• Wellness
  • Soul Play
    • Travel
      • Solo Female Travel
      • Destinations
        • The Baltics
          • Estonia
          • Latvia
        • The Balkans
          • Albania
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Serbia
        • The Caucasus
          • Armenia
          • Georgia
        • Europe
          • France
          • Greece
          • Iceland
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Portugal
          • Spain
        • North America
          • Canada
          • Mexico
          • USA
        • Middle East
          • Israel
          • Palestine
          • Turkey
          • UAE
            • Abu Dhabi
            • Dubai
        • Asia
          • Indonesia
          • Malaysia
          • Nepal
      • Active Traveling
        • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Travels
        • Surfing
    • Food is Life
      • Tasting
      • Fine Dining
      • City Food Guide
      • Brunches
    • Music is The Answer
    • Wellness Retreats
      • Women Group Tours
      • Dance Wellness Retreats
    • Soul Notes “Read The Blog”
  • Stef Barti

  • Offerings
  • The Goddess Lab
    • The Dance Studio
    • Dance & Movement Classes
    • Schedule

Stef Barti

First time doing a weekend yoga retreat

10 Awesome Ideas for your Next Women Wellness Retreat

We’re living in such an exciting time. Women are taking the time and prioritizing themselves more and more everyday.

This might also be a culprit of our fast pace modern world.

We cannot deny not us women now have more money and opportunities than ever before.

But it also comes at a cost.

Today’s reality is that many women have very stressful jobs and never ending demanding responsibilities.

Ladies trip in Armenia, solo female traveling
Women Empowering women: With the lovely ladies at Yerevan’s Republic Square – Next women tours coming up

I really believe this is a reason why the wellness sector is seeing such a boom. And rightfully so πŸ™‚

As a fellow solo woman traveller, I partake in all sorts of wellness retreats. Not only that but I also do them on a frequent basis.

Trust me I’ve lost count of how many retreats I have done over the last few years.  🀭

caves cavoeiro albufeira algarve portugal
us girlies exploring caves in cavoeiro

But you want to know the most interesting part?

Every day that passes by, I keep discovering new wellness ideas and retreats. And this is what this entire blog post will cover.

If you find yourself thinking and daydreaming about going on a retreat. This guide will help open your mind to the fascinating realm and almost infinite possibilities of wellness retreats.

so let’s get started!

What is a women’s retreat?

Stef Barti and a group of girl partaking in beach yoga in Albufeira
our women group doing some beach yoga at 7am

It’s an opportunity for you to connect with like minded ladies. There is a lot of emphasis on wellness, growth and playfulness.

Types of retreats

Once you start researching the retreat world, it can get a bit overwhelming. There are so many options.

If you are a newbie and find it a bit daunting. Let me reassure you and tell you that you don’t have to over commit for your first experience.

Weekend retreats are also a thing.

You don’t have to travel to go on a retreat.

Weekend retreats are a great opportunity to stay local. It allows you to dip your toes with a smaller and oftentimes, much less intimidating format.

street art in Guia
beautiful street art in Guia Portugal

The main advantage is that you don’t have to travel far away. They are usually much closer so require less effort and commitment.

But this is also perfect for you if you have a demanding job or family obligations that make it harder for you to go away for too long.

Here is a video I made where I do a deep dive and explain the many benefits of going on women group tours and why they are so important.

Shorter Weekend retreat

The retreat market is so big that I can almost guarantee you that you won’t have any trouble finding weekend options in your city or nearby.

I’ll be honest. I really didn’t get the point right away.

But I recently went on a weekend retreat and this totally changed my mind.

At first, it felt like it wouldn’t be enough time. Found myself thinking ” what’s the point?”

Picture of headset, yoga mat and blanket at my first 9D breath work session

Gurrrl, Let me tell you!

I came back feeling so rejuvenated. You’d think that I went away for a whole week.  🀭

So all this to say “Do not underestimate the power of a weekend retreat”.

Not only that you will find it extremely convenient and easier to fit it into your busy schedule.

But It can also serve as the perfect mindfulness break and reset.

me eating ice cream at the beach in Albufeira
Late April and this ice cream was melting at a rapid rate

Multi-days/ week long

A multi day retreat is the perfect solution if you have a little bit more time.

It will allow you a better opportunity to disconnect and dive inwards.

Those retreats are often such a great investment in yourself.

Not only do they feel like a vacation but they also offer the perfect opportunity to do some self work and grow subsequently.

girlies @stefbarti and @Kamrylorin having fun in cavoeiro
Find you a girl tribe and hold on to it πŸ™‚

Retreats for a variety of interests

Now for the exciting part!

