Why sexual wellness is the travel trend we need to talk about

If the key to health and wellbeing lies in focusing on the fundamentals, why has it taken us so long to openly talk about sex? We’ve been happy to discuss improved diets, sleep and exercise — yet conversations about our sexuality have often been hushed or kept strictly medical.

In the last few years, things have finally started to change. The wellness world has reframed it as ‘sexual wellness’: a more holistic way of thinking about how we relate to our bodies and desires. “For a long time, sexual health was reduced to things like contraception, but sexual wellness is far broader,” says Samantha Marshall, head of brand at Smile Makers Collection. “It includes satisfaction, consent, communication, self-knowledge and feeling safe and at ease in your body. It’s physical, emotional and mental, and all those layers affect each other.”

The benefits of sex are well documented: better sleep, reduced stress, improved immunity and even natural pain relief. Yet, even as sex is increasingly recognised as a key pillar of wellbeing, it can still fall by the wayside. In our busy, digitally-driven lives, sex often becomes just another item on the to-do list, meaning true intimacy is overlooked. Sometimes, breaking free from our usual routines is exactly what we need to reset, and travel offers the perfect opportunity to rediscover that connection.

A new type of trip is emerging, offering guests the chance to get away while focusing on sensuality. Some are women-only, some are for couples, others are more self-guided — but all create a safe space to explore and connect. “Sexual wellness can mean learning about your body on a retreat, advocating for your own pleasure in partnered situations on a romantic getaway or stepping away from the daily grind to reconnect with yourself,” says Samantha. “We suddenly have more time to tune in, to notice what de-stresses us, what feels good and what we’re curious to explore.” Intrigued? Here are six retreats to consider.

School of Sensual Arts

Best for: The tantra curious
Why go? The School of Sensual Arts is a global platform focused on teaching people how to unlock their ‘sensual power’. Through workshops and international retreats, Henika Patel and her team introduce participants to therapeutic movement practices like yoga and tantra, exploring how they can be used to connect more deeply with oneself and allow for greater presence and pleasure.

Among its 2026 offerings is a five-night ‘Awaken’ retreat in Spain, where guests stay at a rustic-chic villa in a quiet corner of the Costa Blanca. Days are structured around morning, afternoon and evening practice sessions, with time in between for quiet reflection or dipping toes in the Mediterranean. A private chef will prepare healthy meals and host a workshop exploring the principles of the ayurvedic diet, which encourages eating food based on your body type.

Mama Shelter

Best for: A self-guided approach
Why go? You don’t necessarily have to commit to a structured retreat to rekindle intimacy with a partner — a weekend away can provide the valuable time you need together. Mama Shelter’s relaxed, design-forward hotels provide the chance to step away from the daily grind and focus on connection. On-site spas offer couples massages, while cosy restaurants allow for slow dinners with no distractions. Guests can also choose to add a ‘Sexy Mama Box’ to their stay, which includes accoutrements (massage oil, toys, lubricants) to encourage exploration. With locations in some of the world’s most romantic cities including Paris and Rome, Mama Shelter is a good choice for couples looking to fold sexual wellness into a short city break.

Back to the Body

Best for: Women-only healing
Why go? A sense of camaraderie and sisterhood sits at the heart of Back to the Body’s retreats. Designed specifically for women, these week-long gatherings encourage participants to look more closely at their relationship with their bodies, process past experiences and get clear on personal desires. Programmes combine sensual bodywork sessions with guided group discussions on topics like body image, as well as sexual and intimacy coaching. A strong emphasis is placed on female bonding — sharing stories, listening to others and realising that many insecurities or questions are widely shared. There’s also time for other activities, with many of the programmes often incorporating excursions into the schedule. An upcoming retreat in the Southern California high desert offers the option of day trips to Los Angeles and San Diego.

IntimacyMoons

Best for: Couples looking to reconnect
Why go? Run by licensed therapist Marissa Nelson, IntimacyMoons specialises in retreats for couples who are struggling in their relationships or simply want to reconnect. Marissa helps couples improve their sex lives, communication skills and emotional intimacy, all while enjoying a luxury holiday in the US or the Caribbean. The retreats are entirely private, which is ideal for those who prefer to work through sensitive issues with just their partner and coach. Each four-day retreat includes nine hours of couples therapy to talk through challenges and identify patterns, alongside customised workshops and a 60-minute couples massage. Locations include Washington, DC, Miami and Martha’s Vineyard. Alternatively, couples can head to Barbados or St Lucia, where a slower pace of life provides a soothing backdrop for doing difficult emotional work.

(Paris for couples—what to do, eat and see in the City of Love.)

Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa

Best for: Mid-life changes
Why go? Menopause can be a challenging life stage, with shifting hormones affecting how women experience sex. At Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, women are encouraged to explore these changes rather than cope in silence. Female guests can join the resort’s ‘Menopause and Midlife’ programme led by integrative wellness specialist and sexuality educator Lyndi Rivers, who provides education on how hormones, libido and body changes impact sexual wellness during this period of transition. Outside of the programme, guests can indulge in spa treatments, pick from a daily selection of movement classes — from chakra yoga to cardio drumming — or hit the tennis and pickleball courts.

SHA Spain

Best for: Data and diagnostics
Why go? For a truly 360-degree approach to sexual wellbeing, SHA is among the best. Set in the hills above Alicante, the clinic has added a dedicated unit focused on supporting women at every stage of life. What sets SHA apart is its medically researched therapies. The unit brings together gynaecologists, physiotherapists and hormone specialists to look specifically at intimate health. Treatment starts with diagnostic testing to gain a clearer picture of what’s going on, both physically and emotionally. From there, personalised therapies such as pelvic floor rehab and vaginal rejuvenation may be recommended to address concerns. With tailored, evidence-based treatment plans, the aim is for guests to leave feeling informed, supported and empowered.