Women Looking to Travel Solo—Go Here
Tokyo, Japan | Grand Hyatt Tokyo
According to the Global Peace Index, Japan is the ninth safest country in the world. However, safe doesn’t mean boring in its bustling capital city of nearly 14 million people. “There’s no running out of interesting things to see and do in Tokyo,” says Kiwi Collection’s Vice President of Concierge Carla Drake. “And the train system makes it easy to get around and eating alone is super normal here.” Speaking of dining solo, Grand Hyatt Tokyo is celebrating International Women’s Day specifically with menu items inspired by the yellow mimosa flower, a symbol of female empowerment. The hotel is conveniently connected to Roppongi Hills’ 200 shops and restaurants, cinema, Mori Art Museum and observatory. It’s also a three-minute walk from Roppongi Station to easily get to Ginza and Shibuya. “Time willing, I’d also recommend a day trip out to the seaside town of Kamakura.”
Women Looking to Travel Solo—Go Here
New York City, U.S. | InterContinental New York Barclay
“Traveling solo, my go-to area to stay is Midtown East,” says Kiwi Collection’s Vice President of Hotel Programs Cynthia Verboon of New York City, “It’s central to Fifth Avenue shopping and a short walk to Central Park, but away from the central core’s craziness.” The InterContinental New York Barclay fits that bill, and its Parlour Bar fulfills another of her preferences: “A hotel with a great lobby bar area provides a convenient and safe late-night area to enjoy a solo cocktail.” And it just so happens that Parlour is celebrating Women’s History Month with a bevy of special activations. Her favorite itinerary includes wandering the park trails with her morning coffee, a burger at diner-style Burger Joint, exploring The Oculus at One World Trade Center and touring the Met. Taking in a Broadway show is another great solo evening-out option, she says.
Women Looking to Travel Solo—Go Here
Southern California, U.S. | Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
“Southern California is one of the easiest, breeziest beach vacation destinations to plan for a solo traveler—whether one comes to L.A. for work and tacks on a couple vacay days or chill time is the primary purpose,” says Kiwi Collection’s Vice President of Marketing Brooke Van Hatten. Here, a fully loaded resort such as Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach makes it especially no-brainer. The full-service Beach Club will set you up with a chair, umbrella and towels, as well as equipment and expert instructors when you want to get out on the water. You can also learn to golf or improve your game by booking a Golf Board Tour (to “surf” around the course on a kind of electronic skateboard) and tacking on a lesson. With a spa and seven restaurants onsite, you can really hunker down, but those looking to explore more can easily rent a car on arrival at the airport, or simply Uber from A to B.
Women Looking to Travel Solo—Go Here
London, U.K. | Conrad London St. James
“I’d go back just to eat my way around town,” says Kiwi Collection’s Account Manager, Hotel Programs, Dabira Chhabra. “While it can be awkward dining alone, I didn’t feel that in London.” A meal here takes on extra special meaning at Conrad London St. James, particularly every week through the month of March, as The Pem’s award-winning Chef Sally Abé hosts an International Women’s Day dinner series collaborating with renowned chefs, Romy Gill MBE, Candice Brown, Poppy O’Toole and Chantelle Nicholson. The hotel’s great location makes sightseeing easy to get into—you’re steps from a tube station and less than a 10-minute stroll from St. James Park and Buckingham Palace.
Women Looking to Travel Solo—Go Here
Mexico City, Mexico | Las Alcobas
World-class museums, incredible dining, spectacular hotels, scores of group tours to join—these are just few things that make Mexico City one of Jessica Wright’s favorite spots to travel to, solo or not. “I love how much there is to do in the presence of others which is what I aim for to feel comfortable when on the road,” says the Bon Traveler creator. She recommends using Ubers for travel in CDMX, sticking to well-lit streets, and optimizing the days for exploring neighborhoods. She also suggests spending time at Museo Nacional de Antropologia, “It’s within walking distance to Las Alcobas, a favorite hotel in Polanco.” Also close to the Yabu Pushelberg-designed boutique hotel are a couple of can’t-miss restaurants—Quintonil, for prix-fixe meal Michelin-star dining, and Quesadillas Maria Isabel for casual, local food. If you’re looking for a neighborhood to explore, she says make your way to La Condesa and Roma, which both brim with small shops and restaurants, such as Restaurante Rosetta, Maximo Bistrot and Contramar. For more Mexico City tips, check out her Travel Diary
Women Looking to Travel Solo—Go Here
Chile | explora
“You don’t have to be super brave or wildly adventurous to explore a remote region,” says Passport Editor Joy Pecknold, who traveled solo to Chile’s Patagonia and Atacama regions in 2015. “Choosing an all-inclusive luxury adventure lodge really takes the guesswork and stress out of it, so you can just focus on soaking up the setting.” Joy went with explora, spending just under a week in each location, with a stop in Santiago in between. The experiences—hikes, high-mountain ascents, horseback rides—are all expertly guided, and each night, guests meet over drinks (Pisco Sours, typically) to decide what they’ll get up to the next day. “Coming here was maybe the best, most life-changing trip I’ve taken to date. I achieved something I never thought I’d do—summiting an over 18,000-foot peak—and doing that without a partner or friend egging me on felt like a whole different level of accomplishment.” For more on her Chilean adventure, check out her Travel Diary.
