Tag Archives: women travel

While women should be celebrated every day, International Women’s Day on March 8^th inspires people around the world to recognize the social, economic, political, and cultural achievements of women. This year’s theme is #AccelerateAction and the travel industry is doing just that. Acting. A rise in female-focused experiences, trips, and hotel packages, empower women to explore the world, whether solo or in small groups.

The need is there. A recent Future Partners survey revealed a growing interest in solo travel among women, with nearly 40% expressing a desire to travel alone in 2025—an 8% increase compared to 2024.

In honor of International Women’s Day, here’s some destinations encouraging and inspiring solo female travel, intriguing female-focused trips and special packages:

Going Solo: Destinations Encouraging Female Travel

Ananda in The Himalayas, India

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 travelers 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 close to its heart, wellness programs specifically designed to address the ever-evolving stages of a woman’s mind and body. 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 often overlooked in traditional wellness programs.

Ananda’s philosophy focuses on holistic healing and spiritual awakening, ideal for the solo traveler. With 58% of its guests traveling 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 of holistic wellness, earning multiple global awards as the world’s No. 1 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. Visit www.anandaspa.com.

Hotel Belmar, Costa Rica

Located in Monteverde, Costa Rica, the boutique eco-lodge, Hotel Belmar invites solo female travelers 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, travelers 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 travelers want while immersing in the natural beauty that they crave. Reports by organizations 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 tranquility foster introspection and renewal, while the property’s sustainable practices and immersive experiences enhance the transformative journey.

A holistic approach blends the tranquility of the cloud forest with guided forest immersions, yoga, and farm-to-table culinary experiences. Guests can expect personalized itineraries focused on mental clarity, physical rejuvenation, and spiritual connection. From hiking through their SAVIA forest reserve to taking part 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. Visit www.hotelbelmar.net.

Calabash Cove Resort and Spa, Saint Lucia

All-inclusive resorts invite solo guests to relax within their secured facilities and socialize with other like-minded travelers, 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 technique 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. Visit www.calabashcove.com.

Female-Focused Trips and Special Packages

Naya Traveler, 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 savoring culinary delights in Reykjavik to rejuvenating at the Sky Lagoon, travelers 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 traveling solo or in small groups on all journeys booked before December 31st, 2025.

Naya Traveler is a female-led, female-owned and all-women boutique travel company redefining what it means to travel the world with a sense of purpose. The team is part of a bigger trend that sees the number of women-owned businesses growing at twice the rate of those owned by men, according to the 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report. Also, from 2022 to 2023, the growth rate for women-owned businesses rose 4.5 times. Naya Traveler’s team pulls together their years of experience with travels that have taken them to Ethiopia to Japan to Guatemala to Europe and beyond.

Sofia Mascotena, owner, founding member, and CEO, has built her career creating immersive journeys maintaining a perfect balance between exclusivity and cultural respect. Jennifer McClymont, Sales Director, has visited more than 50 countries and curates highly personalized itineraries tailored to the specific needs of each traveler. Maria Recondo, Naya’s Operations Director, is a passionate travel enthusiast committed to delivering meticulously curated experiences. Paula Espinoza, the agency’s Creative Director, ensures that every journey is visually and emotionally captivating, drawing inspiration from her rich cultural background.

As the travel industry evolves, women-led companies like Naya Traveler are paving 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. Visit www.nayatraveler.com.

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 travelers. In celebration of International Women’s Day, Bettoja Hotels is offering a special discount for all stays from March 6^th – 10^th, 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 daytrip. 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 March 8th.

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. Visit www.bettojahotels.it.

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Global Travel Experiences Celebrating International Women’s Day

March 7, 2024 MoralCompass

*Embark on a transformative Women-only Icelandic Adventure with Naya Traveler*

Celebrated globally this Friday on March 8^th, International Women’s Day inspires people around the world to recognize the social, economic, political, and cultural achievements of women. As the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, the travel and hospitality industry is seeing an influx of female-focused experiences and trips, in addition to more hotels and destinations appealing to female travelers by making every woman feel encouraged and inspired while traveling. In honor of International Women’s Day, here’s some destinations encouraging women to go outside their comfort zone, intriguing new female-only trips, and destinations making a difference by investing in women.

Build Confidence and Learn a New Skill at Las Catalinas in Costa Rica

Travel encourages people to go beyond their comfort zone. Engaging in new experiences and pursuits builds confidence, independence, and opens new horizons. Located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, the car-free, seaside town of Las Catalinas is a destination that is ideal for female travelers whether traveling solo or with other women looking to embrace change, go beyond the ordinary and try something new. Access to Las Catalinas is easy with several non-stop, direct flights from cities including Miami, Houston, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Toronto and more. Once in town, the self-discovery begins in a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly hardscape that embraces nature – a place that is perfect for learning a new skill or activity with an array of pursuits and activities ideal for a restorative getaway.

