Find the perfect solo retreat from women-owned businesses

by JourneyWoman Staff

We are living in uncertain times, but the need for women to practice self-care remains the same. Wellness and transformational retreats provide solo women travellers with the opportunity to disconnect from daily pressures and stress to nurture their well-being. After all, if we don’t look after ourselves, who will?

From the sun-kissed coast of Spain to the serene rolling hills of Iceland, we’ve curated a selection of restorative, transformative retreats hosted by partners of our JourneyWoman Women’s Travel Directory to help you on your journey to self-discovery. Discover a space where rejuvenation meets inspiration and every detail is designed with your well-being in mind, offering you a meaningful pause in a fast-paced world. Find more vetted retreats for solo women on our Women’s Travel Directory here.

Seven wellness retreats for solo women

1. Spain: Detox & Wellness Retreats with Ultimate Retreat Company

Nestled in the coastal Spanish region of the Costa Blanca, the Ultimate Retreat Company offers a selection of retreats—from physical to mental to purely rejuvenating—with a stunning backdrop of rolling hills and turquoise waters.

Founder Julie Slade developed the Ultimate Retreat Company over 15 years ago when she felt the industry was sorely lacking: “Back then, your choices were limited to juice cleanses and military-style bootcamps,” says Slade.

With experiences like the Total Life Reset and their Detox & Wellness Retreat, Slade seeks to “alleviate stress at every point of the experience,” from booking to airport to arrival.

Here, you can expect a supportive, no-pressure environment and programs crafted to meet the unique needs of women over 50. Retreat sizes are intentionally small so that every guest can receive personalized attention and private accommodation: “I wanted to make sure everyone was super comfortable and that there was no difference in quality of accommodation.” Learn more about the Ultimate Retreat Company here.

2. Scotland: Immersive Art Retreats with Wild at Art Scotland

Self-expression can allow women to reconnect with their inner self and to transform challenging emotions into something beautiful and meaningful. With the dreamy landscapes of Scotland as your muse, Ute Amann, founder of Wild at Art Scotland, will help womem hone their skills and tap into creativity.

“I love curating and hosting experiences that allow women to really connect with Scotland’s stunning locations and get the Dùthchas, which is Gaelic for a sense of place and the understanding of land, people and culture, through making art,” says Amann.

Wild at Art is the only creative travel operator covering all of Scotland, offering unique art small-group creative workshops and retreats in an inspiring environment with like-minded travellers. Learn more about Wild at Art Scotland here.

3. Japan, Portugal or Spain: Yoga for Wellness with Jeni’s Global Yoga Retreats

Dreaming of practicing mindfulness and sun salutations in some of the world’s most beautiful locations? Consider joining Jeni Martinez on a yoga retreat in destinations like Japan, Portugal, and Spain.

Martinez offers solo women intimate, small-group retreats in locations set away from heavily touristed areas to ensure an authentic local experience and meaningful cultural exchange. By partnering with local businesses and guides, she hopes to support the communities visited, creating a positive impact for both guests and hosts.

“Currently, we offer retreats in Italy, Portugal, France, and the UK, as well as Japan, South Africa and Cambodia,” Martinez explains. “In addition to yoga, each trip includes hiking, walking, and fully immersive cultural experiences. Free time is also built in for napping, dreaming, or journaling. Pack your bags and let’s go!” Learn more about Jeni’s Global Yoga Trips here.

4. Canada, France and Mexico: Transformative Experiences with Advivum Journeys

Are you ready to embrace change? Join Tania Carriere, owner of Advivum Journeys, on a transformational retreat to discover your authentic self.

Opting for destinations like Quebec City, Kent in England, and Baja, Mexico, among others, Advivum retreats blend destination travel with experiential learning and personal transformation. As discovered by JourneyWoman editor Carolyn, each journey is designed to be more than just a getaway — it’s an opportunity to reflect, reset, and embrace joy in a supportive and enriching environment.

“There is an art to living life to its fullest and to asking the questions that allow us, as women, to emerge into the most vibrant version of ourselves,” says Carriere. “Retreats are a way to discover yourself and the world in the company of a community that shares your sense of adventure and curiosity.” Learn more about Advivum Journeys here.

5. Iceland: Reclaim Yourself Retreats

Imagine a cozy, snow-covered cabin in remote North Iceland and days filled with yoga, mountain hikes, horseback riding, whale watching and relaxing soaks in thermal pools. That dream becomes a reality with Reclaim Yourself Retreats.

Reclaim Yourself Retreats focuses on bespoke yoga and wellness adventures for solo women in remote destinations, partnering with local teams to create meaningful experiences. Founder Jools Sampson has hosted more than 200 successful retreats in countries like Mongolia, Bhutan, Japan, and Patagonia and has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the Best Yoga Retreats in the World.

“Our wellness trips create unique and transformative opportunities for women to experience a renewed sense of adventure and discovery,” Sampson explains. “We travel to unusual locations, and our amazing guests explore new cultures and landscapes with the wisdom and confidence that comes with life experience.”

Learn more about Reclaim Yourself Retreats here.

6. Bali, Japan and Sri Lanka: Luxury and Transformation for Women with Goddess Retreats

Self-care is a necessity, and sometimes, it’s nice to splurge. Since 2003, Goddess Retreats has been a pioneer in luxury retreats for women, starting with the Surf Goddess program in Bali and growing into a globally recognized brand.

“Something wonderful happens when women retreat together. A unique magic unfolds in a nurturing and uplifting space,” says Goddess Retreats founder Chelsea Ross.

They offer a range of experiences in destinations like Bali, Japan, and Sri Lanka that combine wellness, adventure, and cultural immersion.

Programs include everything from yoga and surfing to Ayurveda and spa treatments. Each retreat fosters a sense of sisterhood and personal growth, encouraging guests to rediscover their inner strength and create lasting memories with like-minded women. Learn more about Goddess Retreats here.

7. Vietnam and Cambodia: Immersive Wellness with Zen Vacations

A self-professed wanderer, CEO of Zen Vacations Violet Nguyen brings her passion for the healing power of nature to her immersive retreats hosted in Vietnam and Cambodia.

“True indulgence lies in holistic well-being, which we cultivate through fitness activities, natural soaking, local immersion, and nourishing food,” explains Nguyen, a yoga teacher in Rishikesh, India, with a background in sustainable development and tourism.

Nguyen’s retreats focus on ancient Asian therapies and modern wellness practices, offering transformative journeys centred on connection, transformation, and inspiration. Expect authentic cultural experiences and guided tours, local and international cuisine, top-notch accommodations, and treatments that are specifically designed with women 50+ in mind. Learn more about Zen Vacations here.

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