Wellness Travel. It’s become a buzzword, often referring to luxury spa getaways to intense fitness boot camps. However, as the wellness travel industry continues to boom, a new trend is emerging: women-only retreats. These transformative sanctuaries are drawing women from all walks of life, actively redefining self-care travel.
Traditionally, the travel landscape for women seeking personal growth was often limited. The broader industry didn’t cater to solo female travelers, and early surf camps, for example, were inherently male-centric – think basic amenities and a singular focus on the sport.
Chelsea Ross, Founder of Goddess Retreats in Bali, felt this disconnect deeply: “In the early 2000s, balancing my corporate coaching career with my life as a solo surfer in Bali, I realized there was a significant void for women like myself – those who valued adventure and comfort, but also sought deeper meaning and empowerment through travel.”
Rather than wait for someone else to offer this to women travelers, Chelsea followed her intuition and created it. In 2003, she launched Goddess Retreats in Bali – the world’s first luxury women-only surf and yoga retreat. It was a complete departure from the norm, driven by the belief that if she built a sanctuary designed to truly honor women’s unique needs, they would come.
The Rise of Intentional Self-Care
The reasons women seek out these experiences are as diverse as the women themselves. From boomers navigating life after retirement to women seeking healing after a breakup, busy mothers looking for a pause, and Millennials combating burnout, what unites them is a shared desire for a reset, a space to reconnect, reflect, and emerge with renewed vitality.
“At Goddess Retreats, we’ve witnessed an evolution of women prioritizing themselves firsthand,” Chelsea explains. “Since 2003, we’ve welcomed over 18,000 women, confirming a powerful rising trend: women are actively prioritizing themselves through these dedicated escapes. This isn’t just about booking a vacation; it’s about intentional self-investment and profound personal growth.”
Recent data supports this trend, with the majority of women embarking on solo trips doing it for themselves: 87% seek freedom and flexibility, 83% desire an escape from routine and responsibilities, 79% prioritize relaxation, self-care, and me-time, and 74% are looking for a challenge. This highlights a broader shift where travel serves as a powerful tool for personal well-being, not just leisure.
Why Women Thrive in Women-Only Environments
The appeal of women-only retreats lies in their unique ability to cultivate an environment of safety, support, and understanding. In a world where women often juggle multiple roles and external expectations, these spaces offer a rare opportunity to shed pressures and simply be.
As Chelsea explains, “There’s a sense of sisterhood that develops when women gather with a shared intention for growth. This collective energy is powerful. In a women-only space, vulnerability flourishes. Women feel safer to share their experiences without judgment, fostering deeper connections.”
On retreat, the absence of external pressure allows for a profound internal shift. Activities are designed not just for physical benefit, but for emotional and spiritual nourishment. Guests leave feeling more resilient, connected, and ready to re-engage with their lives with renewed clarity.
The Multi-Generational Pursuit of Well-being
The demographic seeking these retreats is diverse, signaling a significant evolution in self-care. Goddess Retreats’ data reveals a trend: women aged 35-64 years old (55%) now represent their largest demographic, a shift from previous years when the 25-34 age group led. This highlights a broader shift towards prioritizing holistic well-being across all stages of life.
Beyond solo journeys, there’s also a rise in intergenerational travel within women-only retreats, where mothers and daughters, or grandmothers and granddaughters, journey together, deepening bonds and sharing transformative experiences. While solo travelers still make up a significant portion of Goddess Retreats’ guests (just under 70%), Chelsea has noticed that multi-generational travel and friend groups are growing.
The Transformative Power of Cultural Immersion
Beyond the curated programs, a significant element of the transformative journey at Goddess Retreats, particularly given its home in Bali, is cultural immersion. This isn’t about superficial tourism; it’s about authentic engagement with a rich, spiritual culture. Bali’s vibrant traditions, its people, and its connection to nature become a key part of the healing process.
From engaging with local healers, participating in traditional ceremonies and experiencing authentic Balinese cuisine, to simply witnessing the daily rituals of gratitude, every element was carefully considered to preserve an authentic, immersive experience steeped in the rich cultural traditions of Bali. It’s a deeply transformative experience.
More Than a Getaway: Tools for Lasting Change
For many, a retreat marks a pivotal moment. As Chelsea observes, women arrive exhausted, uncertain, or overwhelmed. Over the course of a week, they begin to soften, reconnect with themselves, and literally “light up again.” “This isn’t an escape from life; it’s a reset that allows them to return with greater vitality, intention, and inspiration.”
Goddess Retreats offers a range of personalized programs – including wellness, surf, fitness, Pilates, and healing – designed to cater to diverse interests and goals. Whether through daily yoga, meditation, surf lessons, spa treatments, or cultural workshops, it’s a holistic approach to self-care that is tailored to individual needs.
The rise of women seeking transformative women-only retreats signifies a powerful and positive shift: women are choosing themselves, embracing intentional self-care, and finding profound transformation on their own terms.
