The Best Exotic Marigold Retreat – A Midlife Women’s Wellness Retreat in Rajasthan, India
The Best Exotic Marigold Retreat is a celebration of midlife women
Renew, Rejoice & Reconnect
This is your time…
Could a week in an ancient Rajasthani palace be the reset your midlife soul has been craving?
Where sacred stillness meets soulful sisterhood.
A place to rest deeply, laugh freely, and feel wholly yourself.


The Best Exotic Marigold Retreat | Women’s Midlife Retreat in India
The Best Exotic Marigold Retreat is a soulful wellness retreat in Rajasthan, India designed for women in midlife and beyond.
Set in an ancient palace near Udaipur, this women-only retreat offers space to rest, reconnect, and rediscover yourself through gentle yoga, meditation, nourishing vegetarian food, and deep connection with like-minded women.

The Ethos of the Best Exotic Marigold Retreat for Midlife Women
The Best Exotic Marigold Retreat is a celebration of midlife women’s wellness and the beauty of slowing down.
This unique retreat for women in India offers a rare opportunity to pause, breathe, and reconnect — free from responsibilities and the routines of everyday life.
Here, there are no deadlines, no expectations, and no one to answer to. Just space to be yourself.
It’s a time to renew your body, restore your spirit, and rediscover joy in the company of women who understand this beautiful stage of life.
At the Best Exotic Marigold Retreat, you are invited to be fully yourself — relaxed, radiant, and at peace in an ancient palace filled with charm, colour, and soul.


A Retreat in an Ancient Palace in Rural Rajasthan, India
The midlife women’s retreat takes place in an ancient palace. It’s traditional name is Ravla Khempur.
The Ravla is a simple, authentic property run in keeping with the theme of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel movie — a warm, traditional homestay rather than a high-end resort.
You will be reminded you are in rural India and some things take time, but you will be in a place where time slowly rolls on. You will venture into the village for walks as a group, meet the locals or just spend your day lazing by the pool reading and relaxing.



How This Midlife Women’s Retreat in India Supports You
The retreat is designed with the unique needs of midlife women and beyond, in mind – offering a peaceful sanctuary where you can simply be yourself.
This is not a place for intense self-help workshops, life coaching, or structured group sessions. Instead, it’s a women’s wellness retreat focused on connection, relaxation, and self-care in an environment that encourages you to slow down and reconnect with who you truly are.


Yoga, Meditation & Ayurveda for Mind and Body
The daily yoga sessions are tailored to suit all levels, focusing on flexibility, strength, and relaxation. Whether you’re new to yoga or have been practicing for years, you’ll find classes that nurture your body’s needs and help you reconnect with your physical self.
Aside from this, it’s all about having fun and enjoying yourselves.
No pressure, just presence.
Massages: Two ayurvedic massages during your stay will help relieve tension, restore energy, and promote deep relaxation — essential for recharging both physically and mentally.
Midlife Mental Wellbeing & Emotional healing
Space for Reflection: With no deadlines or distractions, the retreat provides a rare opportunity to slow down and reflect. The calm, serene environment of the ancient palace allows your mind to release the clutter and reconnect with what truly matters.
Meditation is included in the yoga session, helps cultivate mental clarity, stress relief, and emotional balance. These practices can lead to better focus and improved mental health
Learning: Whether exploring new ways to nourish your mind or finding deeper meaning in this chapter of life, you’ll leave with new insights and inspiration.

Sisterhood for Midlife Women
The retreat is a place where women can connect with one another without fear of judgment. You’ll find a community of women who understand your experiences, challenges, and triumphs. The opportunity to share freely with others at a similar stage of life fosters deep emotional connections
Within this safe, supportive space, you can release what no longer serves you, embrace new possibilities, and form meaningful friendships.
It’s a retreat that honours self-compassion and the deep wisdom that unfolds with age.
Here, you’re invited to simply be — to rediscover your strength, confidence, and purpose in your own time.


Why Midlife Solo Women Travellers Feel at Home at Our Retreat
It is appreciated that many women choose to travel solo, and you can be reassured that this retreat is the perfect place to come on your own.
Whether seeking time to reconnect with yourself, a peaceful escape, or an opportunity to meet like-minded women, you’ll find this retreat to be a welcoming and inclusive space.
No Pressure, Just Freedom: There’s no pressure to “fit in” or take part in anything you don’t want to. You’ll have the freedom to engage with others, enjoy quiet time alone, or do both. The laid-back atmosphere ensures that you can enjoy as much (or as little) interaction as you feel comfortable with.

