Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular, with more people than ever choosing to try new experiences and cultures on their own. For anyone planning an upcoming solo adventure, here are several properties and destinations perfectly suited for a trip:
Monkey Island Estate:
Set across seven acres and beautifully situated on a private island in the River Thames at Bray, Monkey Island Estate is the most quintessential private and exclusive hotel in the delightful village of Bray. Travelers have their very own private countryside escape to enjoy, surrounded by the picturesque views and beautifully manicured gardens - the perfect place for solo travelers to indulge in a relaxing wellness getaway, explore the area or immerse themselves in history.
During their stay, travelers can unwind at The Floating Spa, the property’s bespoke barge that is the first of its kind in Britain. The spa features three tranquil treatment rooms, a stunning wheelhouse reception area, and an Elixir Bar. The Spa Seamlessly blends the island’s storied past with the power of water to craft specially curated experiences. The spa’s signature treatment, The Monks Elixir, begins with an elixir tasting of an ancient tonic, inspired by the monks who once lived on the island, followed by a full body massage with house-cured herbal and essential oils.
For a refined yet intimate experience following a visit to the spa, dining at Monkey Island Estate offers a delectable modern take on British classics with freshly sourced produce from the gardens and around the countryside. Guests can choose to dine in The Monkey Island Brasserie or on the terrace with views of the River Thames. A traditional English Afternoon Tea is also not to be missed. For accommodations, the property boasts 40 exquisite guest rooms, and the Grade 1 listed Wedgewood Suite, designed by the award-winning New York-based Champalimaud Design. The furnishings juxtapose timeless glamour and traditional features with a modern, countryside style, creating a unique blend of past and present.
The Singular Patagonia:
Solo travelers seeking an idyllic escape should look no further than a stay at The Singular Patagonia. Declared national heritage in 1996, The Singular Patagonia is a luxury historical getaway at the so-called "end of the world" in Chilean Patagonia. The hotel is located in the converted “Frigorifico Puerto Bories,” a post-Victorian cold-storage plant built in 1915, where antique machinery is still intact and visible as part of a unique private collection. Today, the property features 57 rooms, a spa, bar, and two restaurants, all with amazing views of the Señoret Channel. During their stay, solo travelers can immerse themselves in local cultures and traditions while experiencing the special connection between history, relaxation and nature.
After a day of adventure, solo guests can unwind with a relaxing spa treatment at the property’s spa. Surrounded by fjords, glaciers, and unparalleled beauty, the Singular Spa is dedicated to guests’ complete therapeutic well-being. Solo travelers can spoil themselves with a day in the 3,000 square foot eco-spa, connecting to nature as organic plants and fruits are used for oil extracts and moisturizers woven into an array of pampering pleasures, including deep tissue massages, hydrotherapy, and facials.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa:
The Gainsborough Bath Spa, a luxury property located in the heart of the historic city of Bath is a great option for solo travelers. Located just a 90-minute train ride outside of London, Bath has endured for over 2,000 years as a leisure and wellness destination. A UNESCO World Heritage site with museums, ancient sites and beautiful architecture for travelers to explore, visitors can spend their time walking the streets and visiting the area’s treasured spots, such as the Ancient Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey and the Holburne Museum of Art. Additionally, the city boasts the six-mile Bath Skyline circular walk, winding through forests and over rolling hills with spectacular views.
After a day out and about exploring the city, The Gainsborough Bath Spa offers travelers a luxurious spot to enjoy some relaxation and spa time. The Gainsborough is the only hotel that has tapped into the natural thermal waters of the area, providing incredible spa treatments and pools to bathe in the healing waters. During a stay, guests can unwind and partake in a one-hour Roman Bath Circuit, and embark on a tour of the thermal pools, saunas, steam room, ice alcove and elegant relaxation room. The spa also offers a myriad of therapeutic body treatments, with inspiration drawn from the local, famed thermal waters of Bath.
