When it comes to travel, a willingness to go it alone is on the rise. Earlier this year, Pinterest’s annual trend report cited a 593 per cent rise in searches for ‘solo ventures’ and hosts of travel sites have seen a significant increase in single bookings.
But if you’re skeptical about the growing trend for lone adventures, or aren’t ready to take the plunge, a well-being getaway could be the perfect answer. From individually tailored detoxes to surfing solo, these wellness retreats are all about solo self-improvement…
Best for all-round wellness: The Body Holiday – St Lucia
Single travellers are more than welcome at this all-inclusive resort, tucked away on the northern tip of St Lucia’s spectacular coast. Dedicated to health and well being, it’s a great place for any solo seeker of wellness, with tennis, archery, diving and even spinning in a treetop studio. During ‘Solo September’, a month-long programme of health and fitness is on offer with no single room supplement.
Best for surfing: Soul & Surf
Located in scenic jungle on the south coast of Sri Lanka, Soul & Surf offers week-long structured retreats for singles who want to surf their way to better fitness. It’s hard to imagine a more invigorating way to start the day than beginning with early morning surf at one of the nearby beaches, followed by yoga and downtime at the pool. Single sex sharing options are available for those solo travellers keen to share with like-minded guests.
Best for a gourmet detox: In:spa Retreats
Taking over a variety of luxury boutique hotels around the world throughout the year, in:spa offer five-seven night retreats that combine yoga and fitness with haute detox cuisine. 50 per cent of in:spa guests travel alone, enjoying communal meals crafted by nutritionists and chefs flown in especially (a welcome treat after a day of yoga, fitness classes, hikes and PT sessions).
Best for yoga: Destination Yoga
Combining stylish venues with daily expert-led yoga classes, Destination Yoga’s week-long retreats are always housed in idyllic settings. At the recently restored Cirere D’Avall farmhouse 90 minutes away from Barcelona, the twice daily yoga classes come with views of the sprawling fields and forests of rural Spain. At Galanais in Sardinia, the setting is La Torri di Bari beach, to the blissful soundtrack of the Mediterranean Sea.
Best for hiking: Langdale Holidays – Walking the Dolomites
What better spot for a solo adventure than hiking through the picturesque mountain villages and rugged rock faces of the Dolomites. With plenty of scenic hikes, communal dining and a minimal single supplement charge, you’ll be more than happy to go it alone. In fact, the chance to explore the timeless beauty of Venice for three nights at the end of your trip will make it too good to share.
Source: Standard