From wellness retreats to cruising to biking through an ancient city, there’s no lack of experiences and adventures that are tailor-made for two of this year’s hottest trends: solo travel and women’s travel. And with March 1st as the official “Plan a Solo Vacation Day,” we’re sharing several ideas for you to book clients in 2024.
Solo Costa Rica
Known for its pura vida lifestyle—a cheerful, fun outlook on life—Costa Rica is ready to welcome solo women travelers to Hotel Three-Sixty, an adults-only jungle retreat with only 12 luxury villas and an infinity pool looking over the Pacific Ocean. Lots of open air and pristine nature will be part of this escape, where the wildlife is plentiful and the views are unmatched. Specially crafted for this market, the Solo Serenity Package offers your clients 30 percent off the room rate plus an “Only in Ojochal” guide to the area with recos for the best activities, bars and restaurants in the area that can be enjoyed without a plus one. Clients can do as much or as little as they feel moved to do.
For more information, please visit hotelthreesixty.com.
Galapagos for One
Ecoventura sets up adventures that make “plus ones” just about obsolete, from snorkeling with penguins to almost-but-not-quite rubbing noses with a blue-footed booby. This company offers the only Relais & Chateaux cruises that sail to the Galapagos—home to said penguins and boobies—and they’re welcoming solos with a 33 percent savings on single cabins on departure dates from April through October. Ecoventura sails three luxury 20-guest yachts on two 7-night/8-day itineraries that include daily excursions and briefings led by two certified naturalists. Your clients will swim with marine iguanas, kayak with sea turtles, hike surrounded by curious wildlife and other unforgettable adventures.
For more information, visit ecoventura.com.
Independent Adventures in Bonaire
The Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire is much more than bright pink flamingos: it’s a beautiful, safe destination that welcomes the solo traveler with tons of outdoor activities and a variety of accommodations from studio apartments to boutique hotels. The folks at HopiBonaire are experts at solo tours, taking them off the beaten path to explore hidden gems—travelers can customize their tour according to their preferences, whether it’s birdwatching at Washington Slagbaai National Park, hiking or snorkeling in the protected waters. They can also set up a photography tour with an expert for impeccable Instagram moments.
For more information, visit bonaireisland.com.
Solo and Well at Caerula Mar Club
Tucked away on the largest island in The Bahamas—the sleepy, secluded Andros—Caerula Mar Club is its first-ever luxury resort, laid out on 10 acres of beachfront property. Your solo travelers will have their pick of five private villas and 18 suites steps from the waves. The pool is oceanfront, the bikes are complimentary, and the private decks and palm trees are made for relaxation. Wellness of mind, body and soul comes naturally, especially when gliding over the Caribbean waters in a complimentary kayak.
For more information, visit caerulamar.com.
Solo & Spritzing in Tuscany
Tuscany has long been in the hearts of solo women travelers (Under the Tuscan Sun, anyone?), and Grand Universe Lucca is the perfect home base for exploration of destination. The walled city of Lucca is home to this restored Italian palazzo that’s offering a new Solo & Spritzing package that includes accommodations in the Piccolo guestrooms (designed for solo travelers), a daily breakfast, a welcome amenity for the travelers to create their own Aperol Spritz, plus a Bikes & Bites experience. This fun afternoon comes with a bike rental and a picnic basket filled with Tuscan delights and bites, plus bottles of wine and water.
For more information, visit granduniverselucca.com.
Letting Her Hair Down Safely
Underwater adventures are a specialty of Curaçao in the Dutch Caribbean, which is also known for its culture and colorful architecture. Women traveling solo will find the island’s safety a big plus, along with the excellent weather and kind and welcoming atmosphere—its slogan is, in fact, “Live and Live.” Hiking is big on Mount Christoffel; there are guided art walks and walking tours in Otrobanda, or they can pump up the adrenaline and bungee jump from Queen Emma Bridge. As for accommodations, there are apartments available for longer stays, boutique hotels and larger resorts with all the creature comforts. Another plus: direct flights from major hubs like Atlanta, New Jersey, Charlotte, Miami and New York City.
For more information, visit curacao.com.
Meet & Mingle—or Don’t—in Memphis
Ladies who love music will find a solo trip to Memphis a big hit, and the Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis is the ideal pied-a-terre, welcoming independent travelers to its central location right within walking distance to many of the city’s top attractions. No need for rideshare, just comfortable shoes. Its Talk Shop lobby is a magnet for locals, making it a fun spot to meet new friends—or hang out and just people-watch. Live music is always a plus and the prices can’t be beat.
For more information, visit hyatt.com.
R&R at Land’s End
Cabo’s newest luxury resort, Corazon Cabo Resort & Spa is all about wellness. Self-care is easy in its modern guestrooms with balconies and hot tubs with a view, not to mention the private beach club, spa and two infinity pools that look over the destination’s famous “Lands End” Arches. Book your solo traveler on their new Cleanse Your Chakras package, which comes with a copal cleansing, a back massage, reflexology and more. The resort also recently added Aqua Yoga to its wellness lineup: guests are up at dawn to welcome the sun atop a paddleboard overlooking the Arches from the city’s highest rooftop. The mocktail trend has made it to Cabo, so apres yoga, they can indulge in a cooling, fruity artisanal libation.
For more information, visit corazoncabo.com.
Aloha, Is It You You’re Looking For?
Solo trips are a great way to find oneself, and doing it in Hawaii isn’t a bad choice. At the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach, your solo women clients will find the ultimate wellness vacation with an entire lineup of activities that will get them out to enjoy the island vibes. The resort’s new Sunrise Experience Menu is a great way to start the day—ask about the Morning LIght package that includes a yoga mat, fresh juice and an acai bowl. The morning yoga classes are on the beach three times a day, set to the music of the waves and the early birds. The wellness journey continues with a bike ride along the coconut coast on a beach cruiser or, for the adventurous, a hike to one of the nearby waterfalls.
For more information, visit sheratonkapaa.com.
