Empower Women Through Travel: Celebrate International Day!

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.