8 of the best female-only wellness retreats to celebrate International Women’s Day

With solo female travel rapidly on the rise, there has never been a better way to celebrate International Women’s Day (or any other special occasion) than with a wellness retreat. Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists, have rounded up their best female-only wellness retreats. From relaxing on the glistening shores of Portugal’s Algarve with an immersive yoga experience, to increasing your fitness on an intensive bootcamp overlooking the striking Thai mountains, these exclusive health and fitness retreats are guaranteed to enlighten and empower every woman. 

Bali: Ocean Soul Retreat Holistic Retreat

Surrounded by privacy walls for ultimate seclusion and nestled in lush tropical gardens, Ocean Soul Retreat is ideal for solo female travellers craving peace and tranquillity. Connect your mind, body and soul with holistic therapies, nutritious food, and relaxing massages at this luxurious women’s only retreat. This wellness program is based on your desire to engage in as many or as little activities as you like, adapting to your wellness requirements.

Thailand: GI Jane Thailand

Kickstart your journey to your health and fitness goals on this female-only intensive bootcamp, set against the striking mountains of Koh Samui. Work out alongside British Military Trainers to lose weight and improve your mental and physical strength. With daily yoga classes and rigorous activities like boxing and circuits, you will be pushed to your limits, leaving you feeling body confident and headstrong. This is a truly life-changing experience, which will improve your mental and physical strength in the company of other like-minded women.

Spain: SHA Wellness Clinic Healthy Ageing Women

This tailored female-only healthy aging program is designed to take away the fear and negative impacts that come with aging, particularly among women. Focusing on the physical and emotional issues of menopause, SHA uses Western wellness approaches and holistic treatments to specifically target and reduce sleeping problems, weight gain and hormonal imbalances. SHA provides ample support through experienced consultants to help women adjust to bodily changes and preserve youthfulness and vitality. 

Thailand: Absolute Sanctuary Women’s Holistic Health  

Embark on a journey of empowerment and enlightenment on the Thai “island of healing,” with this bespoke women’s holistic health program at Absolute Sanctuary. Surrounded by lush vegetation, this program addresses all aspects of mental and physical health, as well as hormonal imbalances. Hormones can create havoc on the body and mind, and as such rebalancing is essential to restore health, and calm and focus the mind. Through a combination of cleansing therapies, physical activities and nourishing cuisine, this empowering experience will help you to re-energize, revitalize and rebalance. 

India: Ananda in the Himalayas Dhyana Self-Realisation

Encircled by pristine forest and majestic mountains, Ananda in the Himalayas is the ideal destination for women seeking a peaceful escape. Your Dhyana program will enhance your physical and mental strength, while creating emotional and spiritual balance to harmonize mind and body. Experience a calming combination of personalized one-on-one Hatha yoga sessions, daily meditation, mantra chanting, traditional Pranayama breathing techniques and Kundalini back massages. You will leave feeling relaxed and refocused, with the tools to continue your self-study at home. 

Portugal: Yoga & Wellness Retreat at Longevity Cegonnha Country Club

Breathe in the fresh ocean air as you immerse yourself in the physical and mental health benefits of yoga. This exclusive retreat, led by yoga master Trevor Laurency, is perfect for women looking to reconnect with their inner purpose, on the golden beaches of the Algarve. With over 25 years’ experience in holistic teaching, Trevor will guide you through a variety of yoga styles, inducing calm and total relaxation. Make lifelong friendships with yogis from all around the world as you engage in daily yoga classes together. 

Bali: Bliss Body Retreat Divine Body

Escape to the Balinese foothills and find inner peace at the edge of the jungle, on this female-only retreat set against the panoramic views of ancient volcanoes. Learn about spirituality and self-healing, as you begin your wellness journey to inner-transformation and empowerment. Focusing on the reduction of mental tension and emotional blockages, you will be guided through a holistic program of daily meditations, mindfulness, spiritual workshops and carefully crafted nutritious meals. You will leave feeling emotionally balanced and renewed, with self-help practices that you can implement in everyday life. 

Switzerland: Grand Resort Bad Ragaz Anti-ageing  

Overlooking lush vineyards, this luxurious wellness haven is perfectly located for women looking to turn back time at the foothills of the Swiss Alps. By undergoing various medical diagnosis, attending exercise classes and following a nutrient-rich meal plan, you will observe significant changes in your overall health and well-being. You will be enriched with the knowledge of how to slow down the biological aging process and maintain a higher quality of life, leaving you not only looking, but also feeling, younger.