Looking for the best women-only wellness retreats for a restorative escape? From yoga and mindfulness retreats to outdoor adventures and luxury spa experiences, women-only retreats offer the chance to switch off, recharge and connect with like-minded women.
The Women’s Journal has selected some of the best women-only wellness retreats in the UK and beyond. From restorative stays in the Scottish Highlands and Cornwall to wellness experiences by the Aegean Sea, these retreats offer women the space to slow down, reconnect and prioritise their wellbeing.
Editor’s Picks: The Best Women-Only Wellness Retreats
- Best Women-Only Retreat for Outdoor Adventure: Wilderness Scotland
- Best Women-Only Retreat in Greece: Casa Cook Samos X Shakti Alchemy
- Best Women-Only Retreat for Career and Confidence: Revive & Rise Retreat
- Best Women-Only Spa Experience: The Spa at Carden Park
- Best Women-Only Retreat for Coaching: Scotland Retreats
The Best Women-Only Wellness Retreats
Whether you’re seeking a restorative retreat, a mindfulness-focused getaway or simply time to recharge, these wellness retreats offer the perfect opportunity to step away from daily demands and embrace a slower pace of living. The Women’s Journal spoke with mindset coach and retreat leader James O’Keefe about what makes a women-only wellness retreat effective. He shared with us that the best retreats offer women a safe space to open up and nurture their self-confidence:
“Women-only retreats can create a different kind of atmosphere. When women feel comfortable and supported, they often open up more easily and encourage one another. We have seen people arrive on their own and leave having made genuine friendships. For many guests, it is also simply a chance to put themselves first for a day. Stepping away from work, family and everyday responsibilities can help them reconnect with parts of themselves that may have taken a back seat.”
As part of James’ own practice, he and his co-leader, psychologist and life coach Chris Wimshurst, provide a space for people to feel supported and reflect on what best supports their wellbeing. Through breathwork, practices such as cold-water immersion and time spent in nature, guests are encouraged to reconnect with themselves and develop tools they can carry into everyday life.
With this in mind, the best wellness retreats offer more than just time away from daily routines. They create opportunities for rest, reflection and reconnection. Below, we’ve rounded up the best women-only wellness retreats to inspire your next escape.
Wilderness Scotland
To encourage more women to explore and enjoy the outdoors, Wilderness Scotland has introduced a Wilderness Retreat to their programme of women-only trips. The retreat is set in Cairngorms National Park, and guests will be guided by Yasmin Basan. Expect to take part in activities throughout the park, including a climb to the summit of Cairn Gorm (1,245m). The itinerary also includes wild swimming, restorative yoga sessions, workshops and a visit to Glen Feshie.
With a group size of just eight women, the retreat is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and meet other women seeking adventure and a welcome pause from the busyness of everyday life. After each day of exploring, guests can unwind in a cosy Highland lodge, making this retreat the ideal balance of outdoor exploration and relaxation.
Casa Cook Samos X Shakti Alchemy
Immerse yourself in a week of reflection and personal growth at Casa Cook, located on the Greek island of Samos. In partnership with wellness collective Shakti Alchemy, they are hosting a Women’s Wellness and Soul Experience. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from daily life and discover yourself through an intentional retreat away from the noise.
Led by Joy Wasem, founder of Shakti Alchemy, and her co-founder, Svenja Sofia, the retreat is designed to help women reconnect with their bodies and minds. Svenja brings experience in sound, ritual and body-based practices, while Joy has more than 20 years of experience in Jivamukti Yoga.
Alongside 14 other women, you will take part in a variety of communal activities to soothe and ground you. These cover women’s circles, workshops, rejuvenating yoga and reflections, as well as cultural activities including a guided visit to the ancient Heraion Temple and a Samian dinner experience. The retreat is curated to be mindful and offer a sense of restoration during the autumn period.
Revive & Rise Retreat
Spend a long weekend at Tresillian House in Newquay, Cornwall, with the Revive & Rise Retreat, led by Dr Claire Kaye. As a former award-winning NHS GP turned career and confidence coach, she brings a wealth of knowledge and wellbeing expertise to this revitalising stay.
The retreat is intentionally created to be energising, offering the space for women to offload their stresses and feel truly looked after. Through a combination of yoga, sourdough bread-making classes and Dr Claire’s coaching programme, guests can expect to decompress and bring home tools for mindfulness.
Speaking to Dr Claire, she explained to us that one of the most important aspects of her retreat is giving women the space and capacity to completely switch off. She told us:
“There’s something incredibly powerful about being surrounded by women who understand the pressures of juggling careers, relationships, families and everything else life throws at them. Very quickly, someone says, ‘I thought it was just me,’ and another woman replies, ‘I feel exactly the same.’ That moment creates an immediate sense of connection and belonging. Women-only retreats also give permission to stop performing. There’s no pressure to be anything other than yourself.”
Dr Claire also notes that more women are actively seeking retreats that bring together physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Revive & Rise combines mindful activities with dedicated time to rest, reflect and simply switch off.
The Spa at Carden Park
Located in the Cheshire countryside, the award-winning spa at Carden Park is home to popular women-only wellness days. With a focus on comfort, privacy and connection, these spa days are created for restorative relaxation and wellness. Guests can enjoy standout spa facilities, including their Spa Gardens, herbal lounge and a variety of thermal experiences.
To truly customise your wellness experience, there is a range of spa packages available, suited to different schedules and preferences. These cover indulgent all-day spa events in both the indoor spa and gardens, morning spa treatments and even a twilight spa garden with thermal experiences. It’s an idyllic opportunity to connect with family and friends while enjoying a luxurious wellness experience.
