With approximately 1.1 billion women worldwide expected to have experienced menopause by 2025, there is a growing market in the wellness industry: supportive environments for women going through hormonal changes.
Notably, menopause is when a woman’s reproductive hormones decline and her periods stop. Perimenopause, also known as “around menopause,” can happen to women of any age and is the stage when the body transitions. While the symptoms of this significant life change may be common, each woman experiences it in her own unique way; and Black women are actively making the care more visible.
Black female entrepreneurs are creating retreats specifically focused on menopause. These retreats are designed to provide a supportive environment for women going through this transition, offering a chance to learn, grow, and embrace the next phase of life with a positive outlook.
These safe spaces aim to educate and empower individuals, allowing them to reconnect with their bodies while being surrounded by a caring community. It’s a journey of healing and self-discovery, providing women with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate this stage of life with ease and confidence.
With a variety of services available, including traditional spa treatments, mindfulness practices, herbal remedies, nutritional advice, and exercise programs, menopause retreats offer a peaceful escape from the common symptoms that come with this significant phase of life. These havens provide a welcome relief for women experiencing menopause, addressing issues such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. They understand the challenges that menopause can bring, and their retreats are designed to provide much-needed support and rejuvenation during this time.
There’s no denying the significant changes that women have experienced. They’re no longer satisfied with just being okay and they strive to take control of their lives. Women refuse to view menopause as a mere hiccup and are willing to maintain their happiness and well-being. They understand the importance of self-care, and a menopause retreat can provide a distinct approach to addressing the physical and emotional challenges that women face during this critical period in their lives. Whether it’s through specialized therapies, holistic treatments, or empowering workshops, these retreats are designed to support their health and vitality.
Feeling the wanderlust but can’t decide where to go? Here are three of the best Black woman-owned menopause retreats that you should definitely consider for your next trip.
Flip Flops and Hot Flashes Retreat
Author and body-inclusive health coach Samantha Montpetit-Huynh is a well-known figure in the menopause retreat industry. She specializes in midlife and the transformative stage of menopause. She also hosts the Menopause, Melanin, and Aging Like A Queen podcast, where she discusses topics related to menopause, melanin and aging.
Montpetit-Huynh’s upcoming seven-night Flip Flops and Hot Flashes Retreat will be held in Nosara, Costa Rica, in March 2025. She describes the curated experience as the “pause” women might not know they need.
The trip promises a luxurious and relaxing time where attendees can take back control of their lives. They will have the opportunity to release negative ideas surrounding menopause and redefine their hopes for the future.
Bali Healing Retreat
Althea Lawton-Thompson is a prominent figure in holistic wellness, having dedicated her career and life to natural healing since 1996, when she left corporate America to start her wellness company. She has trained with spiritual leaders from various indigenous cultures, acquiring ancient healing practices. Her Bali Healing Retreat is dedicated to the healing of various conditions, including menopause, through the use of traditional Indonesian plant medicines.
The Menopothecary
Maticia Sudah, from The Menopothecary, is a strong advocate for sisterhood and the importance of embracing knowledge while navigating through the changes that come with menopause. Recently, she took to social media to promote a series of retreats, one of which was her highly anticipated “Ascension of Life: Mastering Menopause” getaway in Portland, Jamaica, in 2023.
Sudah’s TikTok video provided a glimpse into what attendees can expect from her transformative events. She highlighted the inclusion of nourishing plant-based meals, luxurious villa accommodations and dedicated sessions aimed at addressing the various midlife symptoms experienced by women.
@masteringmenopause After one of our amazing excursions, we were so refreshed. #theascension #menopause #hormonereset #retreat #womantings #jamaica2023 #sisterhood #thechangeoflife #sendmethewomen #portlandjamaica???????????????? ♬ Top Gyal – SHANEIL MUIR
This retreat promises to be an immersive experience, offering women a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, gain valuable insights, and learn practical strategies for navigating the menopausal journey.
