Wealthy Women Are Leading The Surge In Luxury Solo Travel

Solo trips among women are up 11%, with wealthier women making up a sizable percentage of this recent trend. It ties closely with the rise of wellness destinations, which are particularly popular among women, and the new wave of hotels opening across the Middle East and throughout the world.

Daria Guristrimba, a Ukrainian-born female entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Globe7, London, which offers ultra-luxury, discreet travel experiences for the world’s most discerning clients. The company has signed exclusive partnerships with a dozen of the world’s largest luxury hotel groups, operates across all seven continents with 24/7 concierge support and already manages tens of millions in annual bookings. Globe7 utilizes a proprietary AI tool coded for each client, has established partnerships with neobanks and crypto platforms and boasts a client base ranging from historic family offices to crypto millionaires.

She says, “One of the most meaningful shifts in luxury travel today is being led by women. Many carry multiple roles and responsibilities, often without pause. For them, solo travel has become a form of self-care, a quiet reset that allows space to breathe, reflect and reconnect with what feels essential.”

Guristrimba’s career began at Danone in Ukraine, where she was Marketing Specialist responsible for the Actimel and Danissimo brands. She later became Marketing Manager for Ukraine and CIS Countries in Biosphere, achieving over 40% sales growth. By the age of 25, she was Marketing Director, the result of constant self-development and mentorship. She later explored journalism and event organization, which ultimately led her to discover her true passion for travel.

Reflecting on the women-led shift in travel, she says, “Wellness and isolation retreats have become central to this movement. Places like SHA Wellness Clinic, Six Senses Vana and La Prairie offer a blend of structure and serenity. In Italy, Ermito has emerged as a new kind of refuge, a modern monastery in the forest that invites solitude and silence. In the Maldives, sanctuaries such as Joali Being bring together the ocean’s soothing sounds, renewal and the sense of stillness many solo travelers crave.”

Guristrimba explains that at the same time, experiences such as The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and the upcoming Orient Express Sailing Yacht appeal to those who prefer a rhythm of discovery and comfort among like-minded guests. She adds, “For many, this independence reflects the realities of modern life. Some are single by choice, others are between relationships, or focused on demanding careers. What they share is an appreciation for balance and for the kind of travel that nourishes inner and outer transformation. As we saw recently at Synergy – The Retreat Show, the rise of the female solo traveler reflects a quiet but powerful evolution in how women experience freedom, wellness and self-discovery.”

According to Brianna Glenn, Owner/Travel Designer, Milk + Honey Travels, “The women I work with live big lives. They’re decision-makers, caregivers, business owners and leaders. When they carve out time to travel solo, it’s not just about taking a break. It’s about returning to themselves. They want space. They want stillness. But they also want to be surrounded by beauty, comfort, and care. They’re not trying to prove anything by going it alone. They just know that when no one else’s needs are in the mix, they can move at their own pace, listen to their own voice, and give themselves what they actually need. These trips often mark something meaningful. A milestone birthday. A new chapter. A quiet celebration of where they are in life. And the luxury piece is what allows it to feel effortless and supported, not just solo.”

Some of Glenn’s top picks for solo travelers who want a high-end experience include Portugal, Japan, South Africa and Costa Rica.She says, “Each one offers ease, safety, and immersive experiences that don’t require a travel companion to feel complete. In Portugal, you get walkable cities, elegant boutique hotels and incredible food and wine. Japan is ideal for travelers who appreciate quiet, order and design. Everything works, and the service is impeccable. South Africa is one of my personal favorites. When it’s done right, it offers luxury, nature, wellness and adventure in one trip. Private safari lodges, curated wine estates, five-star properties with a deep sense of place. Costa Rica is a great option for women who want to reset. It’s wellness-forward, full of natural beauty and home to some of the best eco-luxury resorts in the world. In all of these destinations, I work with trusted partners to ensure everything is seamless. My clients want to feel both safe and inspired. That balance is non-negotiable.”

She adds, The hotel matters even more when you’re traveling solo. You want to feel comfortable and welcomed, not like an afterthought. My clients want properties that are warm, beautifully designed, and deeply service-oriented. Maybe it’s a suite with a terrace and a view, or a resort where the staff knows your name by day two. It’s the kind of place where you can order room service, book a spa treatment, and feel completely at ease doing it all on your own. They’re not chasing trends. They’re looking for a space that helps them exhale. The accommodations aren’t just where they sleep. It’s where they feel held.”