Quasar Expedition’s M/Y Grace and M/V Evolution:
Solo travelers can embark on a relaxing Galapagos journey with Quasar Expeditions where they will get up close to the islands’ stunning wildlife and explore some of the more remote sites that larger ships can’t get to. Quasar operates two small luxurious yachts, the M/Y Grace (16 pax) and M/V Evolution (32 pax), which are becoming more and more popular with solo travelers. Guests spend their days enjoying fresh customizable meals, and immersing themselves into scenic landscapes and its rich wildlife through snorkeling, swimming and kayaking. In the evenings, Quasar offers informational and entertaining programs (i.e. talks and slideshows about the next day’s activities), which keep guests out of their rooms and interacting with everyone on board.
No passenger is left out or gets lost in the shuffle; many travelers form lifelong friendships while on board. Through Quasar’s personalized service, small size, knowledge of the islands, and competitive pricing, guests are well taken care of from the moment they inquire about a trip to the moment they arrive back home.
MINOIS Hotel:
The captivating Greek island of Paros is an enchanting destination that beckons solo travelers seeking a perfect blend of sun-soaked beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant island charm. Nestled in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago, MINOIS Hotel invites solo travlers to embark on an unforgettable vacation that mixes solitude and exploration like no other. With its pristine coastline, Paros boasts a plethora of idyllic beaches framed by azure waters and shimmering golden sands.
During a stay, guests can experience a gastronomic journey through salt harvesting hikes - where solo travelers can immerse themselves in ancient practices and explore new tastes of this rich mineral. For a deeper connection with nature, stargazing and sunset picnics invite guests to experience the island’s peaceful pace and unwind. Led by local artisans, traditional crafting workshops allow women to explore age-old techniques, offering a rare opportunity to learn from local masters, create their own unique keepsake, and gain a deeper appreciation for Paros' artistic heritage.
Forestis:
Surrounded by nature at 1,800 m above the sea level, FORESTIS is the ideal retreat for travelers to embark on a solo journey reconnecting with nature and themselves. In Palmschoß on the Plose above Brixen lies the Hideaway FORESTIS with 62 suites displaying breathtaking views, an amazing spa, and restaurants specialized in natural cuisine.
An ideal way for a solo guest to recharge is the tree circle spa experience. It begins with the choice of the tree whose scent will be sprayed in the room. To prepare the body, the meridian points are stimulated followed by a relaxing massage with wooden sticks and stones. The constant rhythm of the energy flow of the wood and stone, combined with the special technique and the warm oils from the essences of the particular tree, brings balance to the emotional, vital and mental realms. The sound frequencies of the tree create vibrations that, when combined with healing woods and stones, release blockages and create harmony and physical activation, thus closing the circle.
Finch Hattons:
Situated in Tsavo National Park, Finch Hattons fully immerses solo travelers into the surrounding elements of Tsavo's ecosystem with an active sunrise hike to the Chyulu Hills, signature spa treatments, and locally-sourced cuisine to connect solo travelers with Tsavo’s incredible sense of place.
Awakened by the sound of the birds and a fresh coffee at 4:00 a.m., guests will set out on a drive to Chyulu Hills, getting off the vehicle to hike up the mountain by sunrise to catch the sun peaking through—completely still and surrounded by nothing but the serene skyline and sounds of the bush. Led by expert guides, guests will then venture through the lush rainforest where orchids, ferns, and mosses adorning ancient trees await.
Within the nature-immersed Chyulu Spa, two open-air massage pavilions, an expansive yoga deck, a private spa pool, hamman, and gym, each provide sensational views of the wilderness while taking in the sounds and smells of Tsavo after an exhausting hike. The Chyulu Experience begins with a full body exfoliation followed by a luxurious body mask, formulated with mineralized clay and deeply nourishing oils, then a 15-minute Hamman and finished with the Finch Hattons deep tissue Orgina body massage.
