Dying to be pampered? We found six retreats across the globe catering to women who need some extra self care. Whether you crave some alone time, some military-grade fitness or some luxury spa services, these retreats can help. (Please do check any coronavirus-related travel warnings before making plans.)
To heal emotionally: The Retreat Costa Rica Wellness Resort & Spa
Description: Tucked away in a 50-acre quartz mountain looking over the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica, this retreat is designed to help you let go of your stresses and any emotional traumas you’ve experienced. It’s the brainchild of Diana Stobo, the wellness life coach, celebrity chef and author. You’ll take daily hikes; practice yoga twice a day; and experience a facial, a massage, Reiki and sauna treatments. You also will receive anti-inflammatory organic meals.
Cost: $625 per day
Details: Six days in Costa Rica; Theretreatcostarica.com
To build confidence: AdventurUs Women
Description: AdventurUs Women hosts weekend adventures about once a month, which take women to the North Georgia mountains, the Rocky Mountains and beyond. The retreats include food prepared by local women-owned caterers, campfires, hammocks and comfortable beds. Depending on the location, your activities may include hiking, cycling, yoga, kayaking, rock climbing, yoga and even nature photography.
Cost: Varies depending on the weekend you select. As an example, the Sept. 23–26 retreat to Georgia is $1,698 for a single occupancy cabin.
Details: Weekends, location varies; Adventuruswomen.com
To have an adventure: Women’s Quest
Description: This company offers about 15–20 annual adventures for women that will take you to Iceland, Vermont, Costa Rica, Greece and other locations. Choose your focus: fitness? food? a combo? For example, during the Vermont trip (Sept. 12–17, $2,850) you’ll stay at a private fishing club and you’ll hike, bike, canoe, practice yoga, tour the Ben & Jerry’s flagship location and explore locally produced cheese manufacturers. These are all-inclusive trips, so you just need to pay for airfare and transportation to and from the airport.
Cost: Ranges by retreat. For example, the Greece Adventure Retreat (Sept. 22–29) is $3,850, while the Newfoundland Adventure Retreat (July 23–29, 2022) is $2,850.
Details: Locations and dates vary; Womensquest.com
To feel alive: Pure Vida Adventures
Description: This is a yoga, surfing, all-inclusive Costa Rican retreat. They offer women-only weeks, along with mixed gender retreats. During the women’s Surf & Yoga retreats, you’ll go for a week-long journey that includes daily surf lessons (no need to know how to surf before you go), daily yoga classes, lodging at a beachfront resort, three healthy meals daily, one massage and hikes, barbecues and concerts.
Cost: Starts at $3,295 for shared accommodation.
Details: Find out more at https://puravidaspa.com/
To get strong: G.I. Jane Bootcamp
Description: Head to Thailand, where you’ll be trained by British military. This bootcamp will be run just like a military one — though you’ll be staying steps from the beach and will receive daily massages. You’ll wake up at 5:30 a.m., followed by yoga, exercise sessions, lunch and more exercise. You’ll finish the day with dinner (Thai food) and a massage.
Cost: Starts about $1,400 for a single villa for seven days, all-inclusive; two-week camp also available.
Details: Koh Samui, Thailand; the next retreat is Oct. 22–29; Gijanebootcamp.co.uk
And here's a bonus retreat for those on a budget (and aren't we all?)!!
To relax on a budget: Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat
Description: Head to the Bahamas for daily yoga and meditation plus vegetarian meals. You’ll wake at 6 a.m. for an early morning meditation followed by chanting, reading and possibly a spiritual talk. Next comes yoga posture class, yoga breathing techniques and relaxation before brunch. After eating, you can attend a workshop, a lecture, an art session or you can hang out on the beach. In the afternoon, you’ll take another yoga class before dinner followed by meditation.
Cost: Starts at $115 per night, all-inclusive.
Details: Bahamas; there are no set dates. Stay for as long as you want for a minimum of two nights; Sivanandabahamas.org