There are SO MANY retreats options. πŸ€—

Yoga

Yoga is a classic for a reason.

You can go on a yoga retreat. They have them everywhere, all around the world.

My dear friend Shahad Labelle has been a yoga intructor for almost a decade now and she hosts many wellness retreats.

my friend relaxing at a weekend yoga retreat
my beautiful friend Shahad living in her light and generously sharing her gifts with us πŸ™‚

None of this is sponsored by the way.

I just get extremely excited when I meet people who are so genuine and authentic.

And that is the reason why I tell everyone about Shahad’s retreats. You will be hard pressed to find someone who is so aligned and embodies everything they preach.

yoga retreat goers
Wellness living, A yoga weekend retreat

Shahad’s beautiful essence and energy is what made me first sign up to her amazing weekend retreat.

And now she is hosting her international wellness and yoga retreat in Bali.

I was having major FOMO and also booked that one without a shred of a doubt. I cannot wait to go and write about this beautiful experience. πŸ€—

You can follow Shahad on her Instagram @shahadlabelle to stay up to date.

And click here to check out her Bali retreat ” Expansive Heart”

Shahad Labelle’s upcoming yoga retreat in Bali

My words are sacred to me so I don’t recommend things lightly.

The reason why I keep raving about her retreat is because I truly want you to experience this pure happiness, zen, peace and clarity I felt at her last retreat.

Shahad Labelle weekend yoga retreat girls in Sharjah
An absolutely amazing weekend at a yoga weekend retreat

I want this for all my girlies from the bottom of my heart and also because we don’t gatekeep here πŸ’•

If you are looking for a yoga wellness retreat, she will take the utmost care of you. πŸ₯Ή πŸ™πŸΎ

Yoga retreat with my friend Shahad Labelle
I am so grateful I met this amazing human being, Shahad. The universe has a way of putting angels in our path πŸ™‚

Surfing

OMG, girls!

I think surfing is about to change my life! 🀭

Ok, I know, I am being a little bit dramatic. But hear me out!

Stef Barti picking a surf board at surf Albufeira surf school
First time ever and this already feels so natural πŸ™‚

I recently had the chance to try surfing for the first time ever and it was cathartic.

Surfing is not only an excellent sport to keep you in shape. But it also has a major mental component.

At times, it felt like a chest game or a very complex puzzle. I feel surfing is one of those sports that keep you agile but also helps you grow mentally.

Stef Barti and a group of girls after the first surfing lesson, holding our surf boards, in Albufeira
Girls just want to surf! Major vibes check!

If this sounded awesome to you, just know there are plenty of surf retreats you can also partake in.

Stef Barti posing with surfing instructor from supalbufeira surfing school
I will never forget my first surfing experience
Stef Barti holding her first surf board during her first surfing lesson
Manifesting that surfing lifestyle πŸ™‚

Dance Retreat

This is where I start calling out all my fellow dance girlies πŸ™‹πŸΎβ€β™€οΈ

If you love dancing, why not join a dance retreat and have the time of your life?

picture of stef barti dancing in garden and happy

stef barti dancing portrait
picture of stef barti dancing in garden

My next dance wellness retreat is happening in the beautiful island of Gozo in Malta.

We will be a very small group of amazing women. When I mean small, I mean it!

No more than 10 girlies this time around.

Picture yourself in what is probably the most beautiful villa in Gozo. We will have the villa all to ourselves.

pool at the Gozo villa in our Women Dance Wellness Retreat malta
The most inviting pool πŸ™‚

Did I mention that we’ll also have our own private chef? 🀭

+

our own private pool 🫢🏾

pictures of group of women at the end of a dance workshop class in a yoga studio
The ladies were so happy after I gave the feminine ecstatic dance workshop

Us girlies living our best life & having breakfast at a restaurant in Belgrade
When the local custom calls for shots for good luck & who cares it’s only 9 AM?

You get to embody your highest self and feminine energy through various dance sequences ( all created by yours truly ).

Then lounge by the pool, visit the beautiful Gozo with fellow awesome girlies like yourself.

if this isn’t #GOALS, I don’t know what else is?

You will find more details here.

Stef Barti posing at cavoeiro with a beach backdrop
Life is meant to be lived!

It’s giving main character energy living her best life and we’re here for it! πŸ’…

picture of girls in Serbia at the distillery of Belgrade
Nothing beats sisterhood πŸ™‚

And I can’t wait to see you πŸ€—

Martial Arts

If you’re a martial arts lover like me, you will also be spoilt for choice

Muay Thai

doing muay thai post hysterectomy
Another love of mine: Muay Thai
Stef Barti doing Muay Thai during hysterectomy recovery
took so long to get back to it after my hysterectony

Muay thai retreats in Thailand have been quite popular for a long time now.

