How Wellness Retreats Are Rewriting The Rules Of Female Healthcare

wellness, women's health, retreat
Female health is finally in the spotlight – and high-end women’s inpatient facilities are on the rise, putting medical advancements into practice. But can these luxurious, resort-style clinics really provide the personalised care we’ve wanted and needed for so long? MOJEH investigates...

Smash the patriarchy — it’s a phrase we’ve all heard, and a concept we might have even yearned for, in a world fraught with women attempting to live within their increasing awareness of its injustices. However, while the global world order isn’t expected to fall anytime soon, if there’s one sphere in which the patriarchy has been crumbling quicker than most it’s health and wellness. The past decade has seen advancements in women’s healthcare that were unimaginable for previous generations, and we are finally beginning to reap the rewards. Not least of all in the form of all-encompassing women’s wellness centres, where every last health and hormonal niggle is put under the microscope in a hyper-personalised setting, all within the comforting embrace of five-star luxe.

Far from sterile hospital wards or the outdated cliché of a dressing-gown-and-a-lettuce-leaf spa retreat, this rapidly growing sector fuses clinical rigour with the soft opulence of a lavishly appointed boutique resort, a place where no home comfort need be foregone to get results. But make no mistake — results are what it’s all about.

“Women today are more informed, proactive and invested in their long-term vitality than ever before,” says Dr Antoinette Sarasin Gianduzzo, director of Biomolecular Restoration (BIO-R) at Zurich’s The Kusnacht Practice, often cited as one of the world’s most exclusive private clinics. “For forward-thinking clinics and wellness destinations, prioritising women’s health is not simply a trend — it reflects a broader evolution toward tailored longevity medicine. Women are no longer willing to accept fatigue, mood shifts or metabolic changes as inevitable consequences of ageing. This shift in awareness has created demand for precision-based, personalised medicine that acknowledges the complexity of female physiology.”

From established names in the spa industry such as Six Senses, to more medically-minded concepts such as Spain’s SHA and Thailands’s RAKxa wellness centres, there’s a similar thread running through many of their women’s wellness programmes. The key concepts are in-depth testing to gain a clear picture of each woman’s health, access to highly qualified medical practitioners as well as holistic medicine and therapies, an ultra-tailored programme that caters to every client’s unique needs and an ongoing plan for graduates of these programmes to take home with them and continue the good work. So why are so many women travelling internationally to such facilities, rather than simply taking advantage of advancements in women’s healthcare with their own local providers?

“The key difference is integration,” says Dr Mariel Silva, Medical Services director and Healthy Ageing specialist at SHA Spain. “While many women consult their gynecologist or individual specialists locally, it’s rare to find a setting where all these areas of expertise are brought together and coordinated within one comprehensive plan, and in a resort-like setting. At SHA, our approach is truly interdisciplinary: specialists from different fields collaborate seamlessly to provide a unified, coherent response tailored to each woman’s needs. And beyond the medical dimension, the environment itself plays an essential role. It offers women the chance to step away from their daily routines and dedicate exclusive time to their own health and wellbeing — an immersive experience that fosters both reconnection and transformation.”

wellness, retreats
Women’s health is finally coming to the forefront with wellness centres offering programmes dedicated to the intricacies of womanhood

Many facilities also have close ties to more ‘classic’ medical settings nearby too, ensuring that there’s a safety net should more complex or serious health issues arise. This is certainly the case with integrative wellness destination RAKxa, based in Bangkok, where traditional and alternative medicine is complemented by other more grounded approaches.

“The programme is guided by a multidisciplinary in-house team including specialists in traditional Thai medicine, Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, energy healing and medical doctors,” says Dr Tal Friedman, director of Wellness Operations at RAKxa Integrative Wellness. “In addition, we partner with Bumrungrad International Hospital, enabling seamless referral to specialists such as gynaecologists or endocrinologists when needed. This ensures the highest standard of care, blending holistic therapies with world-class medical expertise.”

And it’s the advancements in medical expertise over the last decade that are the crux of the matter. While women have historically been underrepresented in the field of medical research, where clinical trials often rely solely on data from male participants, health organisations are increasingly ringfencing funding for female-specific programmes. For example, in December 2025 Ireland’s Minister for Health announced a EUR2 million investment in research dedicated entirely to conditions and issues that only affect women. This trend is also being reflected in other medical settings: asking questions about menstruation and menopause are becoming standard in many countries’ frontline healthcare. This feeds into a growing collective knowledge and empowerment among women to push for further diagnostics concerning their health, rather than having their complaints brushed off as ‘normal women’s troubles’.

