Flying solo is the way to go …
Last January my friend hopped on a flight to Oslo to stay at The Well Spa & Hotel, a bucolic retreat founded by Norwegian billionaire Stein Erik Hagen, with minimalist interiors and an impressive range of saunas, hammams and a Japanese bathhouse.
She didn’t just go for a detox but to set her intentions for the year and ponder future travel plans. Yes, she’s a bit woo woo, but she’s onto something. “Catching flights and feelings” is a growing trend, defining solo travellers who jet off seeking new connections and emotionally driven experiences. Whether it’s because more people are choosing to stay single or deciding they don’t want to wait for friends or partners to be free to travel, solo holidays are on the rise.
Destinations that are slightly off the beaten track but where the infrastructure is good are popular, especially Bali, Dubai, Thailand and Japan. I’m keen to see plum season in Japan, which blossoms from February to the end of March, before sakura begins. The new Capella Kyoto sounds interesting, in the historic Miyagawa-cho district. It pays homage to Kyoto’s geiko (geisha) traditions in artworks and artefacts.
Travel Department has always aced solo, all-inclusive itineraries in interesting places with the option of guides and plenty of leisure time. Explore the Montenegro Riviera, from the beachside resort of Becici, departing from Dublin in April or October.
Demand for solo river cruises has also surged, so much so that Riviera Travel’s fleet includes the MS George Eliot – its first river cruise ship operating exclusively for solo guests, offering eight and 15-day itineraries. The Blue Danube Cruise takes in Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, with music and monasteries (especially in Salzburg and Melk) part of the eight-day itinerary.
Closer to home, I recommend The Chancery Dublin for a solo sojourn, especially its Terrace Jacuzzi suite. After dinner in Fawn restaurant, I enjoyed stargazing in this chic urban retreat – one intention set was to return.
THIS MONTH I’M …
VISITING: The Hat Maker hotel in Dungarven, Co Waterford.
USING: Seabody’s Awakening Set, €115, from Carton House.
