Side A · Liner notes
Creating Meaningful We-Moons: A Guide for Single Women to Celebrate Milestones Together
Nutrition · Words by Jessica Cruel · Released
Single women can celebrate personal milestones through "we-moons," joyous retreats shared with friends that combine both relaxation and meaningful experiences.
I found myself speeding across the sparkling waters, the wind whipping through my hair, attempting to capture the beauty around me. Despite my efforts, every shot I clicked included couples immersed in romance. Instead of feeling lonely amid the honeymooners, I celebrated alongside my own throuple of single friends on what I like to call a “we-moon.” This trip, destined for Anguilla, wasn’t just another girls' getaway; it marked my first book release and was a celebration of friendship and achievement.
Traditionally, we reserve exotic locations for romantic getaways—honey moons and baby moons—leaving single women to find spaces for their own milestones. A we-moon recognizes that single women also deserve moments of celebration and adventure, allowing us to travel together and uplift one another, be it for a new job, a promotion, or even a personal achievement like writing a book.
Planning Your We-Moon
When planning a we-moon, several elements can enhance the experience, ensuring everyone enjoys themselves while celebrating together. I consulted with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, author of Sisterhood Heals, about the essentials for crafting a successful trip without unnecessary tension.
Separate Accommodations Matter
Unlike honeymoons where intimacy is prioritized, a we-moon thrives on balance—time spent together and separately. Dr. Bradford emphasizes the importance of booking separate rooms if your budget allows. During my stay at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, each of us enjoyed our own space, which fostered both independence and camaraderie. This arrangement allowed early risers to savor quiet mornings and late sleepers to relax without disturbance.
She notes, “Having a place where everybody can retreat and have alone time is really good if that is something that the group can do.” Additionally, discussing budgets ahead of time is essential since opinions on luxury can vary within a group.
Embrace Alone Time
Prior to departure, it’s also wise to discuss expectations around activities. Different vacation styles can lead to exhaustion rather than relaxation. Dr. Bradford points out that people often place enormous expectations on trips, wanting to maximize every moment. To avoid thrashing schedules, you might consider optional group excursions.
On our we-moon, we engaged a villa concierge to help develop a loose itinerary. Some planned to participate in a private yoga session, while others preferred to indulge in leisurely reading. I opted for personalized one-on-one yoga, which allowed me to focus on specific needs while some friends enjoyed relaxing downtime. This blend of collective and individual activities proved beneficial for everyone involved.
New Experiences Enhance Connections
White the group component of my we-moon brought laughter and joy, the trip was rich with new experiences, notably a margarita-making class. Standing at our villa's bar, we learned to mix lime juice, orange liqueur, and tequila—each sip reinforcing the bond we'd formed. Engaging in fun, skill-building activities stimulates not just joy but also mental health.
Whether you choose a cooking class, a water sport like paddleboarding, or even casual board games by the beach, these moments of shared learning empower friendships. It’s about creating memories and laughter, fostering connection, and sometimes even trying new things together, all while relaxing in a beautiful setting.
Facilitating Deeper Conversations
A we-moon also creates a perfect backdrop for heartfelt discussions. Dr. Bradford points out that the ambiance of travel offers a rare opportunity to get close and share vulnerabilities with friends. It helps to set the stage for conversations that may feel difficult in everyday life.
On my trip, I arranged a serene evening in our villa’s jacuzzi, complete with a stunning sunset and glasses of wine. The setting prompted us to unwind and discuss our personal challenges—everything from career hurdles to relationship highs and lows. These intimate dialogues not only solidified our connections but also allowed us to support each other in a truly meaningful way.
Concluding Thoughts
Celebrating milestones through we-moons allows single women a transformative way to honor friendships while breaking free from societal norms surrounding travel. Empowering your circle to join you on these adventures not only solidifies your bonds but enriches your life experiences. Whether you're planning a trip soon or contemplating celebration ideas, remember that it’s not just about the destination; it’s about honoring your achievements and cherishing moments with your loved ones.
Ultimately, those phone calls to friends for a we-moon are invitations to share in joy, laughter, and deep connection—proving that single women too deserve celebratory moments and adventures, just like anyone else.
