From menopause and longevity retreats to a rise in wellness-minded hotels, wellness tourism is booming, predicted to jump to over $1.4 trillion by 2027. At the heart of this growth are women, and the way they travel is changing.
Data from Skift reveals that women are the primary decision-makers in the travel sector, prioritizing meaningful, independent experiences that offer more than just a change of scenery. This shift is fueling a new trend: a move beyond one-off trips toward “annual wellness resets.”
For today’s woman, the retreat is no longer a luxury indulgence or an escape from burnout. It has become a proactive ritual within her yearly wellness journey. This ritualistic approach to travel is reflected in the growing loyalty seen by industry pioneers like Goddess Retreats in Bali.
Beyond the Bucket List: The Rise of the Annual Ritual
Founded in 2003, Goddess Retreats stands among the world’s original women-only wellness retreats. Created by Chelsea Ross, it pioneered the modern concept of female-focused retreat travel and remains one of the longest-running programs of its kind globally.
Since launching, Goddess Retreats has welcomed almost 19,000 women from around the world. Today, data reveals a significant rise in these women returning yearly, highlighting how women are reshaping travel by prioritizing their well-being as a non-negotiable investment.
“We have seen a steady rise in loyalty over the years, and today, this growth is accelerating: one in ten women now return annually for a retreat, and nearly one in four to five return within two years,” explains Ross. “This reflects how retreats have evolved from a one-time experience to an essential annual ritual within many women’s wellness journeys.”
Women are also choosing to take more time to retreat; approximately 12% of guests now choose back-to-back stays to deepen their immersion across both the coastal Seminyak oasis and the jungle sanctuary of Ubud. This growing preference for “double-immersion” highlights how women are no longer looking for a quick fix.
This trend is illustrated by long-term guests like 48-year-old Jennifer, who has attended annually for seven years, often booking back-to-back stays. Jennifer’s retreat choices have evolved from adventure-based retreats to wellness-focused programs. “Her retreat transition reflects a maturing approach to self-care – from exploration to intentional yearly renewal,” said Ross.
Adventure vs. Inner Peace: Why Women Return
What keeps drawing women back to this transformative retreat in Bali year-on-year? According to Chelsea, there are two distinct patterns.
The first is the Adventure Traveler, who is loyal to Goddess Retreats and seeks the consistency and safety of the brand but wants to explore new programs, from surfing to padel or pilates.
The second, and most rapidly growing segment, is the wellness ritualist. “These guests tend to return to the same location for their annual reset,” Ross notes. “They come back for the familiar rhythm of spa rituals, the same trusted healers, and the deep sense of renewal they’ve found through our programs.”
This loyalty is built upon a retreat experience that feels deeply intuitive. Every element, from the flow of the daily schedule to the nurturing of the team, has been shaped by 20 years of listening to women’s stories and understanding what truly restores them. More than a program, it is a journey created through years of devotion to helping women rediscover their inner power. Guests are cared for in private villas surrounded by nature, experiencing unlimited spa rituals and holistic healing sessions that balance body, mind, and spirit.
Beyond the environment, guests are drawn back by the exclusive range of spiritual and cultural experiences guided by a collective of 18 traditional healers and practitioners.
“Through years of living and working within the Balinese community, we’ve built trusted relationships that open doors rarely accessible to visitors. These healers are not newcomers to the wellness world but respected custodians of their ancestral wisdom. Their therapies and rituals, from sound healing and temple purification to sacred waterfall blessings, are deeply authentic and offered only to our guests,” said Ross.
This connection adds a profound depth to each woman’s journey, allowing for genuine transformation rooted in the spirit of Bali.
The Future of Women’s Travel
With women driving nearly 70% of global wellness travel spend, the “future of wellness” is undoubtedly female-focused. The rise of the annual wellness reset is a positive change in the travel landscape as more women prioritize self-care and transformative travel.
“For more than twenty years, women have come to Goddess Retreats because it offers something rare – a place to pause, to be pampered, and to rediscover the woman beneath all the roles she plays,” adds Ross.
