Wellness retreats for women: what they cost, and how to choose one

Wellness retreats for women are a growing industry, with the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) estimating that wellness tourism was worth $893.9 billion in 2024, growing at 6.4% annually from 2019. For a woman running a company, a few days away is rarely the problem; choosing well is. With published rates running from $109 a night for a dormitory room at Kripalu to $1,250 per person per night at Canyon Ranch Tucson, the question is what you are paying for, and how to choose.

What a wellness retreat for women costs

The cost of a wellness retreat for women can vary widely, from a budget-friendly $109 per night at Kripalu's dormitory to a luxurious $1,250 per night at Canyon Ranch Tucson. The two are not quoted the same way: Kripalu prices the room, Canyon Ranch prices the person. What truly matters is what those prices include, and a higher rate that bundles meals and credits can narrow the gap.

What the price includes

Start with the unit. Some retreats quote per room and some per person, and the difference doubles the bill for two. Taxes, gratuities, and additional fees can significantly increase the total cost. Many retreats offer credits, which are prepaid spending allowances, not discounts. For example, Canyon Ranch Tucson provides a $200 per person per night spa and fitness credit, and a $300 health credit for stays of three nights or more. At Canyon Ranch Tucson, meals, activities and transfers are included. At Kripalu, for instance, three meals a day are included, but program tuition is an additional expense.

US retreats with published prices

Canyon Ranch Tucson

Canyon Ranch Tucson offers a luxurious experience with rates starting at $1,250 per person per night for a single room and $1,125 per person per night for a double room, excluding taxes. The stay includes a $200 per person per night spa and fitness credit, a $300 health credit on stays of three nights or more, meals, activities, and transfers. It is the most expensive published rate here, and also the most inclusive.

Kripalu (Massachusetts)

Kripalu offers a range of accommodation options, from dormitory rooms at $109 to $129 per night to more luxurious rooms like the Shadowbrook Classic, which can cost up to $459 per night. Rates include three meals a day, but program tuition is an additional expense. The variety of options makes Kripalu accessible to a wide range of budgets, from budget-conscious travelers to those seeking a more upscale experience.

Miraval Arizona

Miraval Arizona's package page lists a $175 nightly resort credit per person, with meals, classes, gratuities and the shuttle included. It does not publish a nightly rate on that page, which makes it harder to compare: ask for the per-person, per-night figure in writing.

Rancho La Puerta

Rancho La Puerta offers seven-night packages ranging from $5,250 to $8,600 per person, depending on the room and season. A week is the unit here, which suits a reader who can take one and does not suit one who cannot.

Women-only and founder retreats

Women-only retreats offer a unique environment where women can connect, share experiences, and support one another. For women founders, finding a retreat that caters to the specific needs of entrepreneurs can be invaluable. When choosing a women-only or founder retreat, look for programs led by experienced professionals and a community that aligns with your values and goals. Retreats are one of the club's six event formats; dates are announced on our events page.

What the evidence says retreats do

The evidence on the health outcomes of wellness retreats is limited. The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) estimates that wellness travelers spend significantly more on their trips compared to typical tourists, with international travelers spending $1,764 per trip and domestic travelers spending $668. The outcome evidence is thinner. The one study we could rely on (Cohen and colleagues, 2017) looked at a single retreat with 37 participants and no control group, so it cannot say what the retreat itself did. Founders should approach claims of health benefits with a healthy dose of skepticism and focus on the overall experience and personal satisfaction.

How to choose: eight questions to ask

When considering a wellness retreat, ask these eight questions to ensure you get the most out of your investment:

• What is included in the price per person per night?
• Is the rate quoted per room or per person?
• Are taxes and gratuities included in the total cost?
• What do the credits cover, and how can they be used?
• What are the cancellation terms and policies?
• Who leads the program, and what are their qualifications?
• How much unscheduled time is available for personal reflection and relaxation?
• Can you be offline, and are there restrictions on device use?

Booking a retreat you can work around

For women founders, fitting a retreat into a busy schedule can be a challenge. Consider adding a quiet day on either side, so you neither arrive from a red-eye nor land in a board meeting. Communicate your plans to your team in advance, setting clear expectations for your availability. The cost of the days either side of the retreat, such as travel and lost productivity, should also be factored into your decision-making process.

The short version

Wellness retreats for women are priced in different units, so compare what is included per person per night, not the headline rate. Credits are prepaid spending, not discounts. The evidence that a retreat changes health is thin, so buy the rest and the time away, not the promise. Book the days either side as well.

If the retreat is really about burnout, read why founder burnout is structural and longevity for founders, the boring version first.

If you would rather go away with women who are building companies too, apply to The Longevity Social Club.