Women around the world are united by some of the unique physical and natural changes that come with various life stages. They’re often discussed in private and kept under wraps, but the not-so-glamorous events of menopause and pre- and post-natal care are two major experiences in a woman’s life that impact both her physical and mental well-being.
As awareness around this type of self-care continues to grow, a new approach to wellness travel has emerged, with resorts and properties around the world implementing female-focused programs. From managing hot flashes with traditional medicine to a postpartum massage, read on to learn about some emerging life-stage retreats.
Menopause Retreats
Let’s be honest — there’s nothing exciting about going through menopause, except maybe the prospect of being done with it. Each stage of the process poses new mental and physical hurdles that often leave women feeling drained, confused and sometimes, downright bad. Addressing these concerns, menopause retreats are on the rise, aiming to break the taboo surrounding this major life event while also providing women with resources to combat their symptoms.
While some resorts take a modern approach to treatment and others a more traditional, holistic one, the variety in offerings ensures women are able to make the most of this transformative experience. Not sure where to start? Here are some wellness retreat options with specific menopause programs both abroad and in the United States.
The Big M: Mastering Menopause Program at The Retreat Costa Rica
Located on a quartz mountainside with distant views of Nicoya Peninsula, ultimate relaxation awaits at this rugged resort. Requiring a seven-night minimum, the program is “ideal for women experiencing hormonal shifts due to surgery, perimenopause, menopause and postmenopausal symptoms,” according to the resort's website.
During the retreat, guests will have access to holistic, anti-inflammatory menus, spa therapy sessions and a wellness cooking class. Physical development classes for mature bodies, guided yoga, a Kegel exercise class and a menopause belly class, among other topics, are also available in the program. At The Retreat Costa Rica, women can customize their itinerary across a variety of activities so that each of their mental and physical concerns can be properly addressed by on-site experts.
Mindful Menopause Journey at Six Senses Vana, India
Situated in the Himalayan foothills, Six Senses Vana combines traditional therapies, yoga, Tibetan medicine and natural healing treatments to best serve each individual guest and their needs. The Mindful Menopause Journey is a 10-night program, aiming to help women manage symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and sleep disturbances, also teaching how to implement these practices into everyday life.
In addition to personalized fitness, yoga and meditation sessions, participants at Six Senses Vana can choose from an array of activities, including eight Ayurvedic treatments, an approach promoting harmony between the mind, body, spirit and environment; two Sowa Rigpa treatments, a Tibetan practice utilizing methods like acupuncture, potion baths and massages to treat ailments; and a Niruha Vasti option, using herbal decoction as medication, to name a few.
Six Senses is striving to meet the demand of women’s health, launching a new Female Wellness program at five properties in 2025. The three-, five- or seven-day journey includes support on female hormone cycles, fasting, body composition changes and sexual wellness. Six Senses in Duoro Valley, Rome, Kanuhura, Ninh Van Bay and Crans-Montana are among the first locations to offer this wellness option, with the hope of incorporating it into all the properties thereafter.
M/Power at Canyon Ranch, Massachusetts
Surrounded by the natural serenity of the Berkshires, Canyon Ranch Lenox is an all-inclusive resort, having also been recognized as one of New England’s top resort spas by the Michelin Guide. Their women’s retreat, M/Power, is offered several times throughout the year, with the next program running from May 28-31, 2025.
Guests here will have access to two personalized, one-on-one expert consultations so that each individual can address their health concerns. Canyon Ranch is unique, as it blends traditional practices with modern medicine. Travelers can attend pranayama breathing sessions, meditation classes and sunrise hikes while also participating in a blood work panel, hormone analysis and a DEXA scan to measure bone density.
The three-night M/Power program has limited spots in order to provide quality service to every individual. Travelers interested in Canyon Ranch should be prepared to book in advance.
Prenatal and Postnatal Retreats
Another life-stage retreat option on the rise, the goal of pre- and post-natal programs is to help new moms recover physically and mentally while also offering support and education services about caring for a newborn. These centers are abundant all around the world, but here are two domestic options for both before and after the baby arrives.
Tahoe Doula in Truckee, California (Prenatal)
Only 15 minutes away from the scenic Lake Tahoe, this retreat encourages partners to attend with the soon-to-be mother. The program is centered around in-depth education and prepping for the newborn’s arrival, including a childbirth preparation workshop, mindful movement, guided meditation, practice positions for labor, a postpartum workshop, basic lactation and infant feeding workshop, among many others. Tahoe Doula's Birth Class Retreat may only be two days, but the itinerary is jam-packed with helpful information. The next available program runs from May 3-4, 2025 for travelers interested in prenatal prep.
Sanu Postpartum Retreat in Washington, D.C. (Postnatal)
Integrating a science-based approach to postnatal support, this retreat prioritizes the mother’s wellness while helping dads and partners find ways to be supportive. Amenities include 24/7 nursery care, personalized parent coaching, mental health support, feeding and lactation assistance, physician services and nutritious meals. New parents can take as much time as they need to adjust, as Sanu Postpartum Retreat allows guests to customize the length of their stay.
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