The growth of men-only retreats

As interest in men-only retreats continues to grow, we explore what is driving this and the opportunities it is creating everywhere

Retreats have long been seen as the exclusive domain of women, until recently. In the past year there has been a significant increase in the number of retreats for men launching across Europe – from breathwork to nature immersions and cold-water therapy and spiritual escapes. According to the retreat booking site bookretreats.com, searches for male-only detox retreats have increased 200% compared with last year.

Many men feel a disconnect with their own bodies and from society. They face a range of specific health issues and are often overlooked in terms of mental wellbeing. Isolation, loneliness, depression and suicide are common. Wellness spaces from spas to dedicated retreat venues have a chance to craft authentic programmes for men that offer deep connections in a guided way.

“By providing authentically designed retreats and workshops for men, the spa industry can

plug a gap in the health and wellness industry,” says René van Eyssen, spa director at the Coach House Spa at Beaverbrook, UK. “They can provide space for men to explore their health and wellness needs in a safe and supportive environment.”

Reconnecting immersive

The Scarlet and the Bedruthan Hotel, part of Red Hotels in Cornwall, were trailblazers in the UK, launching men’s retreats with sportsman Anthony Mullally. Attendees enjoyed restorative breathwork and yin yoga, mindfulness, sound bath meditation, a surf session and hot-cold immersion therapies.

“Each retreat has been developed to embrace and reconnect with nature, disconnect from the everyday and create an environment that enables growth,” says Emma Benney, marketing and sales director of Red Hotels.

Beginning with movement and physical fitness is often an integral part of men’s programming. “Men tend to approach wellness from the physical domain,” says László Puczko, CEO and co-founder of HTWWLife, and who has prepared a report on wellness for men. “Other aspects of wellness may

complement the physical core. They look for the personal challenge and they can be competitive. The comradery aspects can be very important.”

The Coach House Spa at Beaverbrook has taken this to another level with its visiting master’s programme. Wellness professional Amanda Porter hosts spa days specifically focused on men’s health and the male anatomy and digestive health with a focus on abdominal therapy.

www.bookretreats.com | www.beaverbrook.co.uk www.scarlethotel.co.uk | www.bedruthan.com

www.anthonymullally.com | www.amandaporter.co.uk