Hen’s parties used to be synonymous with tacky veils, feather boas and L-plates, but there’s a new, more sophisticated trend of celebrating your last days of singledom, with a relaxing girls weekend away. Bellingen, on the Coffs Coast (halfway between Sydney and Brisbane) is a scenic and peaceful town with some of the best B & B’s I’ve seen. They are just perfect for a hens weekend.

Lily Pily Country House is a purpose built eco-sensitive guest house sitting on 32 hectares of farm land. The three individual suites, each with a Queen bed, ensuite and private deck overlooking the river and rural scenery are the perfect place to unpack and unwind. What makes Lily Pily ideal for a girl’s weekend away is the guest lounge and dining room. With comfortable sofas, a library and lots of magazines, the common area provides year long comfort with a cosy log fire for Winter and cool air-conditioning in Summer, the ideal spot to sit and chat for hours with your bridal party.

On arrival at Lily Pily, owners Felicity and Brian will welcome you with afternoon tea, a glass of wine and help you decide where to go for dinner. Your afternoon can then be spent bushwalking, canoeing, shopping in town or simply enjoying the company of your friends with some wine and the expansive scenery from the timber deck.

But, my recommendation is to call in Liz from Skin Bliss Day Spa and indulge in a pre-wedding pamper package. Arrange a mani-pedi party, a massage, body scrub or a nourishing facial… no matter what you choose, each treatment is designed to revive, restore and revitalize the mind, body and soul, making it perfect for a stressed out bride-to-be and her besties.

Each morning at Lily Pily an a-la-carte breakfast with fresh farm eggs and fruits is served in the dining room and will energize you for a full day exploring the quaint town of Bellingen.

Just around the corner from Lily Pily is another wonderful B&B called Afterglow Cottages. At Afterglow there are two self-contained cottages to choose from. You can stay in the new architect-designed cottage or the gorgeous converted 1940s dairy. Both cottages have one bedroom, are spacious and have the most magnificent outdoor bath I have ever seen. Relax and enjoy the comfy lounge area equipped with a tv, dvds and books or sit back with a bbq on the deck and while away the day.

A delicious antipasto platter and wine will be waiting for you when you arrive, as well as a fridge stocked full with fresh eggs, bacon, freshly baked cakes, bread and homemade preserves. Yum!

Owner Agnes, is the quintessential B&B operator. She has a huge heart and will look after you, help you plan your weekend, or leave you alone… which ever you like. If you chose to leave the tranquil beauty of your cottage, Agnes will recommend and make a restaurant booking at one of her recommended restaurants for you… she will even offer to drive you into town. Agnes is seriously sweet, you’ll end up wanting her to join in all the fun with you.

For a girls weekend away, book both the cottages and enjoy a fun catch up before you walk down the aisle, or consider booking Afterglow for your honeymoon or a sexy pre-wedding getaway with your fiancé. Afterglow Cottages provides a wonderful getaway of tranquility, privacy and pure bliss.

For more information and current specials check the websites of Lily Pily Country House and Afterglow Cottages 

Photography via Lily Pily Country House and Afterglow Cottages