- Audre Lorde

Solo travel has long been associated with adventure, self-discovery, and freedom. But for women, it has taken on a deeper meaning—one of reclaiming space, prioritising well-being, and breaking free from the demands of everyday life. With the increasing number of women choosing solo travel, wellness retreats like Ananda in the Himalayas offer an ideal sanctuary for those seeking personal transformation.

Why Women Are Embracing Solo Travel

For many women, travelling alone is a radical act of self-care. The responsibilities of work, family, and social expectations often leave little time for rest and recharge. Studies show that women are more likely than men to experience burnout, with 46% of female professionals reporting extreme stress levels compared to 37% of men (Deloitte Women at Work Report, 2023). Solo travel allows women to step away from these responsibilities—without guilt—and focus entirely on their well-being.

At Ananda, we frequently welcome solo female travellers looking to reset, heal, and reconnect with themselves. Many share a common story: the desire to pause, breathe, and invest in their health, both physically and emotionally. Guests often describe an immediate sense of tranquillity upon arrival. As one visitor shared, “The moment I stepped onto the grounds, welcomed with a garland of flowers and dressed in a crisp white kurta pajama, I felt like I was shedding the weight of the outside world. It was as if the retreat itself whispered—breathe, you’re safe here.” (Vogue, 2023)

Here, solo female travellers don’t just follow an itinerary—they immerse themselves in a structured yet deeply personal transformation, with each moment designed to nourish the body, mind, and spirit.

A Day At Ananda

Here’s how a day at Ananda unfolds, offering a harmonious balance of solitude, connection, and healing:

Dawn: Nature & Renewal

The quiet stillness of the morning offers the perfect space for self-reflection and setting intentions for the day ahead.

• Guided trek to Kunjapuri: A stunning sunrise trek to Kunjapuri Temple, where the first rays of light over the Himalayas bring a sense of renewal and clarity.
• Birdwatching in the Himalayan forests: Discover rare, colourful bird species that thrive in this pristine landscape, while practising deep observation and mindfulness.
• Mantra chanting: Harness the power of sacred sound to cultivate inner peace.
• Morning yoga & meditation: Whether a beginner or an experienced practitioner, a morning yoga and meditation session allows guests to reconnect with themselves.
• A nourishing breakfast: Fresh, seasonal, and sattvic ingredients provide energy for the day ahead, enjoyed in the peaceful surroundings of Ananda’s restaurant and tree-top deck.

Midday: Wisdom & Rejuvenation

This is a time for both introspection and deep healing, with activities designed to support holistic well-being.

• Vedanta & self-inquiry sessions: Timeless teachings from Vedanta scholars offer insights into self-awareness and clarity.
• Ayurvedic & TCM therapies: Personalised wellness treatments, tailored to the unique body type of the receiver—such as Abhyanga (therapeutic oil massage), Shirodhara (a stream of warm oil on the forehead), and acupuncture—restore balance and emotional well-being.
• Swim & sauna therapy: A leisurely swim in the temperature-controlled swimming pool, or a sauna session followed by a dip in the cold-plunge pool allows for detoxification and relaxation.
• A nourishing lunch: Carefully curated to align with each guest’s wellness journey, meals at Ananda support digestion, balance energy levels, and nourish from within without compromising on taste or a luxurious gourmet feel.

Evening: Connection & Restoration

As the day begins to slow, solo travellers can lean into self-care rituals while also engaging with a like-minded community.

• Sound healing sessions: Vibrational therapy using ancient sound frequencies releases stored stress and restores inner harmony.
• Ayurvedic cuisine workshop: Learn the principles of Ayurvedic nutrition through our experts chefs, focusing on how food can be a powerful tool for longevity, healing, and balance.
• Restorative meditation (private or group): A deeply calming meditation session, perfect for releasing stored tension and preparing the body for restful sleep.
• High tea at the Pavilion: Savour tea, herbal infusions and nourishing snacks while connecting with fellow travellers in the quiet grandeur of the Pavilion.
• Sunset at Sunset Point: Take a quiet moment to watch the sun sink behind the majestic peaks while listening to the sounds of nature.
• Evening Vedanta discussions: An engaging way to explore spiritual wisdom in a conversational setting with your fellow guests, allowing for meaningful introspection.