Ellerman House:
Ellerman House in Cape Town welcomes solo travelers in search of luxury, privacy, and unforgettable experiences. Perched on the slopes of Lion's Head, this boutique hotel offers seclusion and tranquility with only 13 rooms and two private villas. Guests are treated to breathtaking ocean views from its prestigious Bantry Bay location, accompanied by personalized service that anticipates their every need.
Art enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs will find Ellerman House to be a haven of artistic expression. The hotel proudly showcases an extensive private art collection featuring works by renowned South African artists. Guided tours of the in-house gallery provide an immersive experience, while the proximity to Cape Town's diverse art districts and world-class museums allows solo travelers to explore the vibrant cultural scene at their leisure.
For solo travelers with a passion for gastronomy, Ellerman House provides a haven where taste buds are treated to a symphony of flavors. Each meal is thoughtfully prepared and presented, promising an exceptional dining experience that complements the luxurious surroundings. From exquisite breakfasts on the terrace to relaxed dinners in the dining room, the culinary offerings at Ellerman House are designed to create unforgettable memories for guests seeking the perfect fusion of fine food and wine.
Conveniently situated near popular attractions such as Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and the vibrant Bo-Kaap neighborhood, Ellerman House serves as the perfect base for solo adventurers. The hotel offers an onsite concierge service, ensuring seamless arrangements and hassle-free exploration of the city's iconic landmarks. Solo travelers can embark on a journey of a lifetime at Ellerman House, where luxury, privacy, and a captivating cultural experience await them.
The Saxon:
For solo travelers looking for art, culture, and relaxation, the exclusive 5-star all-suite hotel, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, situated on 10 acres of magnificent indigenous gardens is the place to be. Located in the tranquil, tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst, within minutes of Johannesburg's world-class shopping and business hub, this hidden oasis offers guests a combination of pure bliss and South African heritage. While younger guests are welcome, a majority of the hotel’s patrons are adults which allows solo guests to achieve the privacy and calm they often seek. The all-suite property offers a variety of accommodations including luxury suites, presidential suites, luxury villa suites and the Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite.
The Saxon is also home to the nature- inspired Saxon Spa, which offers the ultimate relaxation oasis featuring rejuvenating menu of therapies and treatments. Following pampering treatments, guests can dine with one of the hotel gourmet restaurants including the Terrace, a causal outdoor space that serves light meals and Qunu, for an elegant dining experience. The Saxon also offers brunch, afternoon tea and a red and white wine cellar — a perfect way to conclude a day filled with solo travel or individual exploration.
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach:
Situated on Bali's vibrant beachfront, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach is an idyllic solo travel destination that seamlessly combines affordability with luxurious experiences. Guests can immerse in refined luxury, an exhilarating nightlife, and a captivating beachside ambiance. Experience the ultimate beachfront dining immersion at SugarSand, where delectable cuisine, vibrant music, and Chef Syamsul Rizal's exceptional dishes create an unforgettable culinary experience. At SugarSand, guests have the pleasure of delighting in unparalleled ocean views and the added convenience of a stunning pool accessible to both hotel guests and visitors. Moreover, the resort's convenient proximity to the renowned beach club, La Plancha, infuses the atmosphere with an energetic buzz, hues of colorful bean bags, and breathtaking sunsets, thereby elevating the allure of this lively coastal haven.
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach not only boasts an exhilarating nightlife, but also presents a range of activities to keep the vibrant energy alive. Solo travelers can enjoy thrilling surfing sessions, dance to the beats of live DJs, receive intriguing Tarot card readings, and explore the neighborhood on electric bikes. What sets this resort apart is the seamless integration of culture and community through the presence of Neighborhood Hosts. These enthusiastic explorers go above and beyond to provide insider tips and recommendations, ensuring that individuals embarking on solo travel or seeking individual experiences have an extraordinary time immersed in Bali's vibrant local neighborhood of Seminyak.