The 8 Best Destinations For The Solo Traveler

The 8 Best Destinations For The Solo Traveler
This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.

For Architectural Digest, by Perri Ormont Blumberg.

Amangiri, in the Utah desert.
Courtesy of Amangiri

Amangiri, in the Utah desert.

Unaccompanied globe-trotting is one of life’s most underrated pleasures. Equal parts liberating and eye-opening, there may be no better way to hit the reset button. We combed the planet to find the best in wellness, adventure, and self-discovery programs.

1. REI Adventures, Patagonia Multisport

Courtesy of REI Adventures

Immerse yourself in the welcome distraction (and challenge) of daunting glaciers, grand peaks, and the unmatched beauty of Chile's Torres del Paine National Park. “A solo traveler will have uninterrupted reflection time in their sleeping or yoga dome, balanced by great companionship on hikes, biking, and a kayak tour,” says Belinda Gardner, program manager. rei.com/adventures

2. Ten Thousand Waves in Sante Fe, New Mexico

Indulge in a traditional Japanese hot-tub session as snow falls in your very own sylvan wonderland. If you can peel yourself away, there is perhaps no better solitary pilgrimage in the Land of Enchantment for art lovers than Meow Wolf, a completely transformational art experience. But do come back to the grounds, where sake and omakase await. tenthousandwaves.com

3. Guana Island in the British Virgin Islands

Courtesy of Guana Island

This lush private island is part of a remote volcanic archipelago in the Caribbean. But the rewards of getting here are plentiful: The grounds have an almost spiritual air. And the secluded villas make it so you can easily spend a week in contemplative detox without seeing fellow vacationers. Wander the organic orchard or the 12 miles of hiking trails (from easy to cliffside difficult), and indulge in a beachside massage or private yoga class at the “Garden of Eden.” guana.com

4. Inns of Aurora in Aurora, New York

Courtesy of Inns of Aurora

The intoxicating allure of these historic 19th-century inns is especially well suited to the solo wanderer. First, there’s the "serenity director," who will guide you through essential oil blending, ayurvedic philosophy, or a private restorative yoga class in a Zen sanctuary. The glorious double dawn over Lake Cayuga—the traditional one, followed by light spilling over the hills’ crests—begs for a dockside stroll. innsofaurora.com

5. Champions Retreat in Evans, Georgia

Courtesy of Champions Retreat

Gaining access to this exclusive club isn’t easy. The famed golf resort opens to all for Masters Week, but otherwise you’ve got to know a member to book your getaway (pro tip: ask your country club if they have reciprocity). Take in the imposing Georgia pines, the mellow Savannah River, and the sheer bliss of solitude, and you’ll be glad you put in the effort. championsretreat.net

6. “Treetox” at Chewton Glen in Hampshire, U.K.

Embrace your inner child at this curated retreat, which includes yoga, private training sessions, a juice cleanse, and more, all from the comfort of a private tree house. Another treat best enjoyed alone at this five-star hotel? The elusive joy of a twilight spa treatment, coupled with use of the outdoor Jacuzzi for incredible stargazing. chewtonglen.com

7. Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge in Gold Beach, Oregon

Courtesy of Tu Tu' Tun Lodge

A few days spent at the riverside spa and enjoying the thrills of solitary hiking or fly-fishing on the Rogue River can be life changing. Or, just stroll aimlessly around the property, tasting edible herbs and flowers and sharing apples with deer as you wander. After working up an appetite, tuck into the property's divine, healthful cuisine. tututun.com

8. Amangiri in Canyon Point, Utah

You’re floating in a stone-lined plunge pool. In unattended glory. In the desert. And the spectacular stargazing, along with the deep soul-searching this remote haven nurtures, may very well just bring you one step closer to total bliss. aman.com

More from Architectural Digest:

Popular in the Community

Close

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE