Solo travel has never looked chicer. At these state-of-the-art hotels, female safety and enjoyment are at the forefront.
If you want to leave loneliness behind as you travel solo, an amiable, community-like feel is created within these Madrid, Sydney and Tokyo hotels. If you’re looking for peace, serenity and time away from everything – and everyone – the wellness-focus at destinations in Utah, Saudi Arabia and the Maldives are your answer.
Including women-only spas, 24-hour concierge teams, complimentary wine hours and solo traveller discounts, these are the best hotels to stay in as a solo female traveller.
Janu, Tokyo
Having opened in March 2024, this chic Tokyo hotel is set to make a vibrant impression on the city’s cultural scene, and may just be the ideal way to explore Japan’s capital as a solo female traveller. With eight social dining spaces (featuring a lively, relaxed Italian spot, a traditional Washoku restaurant, and a garden terrace) it’s predicted to attract in-the-know Tokyoites, too. Opt for a room with a private balcony for a scenic way to unwind at the end of a busy day, or venture downstairs to the hotel’s expansive, 4,000 square metre wellness centre for a hydrotherapy session. Janu’s close proximity to some of Tokyo’s best attractions is sure to please: located in Azabudai Hills – a newly-constructed district – the hotel is in the heart of Tokyo’s cultural centre, with the Mori Art Museum and Tokyo Tower just a stone’s throw away. Bordering Roppongi, known as the lively entertainment district packed with bars, clubs, art centres and fashion boutiques, you’ll never be short of things to do in this lively metropolis.
The Reykjavik EDITION, Iceland
Known for hot springs, luxury spas, and beautiful hiking trails, Iceland makes for an excellent country to unwind in. Visit during summer for longer hours of daylight to make the most of wandering the staggering landscapes alone, or in a guided group. For the perfect blend between the outdoors and luxury, stay at The Reykjavik EDITION with warm, sleek rooms, a hidden cocktail bar, panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from its rooftop, and a focus on Iceland’s abundant seafood offering at signature restaurant, TIDES. The social spa here is a highlight; all the usual spa amenities await, including a thermal plunge pool and massage rooms, but so does a lounge-bar where an evening of socialising kicks-off early. Reykjavik is the capital and Iceland’s largest city but has a very low crime rate, meaning female guests will feel at ease to come and go as they please, while the hotel’s 24-hour concierge guarantees assistance no matter the request – or the hour.
JW Marriott Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has seen a lot of change in recent years, with women estimated to make up 45 per cent of the tourism workforce. Additionally, unmarried couples and women travelling alone are now permitted to book hotel rooms. Stretching up into Riyadh’s ever-growing skyline, the sleek, modern building of the JW Marriott Riyadh is hard to miss. Inside, you’ll find stylish, modern Najdi architecture, slick woodwork, and pale hues that exaggerate the light flooding in through floor-to-ceiling windows. Downstairs in the spa women-only facilities await solo female guests for a relaxing evening spent pampering in the heated pool or in an uplifting yoga session. All that’s left to do is to grab a mocktail on the rooftop and watch the city move around you.
Kimpton Margot, Sydney, Australia
Chic and sophisticated, this Sydney hotel is where the fashion crowd flock for pop-up events, live music, and great shopping. A few nights here is to stay in the heart of the action. The hotel’s highlight for solo female travellers who are looking to meet new people has got to be the social hour, where, from 5PM to 6PM, complimentary drinks are served – ideal for both those in search for an evening glass of wine and those readying for a night out. Meanwhile, the poolside Harper Rooftop Bar atop the seventh floor beckons an afternoon under the Sydney sun. Occupying an Art Deco building overlooking the Harbour City, Kimpton Margot Sydney exudes a 1930s-esque sociable spirit in everything, from the jovial pink marble columns decorating the large foyer to the rooftop bar’s excellent cocktails.
Only You Boutique Hotel, Madrid, Spain
Set in a 19th century Spanish palace with interiors by Lázaro Rosa-Violán, this boutique hotel in Spain’s capital is welcoming and picturesque from the moment you walk in. The hotel breeds a relaxed, creative atmosphere from its decor – including a blue tiled terrace and expansive, high-ceiling foyer – to the avant-garde neighbourhood it forms a part of. Located in the heart of Madrid’s cultural scene, art lovers will be pleased to hear that the city’s main palazzos are short walks away, where you’ll find art galleries, museums, and incredible restaurants. Madrid’s blossoming gastronomy alone is worth a visit too; you’ll find a blend of traditional paellas and churros alongside newer, modern restaurants offering vegan and gluten-free options.
Amangiri, Utah, USA
Within a staggering landscape of canyons towering over desert and natural, rainwater lakes, Amangiri in Utah will linger on your mind long after your visit. The activities available at the hotel are in tune with the beautiful setting; think hikes, canyon climbing, and horse riding adventures. Each can be booked as a group trip or with a private guide, so it’s your choice whether to socialise or bask in the surrounds in peace. Back at the hotel, settle into the expansive wellness space where massage suites and pools overlook the stunning surrounds, or wake up to a yoga session in the desert as the sun rises. The beautiful, terrace restaurant, with events such as live jazz coming up this May, has plenty to keep you entertained, but there are also many spots in the hotel to unwind from the day. This is a carefully-built space ensuring that, even when fully booked, peace and relaxation are never compromised.
Nova, Maldives
The inviting waters and white, isolated sandbanks of the Maldives aren’t only reserved for honeymooners seeking privacy. In fact, Nova Maldives are launching a Solo Traveller month this July, where every aspect of a sun-drenched stay will be specifically tailored to a solo adventurer, striking the perfect balance between community and “me time.” Excitingly, the programme will offer cooking classes, sunset fishing cruises, the chance to swim with whale sharks, and meditation classes, where travellers can enjoy everything the resort has to offer while meeting other adventurers in the same “boat.” Set in the heart of the Maldives’ remote and serene South Ari Atoll, there’s also a large focus on mindfulness at the resort; this is the ideal blend of self-care and mental reset alongside creative workshops and fitness programmes.
Cook's Club, Corfu, Greece
As an adult-only resort, Cook’s Club offers a social yet sophisticated way to see the Greek island of Corfu. Located on the coast of Kommeno, part of the Gouvia Village, there’s a beach on the hotel’s doorstop and a large pool at the centre of the property, both of which tease long, hot days stretched out under striped parasols before dancing to the resident DJs by night. For a spot of sightseeing, the charming architecture of Corfu town is a short drive away and easy to access for long, uninterrupted lunches and meandering through narrow backstreets. Even better, solo travellers receive a 10 per cent discount off double rooms with a garden view.
Lead image: Nova Maldives
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