My Guiding Principle

I believe a place is only a wellbeing place when you can rest there without having to justify yourself.

No pressure to keep up, socialise or push through discomfort. It’s somewhere you can drop the mask, stop managing how you come across, and let your body and nervous system settle.

It’s the kind of rest I want for myself when I travel, and it’s what I look for in every place I feature

The Wellbeing Place Criteria

Every place I feature is considered through the same set of questions.

I don’t expect perfection — I look for supportive conditions:

1. Energy demand

• Does this place allow for slow mornings and early nights?
• Can you enjoy being there without a packed schedule?
• Is it still satisfying on a low-energy day?

A wellbeing place should meet you where you are, not ask you to perform.

2. Nervous system & atmosphere

• Is the environment calm, quiet, or gently paced?
• Are there natural elements (sea, gardens, mountains, thermal waters)?
• Do the light, space and sound make it easy to settle?

True rest happens when the nervous system feels safe.

3. Safety for solo midlife women

• Would you feel comfortable arriving here alone, including getting there from the airport or station?
• Is the area walkable and well-lit, including after dark?
• Is the staff presence reassuring rather than intrusive?

Feeling safe is foundational to rest.

4. Physical comfort & accessibility

• Are rooms quiet, well-designed, and comfortable?
• If needed, are there lifts, seating, or short distances where possible?
• Is the terrain forgiving, or are there uneven surfaces, steep steps, or cobbles to navigate?

Comfort is not indulgence — it’s a form of care.

A note on accessibility: my view comes from living with balance and stability issues. I notice steps, uneven ground, slippery floors, and how far things are from each other. I’m not a wheelchair user or have severe mobility issues, so if you need step-free access, please check directly with the place.

5. Food & flexibility

• Are meals nourishing?
• Is there flexibility for dietary needs without fuss?
• Is eating here calming rather than anxiety-inducing?

Food should support healing, not create stress.

6. Permission to rest

• Is it socially acceptable to do very little here, if that’s what you choose?
• Are there quiet spaces without expectations?
• Is there space to be alone without feeling conspicuous?
• Can you opt out without explanation?

A wellbeing place offers permission, not pressure.

7. Who this place is – and is not for

For every place, I ask:

• Do women in midlife and beyond feel at home here, or is the crowd mostly much younger?
• Is it a space I feel comfortable in with a chronic health condition?
• Is it normal to see women travelling alone?

A sense of belonging is essential to comfort

What I don’t prioritise

I intentionally do not select places for:

• Trendiness. If there are loud, repetitive beats blaring, I walk away quickly!
• High-adrenaline activities
• Luxury that prioritises appearance over care
• Family focused atmospheres.

These things aren’t wrong. They’re simply not the focus here.

Orchids to Olives isn’t just about retreats. It includes spas, hotels, sound baths, yoga classes and anywhere else that makes it easier to rest. What matters is the conditions, not the type.

✨ Every listing is clearly labelled so you always know whether it’s personally reviewed, community reviewed, or wellbeing provider verified.

Orchids to Olives

Journeys of self-discovery, wisdom, healing and friendship