Women Looking to Travel Solo—Go Here
Bali, Indonesia | COMO Uma Canggu + Alila Ubud
“I think Bali is the ultimate solo destination,” says Michelle Halpern of Live Like It’s the Weekend, “There are tons of solo travelers, nomad cafes and yoga classes you can join to meet people.” Her picks of the best places to visit are towns especially known for attracting international transplants, and it’s popular to explore both. Canggu, on the south coast, has a hip, Californian surf town vibe—here, have your beachy vacay at seaside COMO Uma Canggu (pictured). Surrounded by terraced rice paddles, rainforest and sacred sites, Ubud is the island’s cultural center. As such, the mood is more spiritual here, and Alila Ubud, perched above the Ayung River, aligns with that.
Women Looking to Travel Solo—Go Here
Montreal, Canada | Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
“Montréal pulses—there’s always a new festival or event to plan a trip around. By myself, but in no way feeling alone, I went to a Just For Laughs show, cat cafe, vintage shopping and neighborhood hopping,” says Kiwi Collection’s Marketing Content Manager Nicole Havers. Here, the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth enjoys a privileged location right downtown, directly connected to Montreal’s Place Ville Marie, with its shops and restaurants, and a central train station. This stylishly refurbished historic hotel features a unique suite which pays homage to famous former guests, the artist and peace activist Yoko Ono and her late husband John Lennon.
Women Looking to Travel Solo—Go Here
Lisbon, Portugal | Memmo Principe Real
“Lisbon was my very first solo trip and what propelled my solo travels,” says photographer Ana Linares, “It’s perfect because of its smaller, walkable size.” She also notes that locals are super friendly and most speak English which makes it especially easy to navigate for English-language speakers. The harbor city’s coffee and restaurant culture also make it a great spot to meet people. In a hilltop area boasting beautiful views, Memmo Princípe Real is one of her top picks for where to stay. “Once the warmer weather hits you can enjoy their outdoor pool and lovely walks to some beautiful restaurants nearby, such as A Cevicheria, which is one of my favorites, and the botanical garden across the street from the Embaixada concept store—another a must visit!”
Women Looking to Travel Solo—Go Here
Queenstown, New Zealand | Rosewood Matakauri Lodge
With its incredible landscape of mountains, rivers, beaches and lakes, New Zealand is paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Head all the way down south, and you’ll hit the adrenaline-junkie capital of the world: Queenstown. “If you’re a lover of all things outdoors, it doesn’t get better as a solo traveler than Queenstown,” says Kiwi Collection’s Marketing Coordinator Olivia Betts. “One of the greatest things about an epic outdoor adventure is the people you meet—nothing breaks the ice and bonds you as a group like the rush of whitewater rafting or bungee jumping, then celebrating the achievement with a pint or a pizza when it’s done.” On the pristine shores of Lake Wakatipu, Rosewood Matakauri Lodge provides a restorative haven to contrast the thrills the region serves up. Heli-skiing, skydiving, jet boating and mountain biking are all within easy reach, and you can cap off your exhilarating days with a glass of pinot from one of the local wineries along with views of the lake and snow-capped mountains.
Women Looking to Travel Solo—Go Here
Bhutan | COMO Uma Paro
“Bhutan is an exceptional place for a solo adventure,” says Georgia Hopkins of It’s Beautiful Here. “My solo trip there was one of my favourite so far—the country is safe and the people are warm, gracious and kind beyond belief.” She notes that one of the conditions of entering the country is that visitors be accompanied by a tour guide and driver at all times so you’re never really alone.” A highlight for me was hiking to the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery with my guide, who became a friend,” she says. Another of her highlights was COMO Uma Paro, for many reasons, including the exceptional service team who happily meet every request with efficiency and enthusiasm; the immaculate and peaceful setting; and, the delicious food sourced from the onsite organic garden, she says. “This is a true luxury experience.”
