Transformational Travel Experiences
Male wellness travel is booming, with more and more men swapping boozy weekends away for retreats that focus on personal growth, mindfulness, and genuine connection.
The statistics speak volumes – wellness tourism has exploded into a £639 billion global industry and a large portion of this is reported to be men. But what’s driving this change? Perhaps it’s the mounting evidence that traditional notions of masculinity have contributed to concerning health outcomes for men, from higher suicide rates to shorter lifespans.
Luckily, wilderness escapes, pampering retreats, and mental well-being therapy are coming together to eliminate the stigmas surrounding men’s wellness.
But before you pack your yoga mat, it’s ok to admit that there is nothing manlier than asking for help. That’s why enlisting the help of a trusted visa partner like ontrailvisa.co.uk is the first step to getting your wellness journey started.
Whether you’re burnt out from work stress or just curious about what all this wellness fuss is about, there’s a men’s retreat out there with your name on it.
Real Retreats for Real Blokes
The Mankind Project – New Warrior Training Adventure
Operating worldwide since 1985 (but it is most popular for its US events), this weekend intensive is one of the longest-running men’s programmes around with their signature ‘New Warrior Training Adventure’.
The weekend follows a structured format including physical challenges, group sharing exercises, and emotional exploration work. You’ll arrive Friday afternoon and dive into a mix of outdoor activities, discussion circles, and personal reflection exercises. The specifics are kept somewhat mysterious (part of the experience), but past participants report meaningful connections with other men from diverse backgrounds. They explicitly state they’re not affiliated with any religious tradition, making it accessible regardless of beliefs.
Modern Elder Academy – Baja California, Mexico
Founded by hospitality entrepreneur Chip Conley, this oceanfront campus in El Pescadero offers week-long programmes specifically designed for midlife transitions and purpose-finding.
Days begin with sunrise yoga on the beach before communal breakfasts featuring local Mexican cuisine. Mornings include workshop sessions on topics like life pivoting and cultivating wisdom, while afternoons offer free time for surfing lessons, hiking desert trails, or simply lounging by the pool. Accommodation ranges from shared casitas to private rooms, all with stunning Pacific views. Evening sessions might include storytelling circles or stargazing with tequila tastings.
Bali Time Chamber – Ubud, Indonesia
This 7-day retreat in Bali’s spiritual centre combines traditional Balinese healing practices with contemporary men’s work in a lush jungle setting.
You’ll stay in a boutique eco-resort with private bungalows surrounding a central pool. Mornings begin with movement sessions – a mix of yoga, martial arts, and Balinese dance. Daytime activities include waterfall hikes, traditional fire ceremonies with local shamans, and workshops on masculine archetypes. The retreat includes a day of silence and solo time in nature, plus evening sharing circles. The food is primarily plant-based, sourced from local organic farms.
The Hoffman Process
Running for over 50 years globally and with a strong UK presence, the Hoffman Process is an intensive seven-day residential programme that welcomes men (they run both mixed and men-only groups).
Based at retreat centres in various UK locations including Sussex and Oxfordshire, you’ll participate in a structured programme that includes physical activities, guided visualisations, journaling, and group work. A typical day includes morning movement sessions, facilitated emotional exploration exercises, and creative activities designed to help examine patterns of behaviour. The accommodation is comfortable but not luxurious, with private or shared rooms depending on your preference and budget.
Deplar Farm – Northern Iceland
This former sheep farm turned luxury retreat sits in the remote Fljót Valley of northern Iceland, surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet. While Deplar Farm welcomes all guests, their men’s wellness programmes have gained particular attention for combining adventure with high-end recovery treatments.
You’ll stay in what looks like a traditional Icelandic farmhouse from the outside but houses a wellness paradise inside. Days typically begin with guided meditation or breathwork overlooking snow-capped mountains, followed by your choice of adventures from heli-skiing and salmon fishing to fat-bike expeditions across volcanic terrain. The real magic happens post-adventure, though. Their recovery programme includes floating in the geothermal-heated outdoor pool (with views of the Northern Lights if you’re lucky), contrast therapy in hot and cold plunge pools, and therapeutic massages specifically designed for blokes who typically ‘don’t do spas’.
Not ready for a full-on retreat? Many of these organisations offer one-day taster events or local men’s groups that meet regularly in cities across the UK.
The bottom line is that investing in your well-being isn’t soft or self-indulgent – it’s about becoming a better version of yourself. And sometimes, the best way to move forward is to actually go somewhere new, surrounded by other men on the same journey.