More Than a Getaway: Why Women Are Choosing Retreats Over Vacations
More women than ever – especially those in their late 30s to mid-50s – are seeking something beyond a typical vacation. The all-inclusive resorts, sightseeing tours, and packed itineraries that once felt like an escape now feel unfulfilling. Instead of returning home rested, they come back needing another break.
This shift isn’t just about getting away. It’s about coming home – to themselves.
Transformational travel is rising because women are realizing that self-care isn’t just about rest; it’s about renewal, clarity, and deeper connection.
Why This Stage of Life Sparks Change
At this stage in life, many women find themselves at a crossroads. Children are getting older, or maybe they’re leaving the nest. Careers may no longer feel fulfilling. For some, a divorce, burnout, or a health scare becomes the wake-up call. After years of constant giving, managing, and doing, they realize they’ve lost touch with themselves.
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Nearly 80% of women report experiencing stress in midlife (American Psychological Association).
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Studies show that women between 35–55 are twice as likely as men to report feeling “very tired” or “burned out” from balancing career, caregiving, and family responsibilities.
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During perimenopause and menopause, physical changes (fatigue, insomnia, anxiety) can amplify the sense of disconnection.
Instead of choosing another trip that distracts or numbs, women are seeking experiences that awaken, heal, and transform.
How Transformational Retreats Differ from Traditional Vacations
Unlike a traditional vacation that offers temporary relaxation, transformational retreats create lasting change—helping women heal physically, emotionally, and energetically.
Here’s what makes them different:
1. Deep Healing Through Movement
Whether it’s yoga, somatic healing, dance, or mindful hikes through the rainforest, intentional movement helps the body release stress in ways that lounging by a pool never could (not that we don’t encourage lounging by the pool as well). Research shows that mindful movement reduces anxiety by up to 40% (National Institutes of Health).
2. Time in Nature to Reset the Nervous System
The Japanese practice of “forest bathing” (shinrin-yoku) has been shown to lower cortisol, reduce blood pressure, and boost immunity. In Costa Rica, the lush jungle, ocean breeze, and cleansing afternoon rains aren’t just beautiful – they’re medicine for the nervous system.
3. Mindfulness and Reflection
Journaling, meditation, and guided workshops provide space to reconnect with intuition. A Harvard study found that just 15 minutes of daily reflection improves decision-making and reduces stress. Retreats carve out this space in a way everyday life rarely allows.
4. A Community of Like-Minded Women
Unlike solo vacations, transformational retreats connect women with others who are also on a path of growth. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest-running study on happiness, found that quality relationships are the strongest predictor of long-term health and fulfillment. Retreats often spark friendships that last a lifetime.
5. Personalized Growth, Not Just Relaxation
At Anamaya, no two retreats look the same. Women choose what nourishes them most—whether that’s yoga, a healing workshop, a cacao ceremony, or simply time to rest. This co-creation makes retreats more than a trip; they become a turning point.
Why Midlife Women Are Choosing Transformational Travel
Experts like Dr. Christiane Northrup call this phase of life the “Second Spring.” It’s a time when women are biologically and spiritually wired to reassess their lives and step into a deeper sense of purpose.
They’re no longer seeking vacations that just offer temporary relief. They’re looking for experiences that nourish, expand, and transform.
For many women, transformational travel is not just a trend – it’s a necessity. It’s the chance to pause and ask:
What do I truly need right now?
For some, the answer is rest. For others, it’s healing. And for many, it’s about rediscovering who they are beyond their roles as mothers, caregivers, or professionals.
Where to Begin: Your Transformational Travel Experience
If this resonates with you, consider making your next trip one that deepens your connection to yourself instead of just escaping your daily life.
At Anamaya Resort in Costa Rica, our transformational retreats are designed for women at this powerful stage of life – providing space, tools, and guidance to help you release, reset, and reconnect.
Explore upcoming transformational retreats at Anamaya HERE.
The world will wait. This journey is for you.