Scotland Retreats
Founders Nichola Henderson and James Hughes created Scotland Retreats to bring together elements of life coaching and wellbeing activities. With a background in wellness coaching, psychology and meditation practices, both founders bring a wealth of expertise to their retreats. Retreats are held in Scotland, Bali and Ibiza, meaning that each one is distinctive.
Nichola shared with The Women’s Journal the benefits of attending a women-only retreat, including a sense of restoration and belonging:
“Very quickly, there’s the beautiful realisation that you don’t have to be anyone but yourself, and the women accept each other exactly as they are. There’s an underlying sense of understanding, safety, and emotional security on a women-only retreat that is difficult to replicate.”
Her retreats are ideal for women in need of time to unwind and possibly gain some clarity over a situation. The activities on offer are designed to help achieve this sense of rebalance. Take part in mindful movement, breathwork, creative activities including music and journalling, as well as time spent in nature. What makes their retreats special is the introduction of 1:1 coaching alongside other wellbeing practices such as yoga, mindfulness and sound experiences. Guests are welcome to attend a variety of sessions throughout their time away for a more personalised experience.
How We Chose the Best Women-Only Wellness Retreats
We selected these women-only wellness retreats based on their location, activities, accommodation, approach to wellbeing and the overall experience offered to guests. We also considered different types of retreats, from outdoor adventures and coaching-led escapes to yoga, mindfulness and spa experiences.
What to Look For in a Women-Only Wellness Retreat
When choosing a women-only wellness retreat, understanding your personal needs and what you hope to gain from the experience can help you find the right fit. The Women’s Journal spoke to author and psychotherapist Eloise Skinner about what to look for when selecting a wellness experience, and how retreats can help to support women’s wellbeing. Eloise shared with us that these retreats may benefit women who are feeling the pressures of family and working life:
“Women who feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or at risk of burnout could benefit from this type of retreat, as well as women with significant work-related or family responsibilities (where they’re able to take time out to attend). Women working in male-dominated industries or fields might also benefit from a women-only space, with time to connect with other women and experience a different type of environment.”
The best retreats also cater to individual needs, offering a supportive environment where guests can enjoy the experience in a way that feels right for them. On the whole, Eloise shares that the best practices at retreats tend to bring together a combination of physical and mental relaxation.
“In general, [the mix] of wellness approaches or practices that tends to work best – in other words, activities that blend mental and physical health. An example might be a yoga and meditation session, or a fitness class followed by a breathwork practice. The combination of mental and physical wellness can often make us feel a sense of mind-body connection, and a greater feeling of present-moment awareness.”
What to Expect From a Women-Only Wellness Retreat
While each retreat differs, you can expect to find relaxation practices, group activities, creative workshops and time to recover. Nichola Henderson, founder of Scotland Retreats, notes that in terms of wellness trends, there is an increasing interest in what she calls an ‘expanded retreat experience’:
“Women want an expanded retreat experience. There is more interest in sustainability, local and cultural activities and how much we can contribute to the local area. Guests want unique, authentic experiences; they want thoughtfully curated timetables, and they want to learn about local areas – the key here is expansion – the foundations are still there, but now there’s more to be added; the more unique and local to the area – the better.”
Additionally, some wellness retreats are designed to encourage guests to step outside their comfort zones and try something new. Mindset coach James O’Keefe spoke to us about emerging wellness trends, including the growing interest in retreats that combine relaxation with personal growth.
“I think more women, particularly those over 40, are looking for wellness experiences that offer more than a traditional spa break. They still want to relax, but they also want to try something different, challenge themselves a little and come away feeling that the experience was worthwhile.”
James also explained what guests can typically expect from these experiences:
“Guests can expect a relaxed and supportive day that combines practical wellness activities with time away from their usual routine. The retreats include activities such as meditation, breathwork, movement, cold-water immersion and sauna sessions. These are designed to help people feel more present, try something outside their comfort zone and think about the habits that support their wellbeing.”
Women-Only Wellness Retreat FAQs
What is a women-only wellness retreat?
A women-only wellness retreat is an opportunity to take a break from the pressures of everyday life, with a collective of women. During the retreat, you’ll stay together and take part in mindful activities, ranging from yoga and breathwork to workshops and local experiences.
Are wellness retreats worth the money?
A wellness retreat can be worth the money if the experience, activities and accommodation match what you want from your trip. Before booking, compare what is included in the price, such as accommodation, meals, classes, treatments and excursions, as these can vary considerably between retreats.
What happens at a wellness retreat?
At a wellness retreat, guests stay together at the designated accommodation and can expect to participate in a range of outdoor and indoor activities. These may include nature walks, swimming outdoors, taking part in yoga and meditation, as well as local excursions and creative workshops, such as cooking, crafting, and journalling. Some wellness retreats also offer more personalised experiences, such as spa packages and mentoring sessions.
Can you attend a wellness retreat alone?
Yes, you’re welcome to attend a wellness retreat alone. A wellness retreat is an ideal opportunity to connect with new people and bond over the activities. People often make friends through taking part in shared experiences, as many wellness retreats are created to bring guests together.
What should you pack for a wellness retreat?
Depending on the type of wellness retreat, location and time of year, you may require different essentials. On the whole, you may need light layers, comfortable trousers and shoes for outdoor excursions, swimming clothes and personal self-care items.
Which countries have the best wellness retreats?
Different countries are home to a diverse range of wellness retreats. Popular destinations for the best wellness retreats include the UK, Indonesia, Thailand, Spain, Portugal and Greece.
How long should a wellness retreat be?
Wellness retreats can range from a single day or weekend to a week or longer. The right length depends on the type of retreat, your budget and how much time you want to spend away from your usual routine.