1 /11
Tokyo, Japan |Grand Hyatt Tokyo
According to the Global Peace Index, Japan is the ninth safest country in the world. However, safe doesn’t mean boring in its bustling capital city of nearly 14 million people. “There’s no running out of interesting things to see and do in Tokyo,” says Kiwi Collection’s Vice President of Concierge Carla Drake. “And the train system makes it easy to get around and eating alone is super normal here.” Speaking of dining solo, Grand Hyatt Tokyo is celebrating International Women’s Day specifically with menu items inspired by the yellow mimosa flower, a symbol of female empowerment. The hotel is conveniently connected to Roppongi Hills’ 200 shops and restaurants, cinema, Mori Art Museum and observatory. It’s also a three-minute walk from Roppongi Station to easily get to Ginza and Shibuya. “Time willing, I’d also recommend a day trip out to the seaside town of Kamakura.”
2 /11
New York City, U.S. |InterContinental New York Barclay
“Traveling solo, my go-to area to stay is Midtown East,” says Kiwi Collection’s Vice President of Hotel Programs Cynthia Verboon of New York City, “It’s central to Fifth Avenue shopping and a short walk to Central Park, but away from the central core’s craziness.” The InterContinental New York Barclay fits that bill, and its Parlour Bar fulfills another of her preferences: “A hotel with a great lobby bar area provides a convenient and safe late-night area to enjoy a solo cocktail.” And it just so happens that Parlour is celebrating Women’s History Month with a bevy of special activations. Her favorite itinerary includes wandering the park trails with her morning coffee, a burger at diner-style Burger Joint, exploring The Oculus at One World Trade Center and touring the Met. Taking in a Broadway show is another great solo evening-out option, she says.
3 /11
Southern California, U.S. |Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
“Southern California is one of the easiest, breeziest beach vacation destinations to plan for a solo traveler—whether one comes to L.A. for work and tacks on a couple vacay days or chill time is the primary purpose,” says Kiwi Collection’s Vice President of Marketing Brooke Van Hatten. Here, a fully loaded resort such as Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach makes it especially no-brainer. The full-service Beach Club will set you up with a chair, umbrella and towels, as well as equipment and expert instructors when you want to get out on the water. You can also learn to golf or improve your game by booking a Golf Board Tour (to “surf” around the course on a kind of electronic skateboard) and tacking on a lesson. With a spa and seven restaurants onsite, you can really hunker down, but those looking to explore more can easily rent a car on arrival at the airport, or simply Uber from A to B.
4 /11
London, U.K. |Conrad London St. James
“I’d go back just to eat my way around town,” says Kiwi Collection’s Account Manager, Hotel Programs, Dabira Chhabra. “While it can be awkward dining alone, I didn’t feel that in London.” A meal here takes on extra special meaning at Conrad London St. James, particularly every week through the month of March, as The Pem’s award-winning Chef Sally Abé hosts an International Women’s Day dinner series collaborating with renowned chefs, Romy Gill MBE, Candice Brown, Poppy O’Toole and Chantelle Nicholson. The hotel’s great location makes sightseeing easy to get into—you’re steps from a tube station and less than a 10-minute stroll from St. James Park and Buckingham Palace.
5 /11
Mexico City, Mexico |Las Alcobas
World-class museums, incredible dining, spectacular hotels, scores of group tours to join—these are just few things that make Mexico City one of Jessica Wright’s favorite spots to travel to, solo or not. “I love how much there is to do in the presence of others which is what I aim for to feel comfortable when on the road,” says the Bon Traveler creator. She recommends using Ubers for travel in CDMX, sticking to well-lit streets, and optimizing the days for exploring neighborhoods. She also suggests spending time at Museo Nacional de Antropologia, “It’s within walking distance to Las Alcobas, a favorite hotel in Polanco.” Also close to the Yabu Pushelberg-designed boutique hotel are a couple of can’t-miss restaurants—Quintonil, for prix-fixe meal Michelin-star dining, and Quesadillas Maria Isabel for casual, local food. If you’re looking for a neighborhood to explore, she says make your way to La Condesa and Roma, which both brim with small shops and restaurants, such as Restaurante Rosetta, Maximo Bistrot and Contramar. For more Mexico City tips, check out her Travel Diary
6 /11
Chile |explora
“You don’t have to be super brave or wildly adventurous to explore a remote region,” says Passport Editor Joy Pecknold, who traveled solo to Chile’s Patagonia and Atacama regions in 2015. “Choosing an all-inclusive luxury adventure lodge really takes the guesswork and stress out of it, so you can just focus on soaking up the setting.” Joy went with explora, spending just under a week in each location, with a stop in Santiago in between. The experiences—hikes, high-mountain ascents, horseback rides—are all expertly guided, and each night, guests meet over drinks (Pisco Sours, typically) to decide what they’ll get up to the next day. “Coming here was maybe the best, most life-changing trip I’ve taken to date. I achieved something I never thought I’d do—summiting an over 18,000-foot peak—and doing that without a partner or friend egging me on felt like a whole different level of accomplishment.” For more on her Chilean adventure, check out her Travel Diary.