The explosion of the ‘femtech’ industry — where period tracking apps, fertility monitoring tools and wearable technology for symptom management have all been fostered — also shows further encouragement for women to take control of their health, as well as an increasing business interest in this burgeoning market. However, that’s not to say that everything is coming up roses. In the USA, for example, Women’s Health cites that just four per cent of biopharma investments go to female-specific conditions, which reduces to just one per cent once cancer is removed from the equation. Only 10.7 per cent of the USA’s 2023 National Institutes of Health budget went to women’s health research, a fraction of an overall budget that continues to face major cuts under the country’s current administration.

So what does this meeting of increasing awareness and empowerment with an industry that’s struggling to catch up mean? That more and more women are taking their health into their own hands — and into exclusive private clinics equipped to provide them with the level of care they expect and need. And while approaches may differ, there’s something that all these facilities have in common: a commitment to ensuring any benefits gleaned during their guests’ stays continue once they’ve returned to the ‘real world’.

wellness retreat
Experience medical care with a side of luxury at Six Senses Duoro Valley in Portugal, a destination that offers you a rejuventating and glamorous stay

“We design our programmes to integrate seamlessly into each guest’s lifestyle,” says Dr Friedman. “During their stay, we collaborate with them to create personalised exercise regimens, meal plans and daily rituals that are practical and sustainable. The journey continues beyond check-out, with a detailed follow-up care plan provided to take home. Our team remains available to answer questions and offer guidance, ensuring guests can confidently embed new practices into their daily lives and sustain the progress achieved at RAKxa.”

Some facilities take this concept even further, such is the case with The Kusnacht Practice. With the clinic’s programme measured in weeks rather than days, it only makes sense that a return to normality will also be managed with the utmost care.

“We do not believe in episodic care,” says Dr Gianduzzo. “True transformation requires continuity, monitoring and refinement. We schedule structured re-testing at regular intervals — typically every four to six months — to monitor hormonal, metabolic and inflammatory markers. This allows us to fine-tune the blueprint with precision. Clients may also return for BIO-R Recharge stays twice per year, ensuring that optimisation remains proactive rather than reactive. The goal is always meaningful and sustained vitality, not just a temporary improvement.”

What’s most astounding is how rapidly women’s health has moved from being a neglected subset of medical care to a growing priority across research, policy, clinical practice, technology — and now private clinics, too. While significant gaps may remain in mainstream healthcare, the trend toward more inclusive, gender-aware health systems in wellness settings is clear, gaining momentum and proving a boon to women of all ages.

The Destinations To Bookmark Now

With as many approaches as there are facilities, which women’s wellness programme is for you? MOJEH visits the world’s leading centres, where there’s an individual approach waiting for everyone.

The Kusnacht Practice, Switzerland

The treatment: BIO-R Female Health Blueprint.

Best for: A total health overhaul if time — and money — are no object.

How long does it take? Two weeks are the minimum, but four, six or more weeks are strongly recommended, along with four to six months of further monitoring and two subsequent ‘recharge’ stays.

Programme highlights: Truly the apex of women’s inpatient facilities, the Kusnacht Practice has it all: treatment takes place in your own independent villa in a leafy Zurich suburb, along with personal chef, chauffeur and housekeeping to put the plushest five-star hotel to shame. But the real star of the show is its incredibly advanced medical services, with top doctors, experts and equipment at your fingertips day and night. The programme is designed to extend women’s healthspan through an in-depth exploration of hormonal status, metabolic health, genetics, lifestyle and individual risk factors. Harnessing the power of hormones that affect energy, weight, mood and ageing, it delivers a comprehensive medical and lifestyle assessment, followed by a bespoke, evidence-based plan. Combining advanced diagnostics, gynaecological and thyroid screening, pelvic health support, cutting-edge treatments such as oxygen therapy, personalised supplementation and aesthetic rejuvenation, the programme begins with immersive interventions in Switzerland and continues with structured follow-ups, retesting and fine-tuning, restoring vitality and helping to pre-empt and prevent future health challenges.

What do they say? “The BIO-R Female Health Blueprint is a deeply personalised longevity programme designed around the unique biological profile of each client,” says Dr Antoinette Sarasin Gianduzzo. “It begins with an extensive diagnostic phase, including advanced hormonal mapping, metabolic analysis, inflammatory markers, micronutrient profiling and genetic and epigenetic insights. We also assess lifestyle factors, sleep quality, stress physiology and psychological wellbeing to ensure a truly 360-degree understanding of the individual. Rather than applying a standardised protocol, we create a living, adaptive blueprint designed to evolve alongside the client.”

How much? Costs begin at CHF117,300 per week. Rates vary depending on the specialists involved, the length and frequency of the treatment and when or where the treatment is provided. Book Now

RAKxa Integrative Wellness, Thailand

The treatment: Women’s Health Programme.

Best for: Combining high tech with holistic wisdom.