Accessibility and Comfort for Women with Health Conditions
Personalised Approach: “We understand that each person’s experience with chronic health conditions is unique. As the retreat facilitator, I (Helen) am available to discuss any special considerations you may have, from dietary restrictions to preferred activity levels. You will always be given the freedom to choose how much or how little you participate in daily activities.”
Comfortable and Accessible Accommodation: The accommodation at the retreat is mainly ground level and has ease of accessibility. The rooms are spacious. The yoga area however is about 15 steepish steps to the open courtyard.
Private yoga sessions can be organised but would have to be paid for separately.
If there are any specific accessibility needs, Helen would need to know in advance to ensure the stay is as comfortable as possible.

Ample Time for Personal Space: At this midlife women’s retreat, solitude is just as valued as connection. You’ll have the freedom to wander the palace grounds, relax by the pool, or retreat to your private room for quiet reflection. Every guest sets her own pace.
The retreat offers a flexible approach — guests are always in control of how they spend their time.
Important: Medical Care
Please note that the retreat is set in a peaceful rural location, with the nearest hospital some distance away.
We kindly ask all guests to ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Your wellbeing and comfort are our top priorities — please take this into consideration when booking your stay at the Best Exotic Marigold Retreat.
The Best Exotic Marigold Retreat – What’s Included in Your Stay
- Seven night’s accommodation with private bathrooms, fans and air conditioning
- Two daily yoga & meditation classes
- Two Ayurvedic massages
- Three nourishing vegetarian meals daily
- Village walking tour and cultural immersion
- Organic farm visit (meals are largely seasonal and organic)
- Movie screenings
- Swimming pool access
- Visit to local school (optional donation of resources welcome)
- Gala dinner with music, dance & performances
Location: The Hotel is located in Khempur approximately an hour from Udaipur in Rajasthan, India.




Optional Activities During Your Stay
A range of optional experiences are available during your retreat:
The below prices are in Indian Rupees:
- Jeep safari – Rs 1000 (weather dependent)
- Sari, henna and bindi dress ups; as well as some Bollywood dance moves with local women – Rs 500
- Cooking class – Rs 1000
- Bullock and cart ride– Rs 500
- Pottery in local village – Rs 500 one request
- Day trip to Udaipur and return up to 4 people – Rs 4000, however there is a good chance you will stay in Udaipur after the retreat for festivals and other amazing places of interest
- Visit to a fabric dyeing and block printing factory outlet. There you can purchase bedding, sheets, soft furnishings etc. – Rs 750
- Visit to fabric stores and Tailors. If you have a favourite design or item of clothing you would like replicated, bring it along and it can be made for you. Udaipur has many tailors and quality fabric stores.
- Day trip to Chittorgarh Fort – Price is dependent on numbers, depends if we hire a small van. Approx 800-1000 rupees
Currently Rps 500 is approx, $8-9 AUD, £4-5 GB, $5-6 US
Why the Best Exotic Marigold Retreat for midlife women is different to other retreats
The Best Exotic Marigold Retreat offers a space for midlife women to rest, reflect, and rediscover inner peace.
No agendas. No pressure. Just India’s gentle rhythm, the warmth of connection, and the freedom to be fully yourself.


Meet Helen (Founder & Facilitator)
The information for the Best Exotic Marigold Retreat, was provided by the founder – Helen.

Details of upcoming retreats
For details of upcoming retreats and prices visit Helen’s Facebook Page here
Reviews
Visit the Exotic Marigold Retreat Facebook Page for reviews

Blogs in the making
Coming soon: more wellbeing places for midlife women & chronic illness travellers
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Are you struggling to decide on a destination for your solo adventure?
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Traveling solo with a chronic condition can be incredibly empowering – but only when it aligns with your current health capacity and limits.
➡️ Download my Destination Checklist to help with your personal reflection and planning.

I’d Love to Hear From You!
Have you travelled solo with a chronic condition? Or are you thinking about it? Do you have a favourite wellbeing place? Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comment section below.
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Journeys of self-discovery, wisdom, healing and friendship
