5 Sensational Solo Trips For An Indulgent Getaway
How better to tap into your wanderlust than by taking a trip completely on your own terms? Following a few tumultuous years that have reshaped the way we vacation, solo travel is on the rise – and these five trips are perfect for an independent getaway, says KATIE BERRINGTON
For a self-love sojourn
The hallmarks of a romantic getaway needn’t be reserved for couples’ trips. A few days spent courting yourself with tantalizing dinners in picturesque locales, cocktails at sunset and breakfasts in bed might just be all the affection you need.
Andronis Arcadia, Greece
An island usually synonymous with honeymooners, Santorini isn’t an obvious choice for a solo getaway. But the sublime Andronis Arcadia boasts a secluded and spacious vantage point from which to soak up the Aegean and its world-famous sunsets. Surrounded by natural beauty, the elegant all-suite hotel is located on the caldera edge, at the fringe of the picturesque village of Oia, offering an idyllic stroll into the center but with enough distance to escape the crowds. While the unobstructed views might be the main event of your private suite, the interiors are decked out in soothing earthy palettes and locally made furnishings, making each space an utterly serene spot in which to unwind. And, with your own private west-facing terrace and pool, there is little reason to leave (though it would be a pity to miss out on one of the hotel’s cool poolside parties).
“Salt of Palmar’s overarching purpose is connecting travelers with meaningful experiences during their trip… linking guests directly to people in the local community and making authentic encounters possible
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For meaningful interactions
Traveling alone doesn’t have to mean spending an entire trip in solitude: if anything, it allows for even greater immersion in your surroundings and more opportunities to connect with the people you meet.
Salt of Palmar, Mauritius
Salt of Palmar is an adult-only hotel designed by French artist Camille Walala and home to a farm-to-table restaurant, rooftop bar, library and spa. But its overarching purpose is connecting travelers with meaningful experiences during their trip. Its Skill Swap program links guests directly to people in the local community and makes authentic encounters possible, such as finding out about traditional farming techniques on one of Mauritius’s only vanilla farms. Each guest also receives a copy of This Is Mauritius – a guidebook created by local experts – and a local SIM card to encourage immersive exploration.
For broadening your horizons
From culinary masterclasses to creative workshops, learning something new while you’re abroad is a gratifying way to travel on your own. After all, you’ll meet people with shared interests, benefit from local expertise and return home with increased knowledge and (hopefully) a new-found talent.
Resplendent Ceylon’s Culinary Journey, Sri Lanka
On its recently launched Culinary Sri Lanka experience, Resplendent Ceylon takes guests on a gourmet excursion through tea, sea and safari across its three boutique properties. A delectably curated itinerary has been designed to celebrate the country’s striking landscapes and delicious delicacies. The journey starts out at the Ceylon Tea Trails, where guests will learn about Sri Lanka’s tea heritage at the Dunkeld Estate, home of Dilmah Tea, before a drive to Yala National Park to stay at Wild Coast Tented Lodge. This luxurious tented camp – in an area known for its leopard population – is on an unspoilt stretch of beach overlooking the Indian Ocean, and evenings are spent dining on the dunes, with menus that showcase Sri Lankan specialties. The final stop is the stunning Cape Weligama to stay in one of the ocean-front resort’s beautifully designed suites and villas, where you can enjoy its wide range of dining experiences. Guests will visit a renowned local fish market to source fresh produce before learning to cook gourmet Sri Lankan dishes with it.
For a tranquil wellness retreat
Given its indulgent nature, a wellness retreat is one of the best ways to dip your toe into solo travel. Whether you opt for an itinerary organized for you – particularly good for those who fancy days filled with yoga, hiking and decision-free dinners – or feel at your most fulfilled in a beautiful location where every minute can be spent doing exactly what you find the most relaxing, there are few things that feel as satisfying or nourishing for the soul.
Hotel Esencia, Mexico
Riviera Maya is a picture-perfect spot on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, and Hotel Esencia boasts a prime position overlooking the silky sands of Xpu-Ha beach, circled by lush jungle, just outside Tulum. A tropical hotel with ‘home-from-home’ vibes, here you can expect laid-back luxury exuding warmth. New, award-winning rooftop wellness suites are kitted out with their own in-suite fitness studio, complete with a virtual personal trainer as well as state-of-the-art gym equipment. One level up is a dreamy rooftop terrace with a private heated plunge pool, outdoor shower and solarium. Showers double as steam rooms and offer an aromatherapy option, so guests can benefit from a spa experience within the privacy of their own room. Also good: the hotel’s spa sits under traditional thatched roofs and combines modern wellbeing principles with ancient Mayan customs.
For city exploration
Discovering a city by yourself can offer a plethora of exhilarating experiences that let you follow your nose and bask in the thrum. Our pick? Tokyo often tops lists of the best destinations for solo travel, thanks to its safety records and wealth of cultural highlights.
Aman Tokyo, Japan
Aman’s seductive outpost with sleek interiors is a soaring urban oasis that occupies six floors of Tokyo’s Otemachi Tower. There is a vast spa where treatments and therapies are based around Japanese philosophies and techniques, and the facilities include onsen-style hot baths, multiple steam rooms and a fitness center. But by far the standout feature is the 30-meter pool beside floor-to-ceiling windows that serve views stretching across the capital. Grab one of the surrounding daybeds for a peaceful spot to take in the frenzy below. Meanwhile, concierge is on hand to arrange personal tours and activities – whether to ancient cultural landmarks, across the modern metropolis, or beyond the city to visit Mount Fuji via bullet train.