I have a friend who regularly goes and she absolutely loves them

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ( Bjj)

BJJ has my heart and I have gone to many jiu jitsu camps myself.

They are a little bit addictive and I always find myself coming back.

I will soon review all my bjj retreats that I’ve been fortunate to go to.

Armenia_yerevan_bjj_gi
Blue belt traveling days πŸ™‚
Picture of My Brazilian Jiu jitsu travel GI
Me and my loyal travel companion

Last time I counted, I have attended 6 BJJ camps with BJJ globetrotter.

So to say that I am a regular would be a major understatement. 🀭

Here is a list of all the BJJ globetrotter camps I have done:

  • Tallinn Estonia
  • Iceland
  • Zen camp in Poland
  • Beach Camp ( in Parnu Estonia). I attended this camp two years in a roll πŸ™‚
  • Heidelberg Summer Camp

Check back soon for my reviews.

It’s really important for me to have them up.

When I was researching the camp and deciding whether to go or not, search results were a little bit dry.

Strela Riga BJJ
Girl Tribe after a fun workout together

I really struggled to find feedback from women attendees.

At the time, I only managed to find one female review.

And I will be forever grateful to her because it’s her review that sold me on the camp.

So this is my contribution to women representation in a way πŸ™‚

Art Retreat

Stef Barti doing a street photoshoot in Cavoeiro town
Oh, don’t mind me

IF you’re into art, you will find all sorts of art retreats and mindfulness to attend also.

Whether it being drawing, photography, painting, sewing, theatre…

I am not joking when I say there are retreats to cover almost every interest 😊 

Roller Skating

colourful houses at Albufeira marina
colourful houses at Albufeira’s marina

I recently took on roller skating as another hobby as if I didn’t have a few too many already. 🀭

Roller skating is so much fun.

So this can always be another fun retreat idea for you if this is your jam.

Retreat alternative

Stef Barti panoramic picture of the Bovilla Lake in Tirana
This place feels so surreal ( In Bovilla Lake/ reservoir)

Solo women travel

Solo female traveling is picking up and this is so exciting.

I even have a solo female traveling video guide that went viral.

The world is your oyster and you should get excited about all the adventures that are awaiting you πŸ€—

Women group travel

group of girls surfing in Albufeira Portugal
awesome surfer ladies

I get it though!

As excited as solo travelling might sound, some girls are just feeling a little bit scared. ( Rightfully so!)

Others simply have no interest to travel solo.

If you’re feeling apprehensive about the whole solo traveling thing and would prefer to go on adventures with a group of likeminded women, I have great news for you.

Stef Barti at sky lagoon spa in iceland with a beer in her hand
The most inviting Spa in Iceland ” SKy Lagoon”

You can join my upcoming women only small travel tour to Iceland.

I have been to Iceland numerous times since 2018.

I’ve hiked, camped, road-tripped Iceland. Your girl has done it all.  🀭

Stef Barti posing at a waterfall in Iceland
The things we take for granted in life

Stef barti hiking in iceland
hiking in Iceland

I love this little viking island so much.

I knew I wanted to share a magical time with a special group of women travellers. πŸ€—

This ” She Thrives with Stef Barti” podcast episode talks about the importance of sisterhood.

Do check it out for more insight on the benefits of women group travels.

And most importantly, let’s chase the northern lights together 🀭

I also recommend for you to join the newsletter so don’t miss future announcements.

I am planning to do more women travel group tours to awesome destinations.

And also wellness retreats in magical places like Bali and Portugal.

picture of Stef Barti in Iceland posing with Icelandic horses
Most friendly Icelandic horses
feeding horses in Iceland
feeding horses. They’re so sassy

Sum Up

And this is a wrap.

This blog covered some of the best ideas for your next wellness retreat.

As you can see, there are tons of options out there.

Most importantly, I hope this inspired you to take action and embark on your very own adventure. 🫢🏾

Share

You May Also Like

May 6, 2025

Solo But Not Lonely: Reclaiming Power, Peace, and Purpose as a Single Woman

March 12, 2025

The Art of Living with Ease: Cultivating Feminine Energy and Joy

September 16, 2024

Best Podcast Episodes To Change Your Life ( Women Empowerment)

January 16, 2025

How to Stop Oversharing & Protect Your Energy: A Guide to Staying Mysterious and Setting Boundaries

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions

Copyright © 2026 Stef Barti. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.