Some women love to travel alone, and it's understandable. Apart from the autonomy to change plans without having to put everything to a vote, when you travel alone, the wait times are shorter. But the deliciously self-indulgent trip also means picking a hotel with more than a massive flat-screen TV and great views. Zeroing in on a place to stay is one of solo travel's most delightful and daunting aspects. So what makes a good hotel or resort great for a solo woman traveller?
"As a solo traveller, I am picky about where I stay. I always look for a hotel or resort that is centrally located and allows me options of activities and commute. You can disconnect more easily when you know the connection is close at hand. Walking is very dear to me, and I like to be in areas where I can do most things on foot. A friendly and reliable staff, day trips, food, and many interesting activities all matter," says Phorum Pandya, independent journalist and copywriter. "I remember I was at a ClubMed property in Bali, and they had ongoing activities you could sign up for from 5 am to midnight. I went sailing, took part in an aqua aerobics session and even danced the night away at their mixer."
According to Kayak, a metasearch engine, searches for "solo women travel" surged in 2019 and increased by 36 per cent in 2023. As solo trips are being booked with increasing frequency, hotels and retreats recognise the opportunity to cater to this segment.
"Considering the interest wellness has generated post-pandemic, we are noticing an increasing number of solo women travellers looking for ways to rejuvenate. There has been a 15 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of solo female travellers visiting our property," says Nishant Taneja, Head of Marketing at Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort.
Apart from a luxurious setting in the beautiful Shivalik Ranges in Himachal Pradesh, the resort, offers secure transportation from the airport to the property and a female staff member to welcome and acquaint with the facilities.
"Earlier, solo female travellers were generally travelling for a 'break,' but now it is an active holiday for them. Some are keen to explore adventure activities, learn about local cuisines or explore the surroundings," says Taneja. With endless activities, tailored itineraries and warm vibes, being alone never feels lonely.
Women who travel alone have distinct criteria when choosing accommodations. They prioritise safety, security, comfort and privacy. Fortunately, many hotels in India consider these preferences and make single woman travellers feel safe with well-lit corridors, round-the-clock security, CCTV surveillance and highly secure room locks. This allows solo travellers to experience the destination while still enjoying the sanctuary of their hotel. The ITC Grand Central in Mumbai celebrates solo women travellers with an entire floor dedicated to them. The rooms on the Eva floors are fitted with video phones and serviced by lady security guards and valets. Calls to this floor are screened for security and privacy.
This allows women journeying independently to fully immerse in the hotel's many offerings while enjoying privacy and peace of mind.
Travelling solo has increasingly become a way to take a break, step out of daily life and discover oneself again. The search for destinations where women can unwind and embrace the serenity that only solitude can bring is rising.
"Many solo female travellers visit us from different parts of the country. Some even stay for 15-20 days mainly for the serenity and peace the resort offers," says Saswata Banerjee, General Manager at The Tamara Coorg.
Spread over 180 acres of lush coffee plantation on a cliff, The Tamara is a place to stop, breathe, unwind and take stock. Solo female guests are attended by personal ambassadors who customise every detail, from plantation walks to treks and guided yoga sessions. Forest bathing begins with a short walk through a private trail just outside the property.
"Just listening to the silence, feeling the crunch of leaves under their feet and breathing the cool, energising air of the forest is truly therapeutic," says Banerjee.
The trail leads to a beautiful gazebo, built discreetly amongst the greenery, for a breathing and meditation session and ends with a foot massage. During days spent birdwatching, strolling the coffee estate, and hiking the highest mountain of Coorg—Tadiandamol, women voyage independently but remain cocooned in wooden cottages with private sundecks.
Chunda Shikar Oudi in Udaipur is another property popular with female travellers seeking a slow life. A former hunting outpost for the nobles, the property is now a tranquil retreat. Apart from the suites with lavish bathtubs overlooking the private lake, guests love lounging by the pool and looking out for exotic birds and wild boars, watching a thousand fireflies light up the sky, chasing sunsets in the wild from the back of an open-air jeep and floating in a boat on the serene Mahadev Sagar Lake.
Nature lovers can indulge in various activities, including wildlife safaris, morning walks, cycling excursions, fish-feeding sessions and birdwatching trips around Menar Lake. There's a two-hour horse safari and morning angling at the lake for those seeking adventure.
The rise in solo women travellers has been about discovering local destinations and immersing oneself in unique experiences. Although a leisurely laze-in-bed is enjoyable, there are moments when the desire for more than just relaxation arises. That's where unique curated events come in, offering a taste of travel beyond the typical check-in-and-chill routine. Whether it's private dining surrounded by nature or a history lesson, these events provide a distinctive flavour of exploration. At Coco Shambhala, the luxury retreat in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, solo women travellers can uncover the secrets of the magnificent Nivati Fort through a trek, take a refreshing dip under a secret waterfall, enjoy a puppet show or embark on a boat trip along the scenic Walawal River. The day can end with a bonfire on the beach with a rumbling sea for company or dinner under a cashew tree.
In addition to offering solitude and wellness, some hotels offer solo travellers lavish amenities. At the Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai, women get a complimentary upgrade, a bath and foot soak menu, aromatic oils and travel kits. "Upon arrival, a bespoke welcome amenity awaits—think premium chocolates sculpted into shapes like sandals, handbags, or perhaps lipstick. As they bid farewell, a thoughtful departure gift is presented, leaving them with cherished memories of their stay with us," says Priti Jha, Director of Rooms at The Taj Mahal Palace.
The Leela Palace New Delhi too encourages women to relish their singlehood. It arranges airport pick-up and drop services by the hotel's lady chauffeur, themed welcome amenities on arrival, assisted city tours and 24-hour lady butler service.
Nivedita Jayaram Pawar is an independent journalist based in Mumbai