holiday but he really wants to do an activity holiday as well for which amazingly we have both budget and enough holiday time. Last year, he went surfing in Spain and has now booked a kite surfing holiday in Egypt. I am fine with this as long as I get to go away too this year but we can't do this holiday together (no childcare back home) and also my idea of the perfect holiday is lying on a beach and reading my way through the Richard & Judy bookclub list. SO, I am going somewhere on my own - being on my own doesn't worry me in the slightest, would go with a friend but chances of any of us being able to coordinate work, holiday, children's requirements etc are slim.

Wonder if the collective wisdom of mumsnet can come up with some suggestions? Doesn't have to be just beach, shopping also very welcome! Dubai has been suggested as an option but neither dh not I are sure that this is such a good idea for a single woman? Other possibility is maybe NY or Boston, have several friends there and it certainly takes care of the shopping, although maybe not the beach. Open to all other suggestions however!???? Budget of about £500 plus have a slush fund for shopping if I go somewhere where there is any. Computer at home broken so if I don't respond overnight, it won't be because I don't want to!

[Merlin]

What about some sort of spa/retreat type place? Can't recommend anywhere in particular - maybe another MNetter will, or just google.

[noddyholder]

can't reply as am

[mummytosteven]

yes am very too

Barcelona?

do you want city break or beach resort?

[annh]

Sorry everyone, can't actually believe that this is going to happen, kind of thing that usually never works out for me but sounds like it might this time! Spa recommendations would be great if anyone has any (particularly if in a warm climate). Mummytosteven, could be a city break if there was beach attached - have been to Barcelona for work and that could be attractive although have to admit ignorance about any beach facilities?

[Newbarnsleygirlsjustinsane]

New York or Barcelona. Both very good shopping I have heard.

[mummytosteven]

yes, there is a beach not too far out from the centre/ramblas area -

[DelGirl]

My 1st suggestion was going to be Dubai, then I read the whole post. Seriously though, it's a great place and extremely safe imo. I went there a couple of years ago. I flew there on my own but stayed with friends but I did go out on my own, one time shopping at about 10 or 11 at night and I felt totally safe. It's not too expensive either but it's not somewhere i'd go in our summer months as it's just too hot. Frim the safety pov, I'd feel safer there then alot of other places i've been to tbh.

[alicatsg]

there's an amazing spa in Majorca (I would tell you the name but am sulking) (actually can't remember but its meant to be heaven)

[Merlin]

Have a look at www.cntraveller.com at their featured spas. (sorry can't seem to do a link)

[Leogaela]

I spent a week in Bali on my own! Stayed in a hotel in Sanur right on the beach. It wasn't expensive, first class service. it was fantastic! very lovely people, no threat from men being on my own. I went to dinner in a different restaurant every night (although i was constantly asked if I was on my own - curious balinese couldn't understand it) lovely beaches and enough interesting things to do. Kuta is good for shopping. I was on my way home when the bomb went off so I am not sure what it would be like now.

I booked flight and hotel separately (booked hotel directly wiht hotel not a agent), it worked out cheaper than a package.

[duster]

Annh: I will give you all the remaining Easter Eggs in my house, and do all your ironing until 2089 if you take me with you.

[duster]

Oh, and second Barcelona. Beach, shopping, sun. Fab.

[maisystar]

am speechless with

[annh]

It's a no to the Easter eggs Duster as am hoping to lose at least half a stone before this little jaunt. The ironing however is v-tempting! Thanks to everyone for the suggestions, Barcelona is looking more and more attractive.

[Enid]

la residencia in Mallorca - go for a long weekend, lovely.

Or a week in Boston (beautiful, more 'handleable' than NY and still fab shopping).

I would go diving in the Red Sea if I had a week alone...bliss...sigh...

[triceratops]

My sister went to Dubai and had a bad experience unfortunatley. I think she would have been fine if she had had a bit of respect for the culture though. She doesn't own a top that covers her belly button and didnt see why this caused a stir. She also wore a bikini while alone on a tourist beach and was attacked by some local youths who thought that she was easy.

My mum goes to Skyros and she swears by it and says that it better to go on your own so that you can join in better. It is a little brown rice and knit your own yoga mat though.

[annh]

Knew there'd be a spanner in the works - this might make you all feel better! Nanny has announced she is leaving to go work in admin (rather than look after my darling ds's?!)so it looks like the planned week away could be spent showing the new one the ropes - if I ever come down from my high-level panic! I should have known better than to get my hopes up ...