Amid the tranquil waves of the Pacific Ocean, a group of women gathered at a retreat in Todos Santos, Mexico, to explore personal challenges related to menopause. The retreat, named Emergence, was hosted by intimacy coach and somatic therapist Zoë Kors. Participants, including 52-year-old Aran Klingensmith, found solace in sharing their experiences and fears, creating a supportive environment to navigate this significant life transition.
Klingensmith, who spent years grappling with the symptoms of perimenopause, described feeling a renewed sense of peace during the retreat. After facing anxiety, insomnia, and weight gain, she had often felt isolated and misunderstood by healthcare providers. The retreat offered her a chance to reconnect with herself and redefine her identity as she entered midlife. “I found myself at a crossroads,” she shared, reflecting on how menopause had prompted her to reassess her life’s direction.
The increasing visibility of menopause retreats highlights a growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by women in this stage of life. According to Melissa Biggs Bradley, founder of Indagare, the first Wise Women’s Health Retreat was launched in 2023 at Canyon Ranch Lenox, signaling a shift in how society addresses menopause. With over a billion women expected to be menopausal globally by 2030, this demographic is gaining attention for its potential in the travel and wellness industries.
Women over 50 are now the fastest-growing segment of travelers in the United States and Canada, often seeking experiences that allow them to invest in their well-being. Doni Belau, founder and CEO of Girls’ Guide to the World, noted that many women who have dedicated years to family and careers are now ready to prioritize themselves.
Menopause retreats vary widely, offering a range of experiences from luxury accommodations to more simplistic settings that embrace nature. Participants can engage in activities such as yoga, meditation, and outdoor excursions, which can provide significant relief from the stressors associated with perimenopause. For instance, Isabel van Zuilen, 50, attended the “Hot, Not Bothered” retreat in Scotts Valley, California, attracted by the serene environment among redwood forests.
Many resorts are enhancing the retreat experience by incorporating wellness treatments aimed at alleviating menopausal symptoms. At Kamalaya Koh Samui’s Radiant Bliss retreat in Thailand, guests can enjoy thermal plunge pools and herbal steam caves. Similar offerings can be found at Palasiet Thalasso in Spain, where participants can experience Finnish saunas and marine vaporium treatments.
Workshops at these retreats often focus on practical tools for managing menopause symptoms. For example, Sameena Rahman, MD, a menopause specialist, emphasizes the importance of holistic approaches that include dietary changes, exercise, and mental health support. At the “Hot, Not Bothered” retreat, van Zuilen learned valuable information about how metabolism shifts after menopause, which can help ease symptoms like bloating.
Retreats also offer individualized medical consultations to address personal health concerns. Programs at Combe Grove in the UK and various Six Senses locations include diagnostic tests that analyze hormone levels and metabolic factors. At Canyon Ranch’s M/Power retreat, women receive comprehensive assessments, including DEXA scans for bone density.
Providing this level of care is crucial, particularly for women like Klingensmith, whose symptoms are often dismissed by healthcare providers. Somi Javaid, MD, a Cincinnati-based ob-gyn, pointed out that many practitioners lack the necessary education to address the full spectrum of menopausal symptoms. The confusion surrounding hormone therapy has further complicated access to effective treatments.
These immersive retreats not only offer practical advice but also foster an environment for women to reclaim their narratives. They present menopause as a natural life stage rather than a condition to be managed. Klingensmith articulated the gift of dedicating time to herself, free from her usual responsibilities. “To not be responsible for anything else was an extraordinary gift,” she said, allowing her to rediscover her self-worth.
Discussions and workshops at the retreats often inspire participants to view their experiences from a new perspective. At Emergence, for instance, Klingensmith participated in group discussions that encouraged women to challenge limiting beliefs and explore new paths. Similarly, the Act 2 retreat at Alisal Ranch features storytelling sessions with various midlife women, emphasizing shared experiences and personal growth.
Being in a safe space with others who share similar challenges facilitates open conversations about topics often considered taboo. Algert noted that the camaraderie formed among participants allowed for honest dialogue without fear of judgment. “You get recognition, nods, ‘Me too,’” she explained, highlighting the power of shared experiences.
Ultimately, menopause retreats provide more than just practical guidance; they empower women to embrace this life transition with confidence and strength. Klingensmith remarked, “We feel more powerful and more capable of being in tune with ourselves than ever before.” As societal perceptions shift, these retreats play a vital role in redefining how women experience and approach menopause, fostering a sense of community and support that is invaluable during this transformative phase of life.