How long does it take? Five- and seven-night programmes are available.

Programme highlights: This programme supports women’s wellbeing at every stage of life, with a focus on identifying hormonal imbalances, perimenopause and menopause through comprehensive diagnostics that blend advanced medical testing with traditional Thai healthcare and assessment techniques. Treatments are tailored to each guest and may include hormone-balancing exercises, Traditional Thai women’s therapies, abdominal massage, craniosacral therapy, hyperbaric oxygen sessions and IV infusions. Designed to enhance mood, boost energy and promote healthy skin and hair, the programme takes a personalised approach to feminine vitality, supporting physical, emotional and mental balance for women of all ages, whether navigating menopausal transitions or simply seeking greater overall wellbeing.

What do they say? “The programme begins with a comprehensive assessment that combines advanced diagnostics and physical analysis to build a complete picture of a guest’s wellbeing,” says Dr Tal Friedman. “This includes a detailed hormone panel and micronutrient testing. A physical analysis measures body composition, while traditional diagnostic methods from Thai medicine assess areas of tension or stagnation. This allows us to create a personalised journey, tailoring therapies to specific needs. These might include traditional Thai women’s care to promote hormonal balance, or energy therapies such as Chi Nei Tsang to calm the nervous system. It is this integrative approach, blending data-driven insights with traditional wisdom, that enables truly rounded and personalised care.”

How much? Five nights start from US$10,806 per person; seven nights start from US$13,740 per person. Book Now

SHA, Spain

The treatment: Women’s Comprehensive Health Unit.

Best for: Uniting bodily and mental health.

How long does it take? The length of the programme depends on each individual.

Programme highlights: Responding to the traditionally fragmented nature of women’s medicine, SHA brings everything together. A multidisciplinary team including gynaecologists, psychologists, physiotherapists, regenerative medicine specialists, intimate dermoaesthetics experts, revitalisation physicians, TCM practitioners and osteopaths provide a truly coordinated approach. Each diagnosis evolves into a fully integrated action plan over the course of each guest’s stay, ensuring that each woman’s health journey is not just a sequence of appointments, but a holistic and transformative experience.

What do they say? “In the Women’s Health Unit at SHA, we approach each stage of a woman’s life in a personalised way,” says Dr Mariel Silva. “From there, we design a complete and individualised plan. The unit brings together specialists in healthy ageing, gynaecology, hormonal health, pelvic floor physiotherapy, revitalising medicine, nutrition, psychology and dermo-aesthetics. This integration allows us to support women in adapting to their specific needs.”

How much? Programmes begin at EUR1,300, excluding the cost of your hotel stay. Book Now

Six Senses, various locations worldwide

The treatment: Female Wellness Programme.

Best for: A short, sharp health kick.

How long does it take? Three, five or seven days.

Programme highlights: Available at Six Senses outposts in Thailand, Italy, Portugal and Switzerland, there’s a whole range of locations ready to welcome you with open arms to this grounding and empowering programme. Designed to support women, particularly those navigating perimenopause and menopause, in understanding and overcoming hormonal and metabolic imbalances during this transformative life stage, Six Senses blends education with restorative practice. The programme explores the foundations of hormonal and metabolic health, incorporates continuous glucose monitoring and sleep tracking for personalised insight, and nourishes the body with microbiome-supportive menus. The experience also integrates personal training, spa therapies, hot and cold immersion, massage, sound healing and mindfulness meditation, all grounded in a ‘Stop Rushing Women’ philosophy that prioritises rest, nervous system regulation and sustainable vitality.

What do they say? “Our initial focus is on perimenopause, menopause and overall hormonal balance, but the programme is designed to support women at any stage of life,” says Anna Bjurstam, wellness pioneer at Six Senses Spas and Wellness. “Whether navigating transitions, seeking stress resilience or simply wanting to understand the female body better, the programme offers relevant tools and strategies. Each journey begins with a non-invasive Wellness Screening to measure key biomarkers. Based on the findings, our Integrated Wellness Practitioners create a personalised plan that includes nutrition, fasting support, spa therapies, biohacking sessions, sleep optimisation and locally-inspired treatments.”

How much? Six Senses Kanuhura, Maldives: Prices begin at US$900 per person for three days, US$1,300 for five days and US$1,700 for seven days

Six Senses Rome, Italy: Prices begin at EUR1,398 per person for three days, EUR2,104 for five days and EUR2,809 for seven days

Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal: Prices begin at EUR1,245 per person for three days, EUR1,715 for five days and EUR1,980 for seven days

Six Senses Crans-Montana, Switzerland: Prices begin at CHF2,049 per person for three days, CHF3,226 for five days and CHF4,367 for seven days. Book Now

Originally published in the March 2026 issue of MOJEH Magazine. Subscribe here