Beach Town Travel, the preferred travel agency in Las Catalinas, can curate an unforgettable stay focusing on soft to extreme adventure ideal for women looking to get outside of their comfort zone. For solo guests or two friends or family traveling together, the stylish boutique Santarena Hotel is in the heart of town offering a convenient base camp in the center of it all. For women traveling in a bigger group, Beach Town Travel can arrange villa accommodations in the Las Catalinas Collection with over 100 lodging accommodations across their three lodging types: Baranda, Bon Vivant and 229 Las Catalinas. Take advantage of the current 4^th night free promotion at both Santarena Hotel and Las Catalinas Collection or any of their other special offers. For the adventurous at heart, guests can learn a new activity and take surfing lessons, horseback riding at La Estancia, scuba diving, mountain biking, paddle boarding or kayaking with Pura Vida Ride, trail running through the tropical dry forest and more. Gather with other like-minded women for meditations, visualizations, forest bathing or take a sound healing journey, yoga class, organic cooking class, ice bath therapy, cold plunge or other wellness-focused activities at Center of Joy, the town’s wellness center.

The conscious town of Las Catalinas is Costa Rica’s newest desirable beach town inspired by New Urbanist philosophy. The car-free, highly walkable town includes several inns and intimate hotels, shops, restaurants, retail, day spas, pedestrian streets, parks, plazas, and recreational facilities, all located between two of Costa Rica’s loveliest Pacific beaches and 1,000 acres of protected tropical dry forest, which are interlaced with extensive hiking and biking trails. Within the town, the walkable public spaces are interwoven with nature, and the architecture emphasizes indoor-outdoor living and scenic views. Cars are refreshingly absent. For more information, visit www.lascatalinascr.com.

Women-only Icelandic Adventure with Naya Traveler

Embark on a transformative Women-only Icelandic Adventure with Naya Traveler, where curated experiences promise to immerse participants in the untamed beauty of the land of fire and ice. From savoring culinary delights in Reykjavik to rejuvenating at the Sky Lagoon, travelers 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. From steaming hot springs to ancient glaciers, this exclusive women-only adventure promises an immersive experience in the enchanting landscapes of Iceland.

Naya Traveler extends an invitation for women to experience the extraordinary, where every moment is curated for a lifetime of memories. With rates starting at $1200USD per person per day, inclusive of accommodations, private transfers, and personal local guides, this extraordinary adventure awaits, best experienced between September and early April for a chance to witness the captivating aurora borealis.

Founded in 2016, Naya Traveler offers tailor-made experiential journeys to a curated selection of destinations steeped in ancient traditions and customs. Rooted in first-hand expertise and intimate knowledge, Naya Traveler’s highly personalized itineraries focus on exclusive insider experiences that bring back purpose and value to travel and provide a unique space to discover a destination through the eyes and knowledge of those who know it best. Naya Traveler works with an exceptional group of local hosts and expert guides in each destination, ranging from historians and artists to ethnographers and chefs—all of whom will guide travelers through the threads of a destination’s rich cultural tapestry. For more information, visit www.nayatraveler.com.

Ananda in the Himalayas empowers women through the Ananda Spa Foundation

The Ananda Spa Foundation (ASF) was created by award-winning, world-renowned wellness retreat, Ananda in the Himalayas in northern India. The foundation is committed to giving back to the community and promoting women’s empowerment through education and training. By providing women with the tools they need to succeed, the foundation can help create a more inclusive and diverse workforce and make a positive impact on society. ASF is committed to providing a better future for the underprivileged girls of India with the objective of empowering women from lower socio-economic groups. In Uttarakhand, women are the working members of the family and thus the financial backbone of their communities. In support of this cause, Ananda has established India’s first private not-for-profit academy providing fully sponsored training and education for underprivileged women in the field of spa therapy.

The mission of the foundation is to empower women from the community by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to build successful careers in the spa industry. Students receive top-notch training and education in spa therapy, ensuring that they are well-equipped to succeed in this exciting field. Upon completion of the program, the students will be guaranteed job opportunities in reputable hotels and spas, giving them the chance to support their families and live fulfilling lives. Through this initiative, Ananda in the Himalayas has transformed the lives of many girls in the community. For more information, visit here.

Ananda in the Himalayas is a world-renowned holistic wellness retreat in the Himalayan foothills in North India, overlooking the spiritual town of Rishikesh and river Ganges. Located in the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, the retreat spans 100 acres of lush grounds and gardens and surrounded by forested hillside. As the birthplace of Ayurveda, Yoga, and meditation, this spiritual destination embodies and facilitates wellness and enlightenment. The philosophy of Ananda revolves around Ayurveda, holistic wellness, yoga, meditation, emotional healing, spiritual awareness, and healthy cuisine. The heart of Ananda lies in its 25,000 square foot wellness center, offering beautifully designed therapy rooms with nature views, open-air yoga and meditation pavilions, an outdoor pool, a physiotherapy center, gymnasium, and a comprehensive range of Ayurvedic and international therapies for holistic cleansing of the body, mind, and soul. For more information, visit www.anandaspa.com.

Bettoja Hotels in Rome Offers Special Women’s Day Package

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, Bettoja Hotels is offering a special offer for all stays from March 8^th – 10^th, 2024 in the Eternal City for a minimum of two people. Book any type of room at the Hotel Mediterraneo or the Hotel Massimo d’Azeglio and guests will receive a 15% discount including breakfast.

For those who wish to taste our Chefs specialties (specializing in 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 March 8th.

Spanning five generations, family-owned and operated Bettoja Hotels’ hotels (Hotel Mediterraneo, Hotel Massimo D’Azeglio, Hotel Atlantico) are 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 three hotels are the ideal basecamp for embarking on the ultimate Roman holiday. The Stazione Termini, convenient for train excursions to Florence or Naples, is also just a few blocks away. For information, contact [email protected] or www.bettojahotels.it.