The single travel bug is catching, with a new world of healthy holidaymakers realising the freedom this blissfully selfish form of travel affords. No longer the sole reserve of singletons, Health and Fitness Travel have seen a rise in the diversity of travellers choosing to go it alone on a singles holiday, for the opportunity to focus on their individual wellness goals. Whether on a yoga retreat in Asia or fitness boot camp in Europe, with solo travel having almost doubled amongst affluent and first-time travellers in 2015, more health retreats are banishing hefty single supplements to welcome this new wave of solo wellness warriors.
Issuing in a new era of single travellers, the freedom to choose how you spend your healthy holiday attracts a new and broader following, from health-conscious baby boomers looking to keep active in retirement to divorced single parents wanting to rediscover a healthier lifestyle. Having shaken off the lonely hearts stigma it once carried, even those in relationships are now looking to travel solo and focus on their goals instead of compromising on a half-hearted holiday with the other half.
Entering the era of solo female travellers, in a TripAdvisor survey of more than 9,000 women, 74% had either already travelled alone or were planning on travelling solo in 2015, a fact supported by Pinterest pins focused on female solo travel rising by 350%. A growing phenomenon fuelled by the ease with which social media allows us to stay in touch with loved ones, staying connected allows solo female travellers to feel safer when travelling on their own.
Following this solo surge in healthy holidays, Health and Fitness Travel share their top tips for solo travel on a wellness holiday and their top 5 destinations to give it a go, from a beachside yoga retreat in Bali to a fitness boot camp in Ibiza.
Whether finally reaching your fitness target or discovering new ways to manage stress, take the time to escape distractions and focus on yourself. With the help of motivational personal trainers, medical, nutritional and wellness experts, you will finally have the best support you need to reach your goals.
One of the best ways to meet like-minded solo travellers on holiday, group retreats and group fitness classes are a great way of breaking the ice whilst mixing with a fantastic array of people with shared goals and passions.
Avoiding the prospect of dining solo using room service is tempting for many first-time solo travellers, but don’t dull down your culinary experience by hiding away. Many wellness retreats offer singles-only dining tables as an easy way to unite solo travellers.
Keep in touch with family and friends to let them know you’ve arrived safely, but leave your phone in your room for the day, allowing you to take the time to really disconnect on a digital detox.
For solo travellers looking to feed their wanderlust, active excursions from adventurous white water rafting and zip lining, to healthy cooking classes and educational eco hikes are a great way to meet fellow solo travellers with similar interests.
Escape to Phuket Cleanse
Phuket Cleanse is a boutique retreat that specialises in active detox customised to guest’s needs. The retreat has a holistic approach to detoxing - they believe that exercise and education, alongside a nutritious raw food diet are paramount to achieving long-term results. The retreat is in a secluded area in the south of Phuket Island and has a spa centre, an indoor gym, a swimming pool and an amazing outdoor space for yoga and meditation. On this fitness holiday, there are classes every day, with so many options that you’re sure to find something you enjoy. You can choose from Muay Thai, 6 different types of yoga, Pilates, TRX, aqua-aerobics, Zumba or beach boot camp. You will be encouraged to explore your relationship with food and discover the benefits of a raw food diet. There are daily cooking classes alongside educational seminars to introduce you to the nutritional principles of the detox and give you help and advice on how to carry on your healthy holiday lifestyle once you’re back home. It's the perfect choice for solo travellers – there are only 16 rooms and here you can chose to socialise as little or as much as you like.
More information: View Phuket Cleanse Detox and Fitness
Connect with your inner well-being through group Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Retreat Away
Unleash your inner transformation with Retreat Away, the ultimate haven for immersive wellness retreats. Led by a team of expert hosts, their exclusive getaways in the picturesque Algarve offer invigorating group classes, captivating activities, and rejuvenating spa experiences. Embrace a holistic approach to well-being, connecting with like-minded individuals, indulging in nourishing cuisine, and gaining valuable tools to continue your wellness journey beyond the retreat. It's time to nourish your mind, body, and soul with Retreat Away and embark on a transformative getaway like no other.
More information: View Retreat Away
Meet other solo travellers with group classes at Komune Resort
Escape to Bali for a singles wellness retreat on a secluded volcanic beach overlooking the famous Keramas reef. Start your day on a singles yoga retreat balancing body and mind with a private yoga session before joining other solo travellers with a choice of daily activities and classes, from a surfing session or Mt Batur volcano hike to a traditional cooking lesson in Ubud or power spin class. Nourish your body with organic meals and cold-pressed juices before treating it to a daily spa treatment and visiting a Balinese healer.
More information: View Komune Resort Yoga & Spa
Keep active with other singles at The BodyHoliday
Go solo at this all-inclusive wellness retreat, tucked away in a peaceful cove on the stunning Caribbean island of St. Lucia. ‘September Solos’ provides an entire month dedicated specifically to solo travellers, whilst year-round features such as no single supplements and the hosted singles table every evening meal, ensure a loyal following throughout the year. Start your day with group sunrise yoga, before kicking up the pace with exhilarating classes including BodySpin, Zumba and beach circuits. Explore with group hiking and mountain biking tours, before making the most of 'me-time' on a solo spa holiday with inclusive daily spa treatments.
More information: View The BodyHoliday September Solos
Reach your goals with the support of fellow singles at Paradis Plage
Paradis Plage is an all-round great holiday for everyone; it’s right on the beach (with a great variety of water sports available), has great fitness facilities and fantastic Yoga classes – not to mention the traditional Moroccan spa. It is such a popular resort due to its beauty and the fact that there is so much to do - it probably helps that it enjoys around 340 days of sunshine a year on average. Paradis Plage has its own isolated beach, where you can take part in yoga, go surfing, or just generally relax. The spa is well known for its high-quality organic products and offers traditional Moroccan treatments as well as internationally known wellness packages, you'll return home from your singles bootcamp holiday with new friends and the knowledge you need to embrace a healthier lifestyle long-term.
More information: View Paradis Plage
Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 397 8891 or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect singles holiday.
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