While women should be celebrated every day, International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025 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 exactly 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 eight percent 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.
1. 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 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. The Himalayan retreat offers 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.
Related: Spa Specials & Retreats that Celebrate Women's Health for International Women’s Day
2. 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. Travelers can return to basics on a solo journey with yoga and nature at carbon-neutral Hotel Belmar, which ties 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 they crave. Reports by organizations like the UN show that women are consistently more interested in and engage more with eco-minded pursuits. 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 participating in regenerative farming practices at Finca Madre Tierra, each activity is designed to inspire a deeper connection to oneself and the natural world.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Belmar
3. 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.
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.
Photo courtesy of Calabash Cove Resort and Spa
4. 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 Iceland. From savoring culinary delights in Reykjavik to rejuvenating at the Sky Lagoon, travelers delve into steaming hot springs and ancient glaciers. 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 a female-led, female-owned and all-women boutique travel company. The team is part of a bigger trend, which sees women-owned businesses grow twice the rate of men, according to the 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report. Also, the growth rate for women-owned businesses rose 4.5 times from 2022 to 2023. Naya Traveler’s team brings together their years of experience with travels that have taken them to Ethiopia, Japan, Guatemala, Europe and beyond.
Sofia Mascotena, owner, founding member and CEO, has built her career creating immersive journeys maintaining a 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 curated experiences. Paula Espinoza, the agency’s creative director, ensures every journey is visually and emotionally captivating, drawing inspiration from her rich cultural background.
Photo courtesy of Naya Traveler
5. 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 6th – 10th, 2025 in the Eternal City.
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.
Photo courtesy of Bettoja Hotels