Night: Stillness & Deep Rest

As the sky darkens, Ananda’s serene atmosphere allows solo travellers to embrace stillness and deep relaxation.

• A beautifully ambient dinner: Dine in candlelit elegance at the deck or in the glow of the restaurant, with the warmth of a fire in winter and live music enhancing your culinary experience.
• The Community Table: For those seeking connection, Ananda offers a community table initiative, where solo travellers can come together over a shared meal, form meaningful connections with like-minded guests, and engage with wellness experts.
• Self-massage (Abhyanga) as part of Dinacharya: A simple but effective nightly ritual taught through Ayurvedic wisdom, self-massage with warm herbal oils helps calm the nervous system and promotes deep relaxation.
• Stargazing in the Himalayan night: The night sky at Ananda is breathtaking—an invitation to pause, breathe, and embrace the vastness of the universe.

The Unique Benefits of a Solo Wellness Retreat

The shift toward solo wellness travel isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. With women now comprising 71% of solo travellers (Forbes, 2024), more women are choosing to invest in themselves, recognising that prioritising well-being is not selfish. Wellness retreats like Ananda provide an environment where women feel safe, supported, and empowered.

1. Unparalleled Freedom to Prioritize Yourself
Unlike group travel or family holidays, solo retreats give women the freedom to craft their experiences. Whether indulging in Ayurveda therapies, practising yoga at sunrise, or simply sitting in silence watching clouds roll over the Himalayas, every moment is dictated by personal need rather than obligation. As one guest beautifully put it, “Ananda doesn’t force a rigid wellness routine on you. It teaches you to listen to yourself. You learn that healing isn’t something you do—it’s something you allow.” (Vogue, 2023)

2. A Space Free from Guilt and Expectations
Women often experience guilt when taking time for themselves. The notion that self-care is a luxury rather than a necessity is ingrained in many cultures. At Ananda, this belief is gently dismantled. Research shows that taking intentional breaks improves productivity and emotional resilience (American Psychological Association, 2022). Here, wellness is not an indulgence—it is essential. Women find a space where they can truly listen to their bodies and minds without feeling the need to justify their choices.

Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too.
– L.R. Knost

3. Deep Emotional Healing and Renewal
Emotional well-being is a cornerstone of solo travel. Many women come to Ananda carrying emotional burdens—stress, grief, or other experiences weighing them down. One guest shared her experience: “I arrived alone, exhausted, and overwhelmed. I left with a sense of peace I hadn't felt in years.” (Prevention, 2024) Through personalised wellness programmes, expert-led counselling, and mindfulness practices, they find the tools to release and heal. Whether through guided meditation, energy healing, or simply being in nature, solo travellers leave feeling emotionally lighter and more centred.

4. Reclaiming Self-Confidence
There is something profoundly empowering about travelling alone. From navigating the airport rush to thinking on your feet, there is nothing like the confidence boost that solo travel brings. At Ananda, women rediscover their strength—not just in their ability to be alone but also in their ability to prioritise themselves. It’s a gift of self-assurance and renewed clarity and purpose.

Join the Movement

For women looking to take their wellness journey even deeper, Ananda offers tailored programs designed to support reproductive and hormonal health:

• Panchakarma: A structured Ayurvedic detox that eliminates toxins, restores digestive balance, and supports hormonal health through therapeutic cleansing and rejuvenation.
• Dhyana Meditation: A focused meditation practice rooted in Raja Yoga, guiding the mind from distraction to deep concentration for improved mental clarity and emotional resilience.
• Fertility Enhancement Program: A holistic approach combining personalized therapies and nutritional guidance to support reproductive health and enhance the conception journey.
• Menstrual Health Program: Tailored treatments and lifestyle advice designed to balance your cycle and alleviate discomfort naturally.
• Hormonal Rebalance Program: An integrative plan focused on restoring natural hormone levels, boosting vitality, and easing perimenopause and menopause transitions.

Are you ready to prioritise yourself? Your journey toward sustainable well-being starts here.

Because choosing yourself is not just an act of self-care—it’s an act of self-love.

Discover yourself at Ananda, save 20% on your next wellness escape.