7 /11
Bali, Indonesia |COMO Uma Canggu + Alila Ubud
“I think Bali is the ultimate solo destination,” says Michelle Halpern of Live Like It’s the Weekend, “There are tons of solo travelers, nomad cafes and yoga classes you can join to meet people.” Her picks of the best places to visit are towns especially known for attracting international transplants, and it’s popular to explore both. Canggu, on the south coast, has a hip, Californian surf town vibe—here, have your beachy vacay at seaside COMO Uma Canggu (pictured). Surrounded by terraced rice paddles, rainforest and sacred sites, Ubud is the island’s cultural center. As such, the mood is more spiritual here, and Alila Ubud, perched above the Ayung River, aligns with that.
8 /11
Montreal, Canada |Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
“Montréal pulses—there’s always a new festival or event to plan a trip around. By myself, but in no way feeling alone, I went to a Just For Laughs show, cat cafe, vintage shopping and neighborhood hopping,” says Kiwi Collection’s Marketing Content Manager Nicole Havers. Here, the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth enjoys a privileged location right downtown, directly connected to Montreal’s Place Ville Marie, with its shops and restaurants, and a central train station. This stylishly refurbished historic hotel features a unique suite which pays homage to famous former guests, the artist and peace activist Yoko Ono and her late husband John Lennon.
9 /11
Lisbon, Portugal |Memmo Principe Real
“Lisbon was my very first solo trip and what propelled my solo travels,” says photographer Ana Linares, “It’s perfect because of its smaller, walkable size.” She also notes that locals are super friendly and most speak English which makes it especially easy to navigate for English-language speakers. The harbor city’s coffee and restaurant culture also make it a great spot to meet people. In a hilltop area boasting beautiful views, Memmo Princípe Real is one of her top picks for where to stay. “Once the warmer weather hits you can enjoy their outdoor pool and lovely walks to some beautiful restaurants nearby, such as A Cevicheria, which is one of my favorites, and the botanical garden across the street from the Embaixada concept store—another a must visit!”
10 /11
Queenstown, New Zealand |Rosewood Matakauri Lodge
With its incredible landscape of mountains, rivers, beaches and lakes, New Zealand is paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Head all the way down south, and you’ll hit the adrenaline-junkie capital of the world: Queenstown. “If you’re a lover of all things outdoors, it doesn’t get better as a solo traveler than Queenstown,” says Kiwi Collection’s Marketing Coordinator Olivia Betts. “One of the greatest things about an epic outdoor adventure is the people you meet—nothing breaks the ice and bonds you as a group like the rush of whitewater rafting or bungee jumping, then celebrating the achievement with a pint or a pizza when it’s done.” On the pristine shores of Lake Wakatipu, Rosewood Matakauri Lodge provides a restorative haven to contrast the thrills the region serves up. Heli-skiing, skydiving, jet boating and mountain biking are all within easy reach, and you can cap off your exhilarating days with a glass of pinot from one of the local wineries along with views of the lake and snow-capped mountains.
11 /11
Bhutan |COMO Uma Paro
“Bhutan is an exceptional place for a solo adventure,” says Georgia Hopkins of It’s Beautiful Here. “My solo trip there was one of my favourite so far—the country is safe and the people are warm, gracious and kind beyond belief.” She notes that one of the conditions of entering the country is that visitors be accompanied by a tour guide and driver at all times so you’re never really alone.” A highlight for me was hiking to the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery with my guide, who became a friend,” she says. Another of her highlights was COMO Uma Paro, for many reasons, including the exceptional service team who happily meet every request with efficiency and enthusiasm; the immaculate and peaceful setting; and, the delicious food sourced from the onsite organic garden, she says. “This is a true luxury experience.”
