In a world where self-love and self-care are becoming increasingly essential, solo travel has taken on a new dimension. It’s no longer about escaping from reality, but about embracing who you are and nurturing your well-being. In this travel roundup, we explore eight remarkable retreats designed for solo travelers who want to indulge in a unique journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, these destinations offer a perfect blend of experiences that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection – Costa Rica
Nestled in the Talamanca Mountains of Costa Rica, Hacienda AltaGracia offers a unique blend of adventure and self-care in the midst of the lush jungle. This sprawling wellness playground is the perfect escape for those seeking to immerse themselves in the “pura vida” lifestyle. Guests can embark on waterfall treks, explore the on-site coffee farm, meditate in the butterfly garden, and participate in cooking workshops using organic produce from the chef’s bounty. The 20,000-square-foot spa focuses on hydrotherapy and mindful movement, ensuring a rejuvenating experience. For a deeper dive into healing and self-discovery, join one of the Visiting Masters Retreats, where wellness experts and healers lead workshops to help you return home with a renewed sense of self.
Reset Telluride – Telluride Colorado
If your idea of self-treatment involves challenging physical activities and pushing your limits, Reset Telluride in the heart of the San Juan Mountains is the perfect destination. The retreats, which last four or six days, are designed for small groups and focus on high-endurance hiking, altitude training, and building body strength. Daily activities include rigorous mountain treks, stretching, meditation, bodywork, and yoga classes. You can also look forward to intense massages, bodywork sessions, and healthy plant-based meals. Your restful nights are guaranteed in oxygen-enhanced Reset rooms at Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, in Telluride Village.
Tropic Surf at Four Seasons Resort Desroches Island – Seychelles
For surf enthusiasts, there’s no greater treat than having crystal-clear waves all to yourself. Located on Desroches Island, Seychelles, the Four Seasons Resort is a haven for surfers. The resort offers rustic villas along white sandy beaches, ensuring privacy and endless adventure. Activities on the island include scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, and Tropic Surf, a luxury surf camp with professional surfers dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner catching waves on the sandy shoreline or an advanced surfer experiencing long-riding barrels, Desroches Island is an undiscovered paradise for every surfer.
BodyHoliday – Saint Lucia
“Give us your body for a week, and we’ll give you back your mind” – this is the motto of BodyHoliday, an all-inclusive spa located on the northern end of Saint Lucia. The retreat offers a diverse range of activities, including oceanfront yoga, swimming lessons with Olympians, archery, and even garden scavenging for lunch preparation with the chef. You can also wakeboard around the bay, undergo infrared therapy, receive full-body health scans from on-site doctors and coaches, and even enjoy a nighttime snorkel with manatees. The beauty of BodyHoliday is that it encourages guests to do as much or as little as they desire when it comes to well-being, fitness, dining, sightseeing, and beach relaxation. It’s the ultimate salute to your health and happiness.
Naya Traveler – Various Locations Worldwide
Naya Traveler takes a unique approach to solo travel by offering personalized journeys designed around themes such as adventure, nature, arts, gastronomy, and wellness. These journeys can be arranged privately or with small groups of like-minded individuals. Whether you’re exploring Andalusian culture in Southern Spain with a history buff, indulging in Ethiopian cuisine and contemporary jazz, or embarking on a hiking tour in Iceland, Naya Traveler ensures that your solo adventure is both meaningful and enriching. It’s a refreshing way to discover new destinations while delving deep into your interests and passions.
The Esalen Institute – Big Sur, California
The Esalen Institute, nestled on the wild coastline of Big Sur, California, is a renowned retreat center and community that has been offering inner peace and self-discovery experiences since the 1960s. The property features simple accommodations like yurts for meditation, as well as outdoor baths open 24/7, perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. These baths have been used for millennia by the local Esselen tribe. Esalen also hosts weekend workshops that cover a wide range of topics, from energy-healing techniques like Japanese reiki to deep dives into psychotherapeutic pathways and meditation for enlightenment. It’s a place to unleash your inner wild child and explore your inner self in a stunning natural setting.
Ten Thousand Waves – Santa Fe, New Mexico
In the tranquil foothills of Santa Fe’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Ten Thousand Waves offers a unique East-Meets-West spa experience. This retreat provides an opportunity to truly disconnect from the world and connect with nature. With hot tubs designed to mimic bathing in the woods, nose-to-toe spa treatments, and transformational healing journeys integrated with psychedelic medicine, Ten Thousand Waves is an otherworldly escape for those seeking deep relaxation and rejuvenation.
Ananda in the Himalayas – Northern India
Perched in the Himalayan foothills above Rishikesh, Ananda in the Himalayas is a holistic spa that promises a meaningful experience for both body and soul. Embracing the principles of Ayurveda, this retreat offers guests the opportunity to explore Hindu culture and philosophy. Activities range from meditative strolls in nature to challenging Himalayan treks and Vedantic lectures. Ananda’s wellness programs are thoughtfully designed to address the evolving stages of a guest’s mind and body, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both physical and spiritual growth.
In conclusion, solo travel is no longer just a journey to escape, but an opportunity to embrace and love yourself. These eight retreats offer unique experiences that cater to a variety of interests, whether it’s adventure, wellness, culture, or relaxation. So why wait? Treat yourself to a remarkable solo journey of self-discovery and personal growth in one of these exceptional destinations. It’s time to put yourself first in 2023 and make it all about you.
