Sex sells, but what about sexual wellness?
Lately, the term ‘wellness’ has been stretched to cover everything under the sun—from LED lights on our faces and peptides for plump lips to gut health and endless fitness routines. All of this is fantastic, of course. But there’s one area that still lags behind in our wellness conversations: sexual wellness. When I mention “sexual wellness,” I’m not talking about the very basic practice of getting regular STI checks or the mere absence of disease and dysfunction. It’s about diving deeper into a more comprehensive, fulfilling approach to our intimate lives and having a healthy, authentic relationship with your sexuality.
However, sex and shame are often linked in our minds, making it hard to talk about or even acknowledge as something worth improving. To foster a greater sense of self-awareness and acceptance, adding sexual wellness to your travel itinerary shouldn’t be taboo. In fact, with the global sexual wellness market projected to reach $55 billion by 2028, it’s no surprise that the travel industry is beginning to tap into this growing area of interest.
Below, we have rounded up the best retreats, offering unique ways to explore sexual wellness.
1. SHA Wellness, Spain
Led by psychologist Cinthya Molina, the sexual wellness unit of SHA Wellness addresses not just the body but the very essence of intimate well-being. You’ll can meet with specialists like a gynaecologist and an urologist, ensuring a thorough review of your overall well-being. The team at SHA goes beyond the basics, offering tests tailored to your needs and goals, from hormone assessments and ultrasounds to mammograms and metabolic genetic testing. After your assessments, the team prescribes a bespoke plan that might include hormone optimisation, advanced therapies, or lifestyle adjustments designed to enhance both your physical and emotional sexual health.
2. Six Senses Ibiza: The Power and Pleasure Retreat
From September 29 to October 2, 2024, Six Senses Ibiza hosted a retreat that’s all about embracing your power and pleasure in the most holistic way possible. Picture this: a few days spent diving deep into your relationship with yourself and your body, all while surrounded by the stunning beauty of Ibiza. The retreat, conducted by Anja Akaya Amelung, a certified practitioner of Tantra, Yoga, Feminine Embodiment, and QiGong, will explore wellness therapies like soft tantra, QiGong and feminine cycles and pleasure points.
3. IntimacyMoons, Barbados
A 4-day, 3-night stay in a swanky penthouse suite, complete with breakfasts, dinners, generous hotel credit and sexual wellness sessions—IntimacyMoons, Barbados, is a luxury getaway focused on you and your partner. They offer group couple and private couple retreats that focus on everything from conflict resolution to exploring erotic fantasies to gender role expectations. Sessions are held with founder Marissa Nelson, who is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified sex therapist.
4. Hotel Wailea, Maui, Hawaii
Sexual wellness isn’t just about physical intimacy—at least, not at Hotel Wailea in Hawaii. Here, you’re invited to explore a deeper connection through a private Tantra session that promises a truly intimate and spiritual experience. The session, guided by a skilled practitioner, encourages synchronised movements, eye contact, and shared breathing, all of which intensify your bond and create a sense of unity that’s both powerful and profound. In this secure, sacred space, you’ll find that vulnerability and trust come naturally, allowing you to delve into your emotions and gain a deeper understanding of each other.
5. Miraval Resorts and Spas, Arizona
At Miraval, Arizona, sexuality educator Lyndi Rivers offers three distinct programs focused on sexual wellness—two for both men and women, and one specifically for women. Here you can indulge in sessions and speak privately with Lyndi Rivers about topics such as mismatched desire, orgasms, vaginal dryness, erectile dysfunction, masturbation, sex toys, parenthood and ageing’s impacts on sexual connection, or other related issues.
6. Aerial British Virgin Islands: Elevate Love Summit
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Escape to the British Virgin Islands for a transformative 5-day retreat from October 18–22 at the Elevate Love Summit. Nestled in a breathtaking tropical paradise, you’ll explore the depths of self-love and forge a genuine bond with your partner. Revel in joy through laughter, dance, and play while reigniting your passion with thoughtful discussions on both physical and emotional intimacy. You can also enjoy exclusive access to a range of water, land, and wellness activities, all while savouring gourmet meals prepared by local chefs with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.
Cover Credits: Miraval Resorts and Spas
