In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, we explore the rise in experiences, trips and hotel packages that cater to solo female travellers and empower women to explore the world.
Ananda in the Himalayas
India
*Lead image courtesy of Ananda in the Himalayas.
India was the “pray” part of Eat, Pray, Love, but clichés aside, the historic palace of Ananda in The Himalayas’ 100-acre estate in the Himalayan foothills is an oasis for solo female travellers looking to disconnect from the world and reconnect with themselves safely.
Solo women guests aren’t a rarity here. One of the palace’s prayer rooms was home to Ma Anandamayi, an Indian saint and yoga guru. Swami Sivananda Saraswati described her as “the most perfect flower the Indian soil has produced.” With Ma’s temple overlooking the happenings at Ananda, the consciousness of this wellness retreat reverberates with Shakti, the embodiment of feminine energy that heals all. Cocooned in the silent whispers of yin, the Himalayan retreat holds wellness programs specifically designed to address the ever-evolving stages of a woman’s mind and body, close to its heart. Ananda’s dedication to holistic care has led to ground-breaking work in women’s health, including fertility, menopause and menstrual health, addressing crucial aspects of well-being that are often overlooked in traditional wellness programs.
Ananda’s philosophy focuses on holistic healing and spiritual awakening, which is ideal for the solo traveller. With 58% of its guests travelling solo on wellness programs, it’s clear that many guests view wellness as a personal quest. This trend underscores the importance of self-reflection and individual growth in the wellness journey. Ananda creates a supportive environment and a sense of community.
For 25 years, Ananda in the Himalayas has been a trailblazer in holistic wellness, earning multiple global awards as the world’s number one wellness retreat and destination spa. Born out of the vision to blend ancient wisdom with modern innovation, it creates transformative wellness experiences and life-changing experiences that have touched countless lives.
Bettoja Hotels
Italy
Known for its cultural richness, history, ease of navigation and more, Rome consistently ranks as one of the top cities ideal for solo travellers. In celebration of International Women’s Day, Bettoja Hotels is offering a special discount for all stays from 6 to 10 March 2025 in the Eternal City.
Book any type of room at the Hotel Mediterraneo or the Hotel Massimo d’Azeglio and guests will receive a 25% discount on stays, including breakfast, along with a 10% discount at the restaurant.
Located steps from Termini Station, Bettoja’s properties are convenient for getting in and out of Rome–whether it’s to the airport or on a day trip. For those who wish to taste the hotel chef’s specialties highlighting Piedmontese cuisine at the Ristorante Massimo d’Azeglio, guests can enjoy a Mimosa Cocktail with a dedicated menu created for International Women ‘s Day on 8 March 2025.
For over 150 years, family-owned and operated Bettoja Hotels has been welcoming guests with its passion for hospitality at their three hotels (Hotel Mediterraneo, Hotel Massimo d’Azeglio, Hotel Atlantico) located right in the heart of Rome. Within walking distance from historic landmarks, including the Colosseum, Opera House, Forum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, the hotels are the ideal basecamp for embarking on the ultimate Roman holiday.
Hotel Belmar
Costa Rica
Located in Monteverde, Costa Rica, the boutique eco-lodge Hotel Belmar invites solo female travellers to indulge in Monteverde’s cloud forest. With several non-stop, direct flights from cities including Miami, Houston, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Toronto and more, travellers can conveniently get back to basics on a solo journey with yoga and nature at carbon-neutral Hotel Belmar, which ties in sustainable practice and regenerative tourism to its wellness approach.
The hotel’s guided excursions provide the safety and framework that solo female travellers want while immersing in the natural beauty that they crave. Reports by organisations like the UN show that women are consistently more interested in and engage more with eco-minded pursuits —and Hotel Belmar delivers just that. Fresh mountain air, vibrant biodiversity and a sense of tranquillity foster introspection and renewal, while the property’s sustainable practices and immersive experiences enhance the transformative journey.
A holistic approach blends the tranquillity of the cloud forest with guided forest immersions, yoga and farm-to-table culinary experiences. Guests can expect personalised itineraries focused on mental clarity, physical rejuvenation and spiritual connection. From hiking through their SAVIA forest reserve to participating in regenerative farming practices at Finca Madre Tierra, each activity is designed to inspire a deeper connection to oneself and the natural world.
Hotel Belmar is an award-winning, independent, family-owned luxury eco-lodge situated in Costa Rica’s renowned Monteverde cloud forest highlands.
Calabash Cove Resort and Spa
Saint Lucia
All-inclusive resorts invite solo guests to relax within their secured facilities and socialise with other like-minded travellers, making them attractive choices for women who want to travel alone without any worry. Known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-minded practices, Calabash Cove Resort and Spa is one of the most popular all-inclusive, adults-only boutique hotels in Saint Lucia that invites guests to focus on themselves.
Its 26 villas feature old Caribbean charm coupled with luxurious and modern resort amenities. The resort’s Ti Spa offers a wide range of treatments that combine European techniques with St. Lucia’s storied tradition of using plant and food-based curatives. Treatments are designed to cleanse the body with locally produced coffee or papaya scrubs. The signature Spa Sampler features holistic treatments like hot stone massage, aromatherapy and counter stretching. It’s also one of the only properties in Saint Lucia to offer a dedicated vegan menu.
Located on a quiet cove in pristine Bonaire Bay, complimentary activities available to guests include kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling right from the beach. The concierge can arrange more adventurous activities, including hiking the Pitons, private sailing charters, nature hikes and bird watching, culinary and food tours and more.
Naya Traveller
Iceland
Women can go alone—or together—on a transformative Women-only Icelandic Adventure with Naya Traveler, where curated experiences immerse participants in the untamed beauty of the land of fire and ice. From savouring culinary delights in Reykjavik to rejuvenating at the Sky Lagoon, travellers delve into steaming hot springs and ancient glaciers, culminating in a journey of a lifetime. Guided explorations of Thingvellir National Park, black lava beaches, and private ice climbs reveal the mysteries of Iceland’s landscapes, while retreats at Umi Hotel offer spa experiences amidst breathtaking vistas.
Naya Traveler is offering 10% off to women travelling solo or in small groups on all journeys booked before 31 December 2025.
As the travel industry evolves, women-led companies like Naya Traveler pave the way for more inclusive, conscious, and transformative travel experiences. By championing cultural respect, fostering female-led initiatives, and crafting bespoke journeys that celebrate heritage, Naya Traveler is not just shaping the future of luxury travel—it’s redefining it.
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