International Women’s Day: New SuperShe Island retreat is for females only

The retreat off the coast of Finland has one rule: no men allowed

On the face of it, SuperShe Island sounds like any other upscale wellness retreat. Progammes include yoga, meditation and spa treatments; booze is off the table (unless requested) and food is wholesome and locally sourced; and outdoor types can enjoy kayaking and wakeboarding.

There’s just one big difference – this idyllic island off the coast of Finland is for women only.

“Women congregating to talk, learn, eat, breathe, have fun and partake in activities that feed their mind, body and soul has been going on since the dawn of time,” Kristina Roth, founder of SuperShe, tells The Independent.

“I am only offering them an exotic place in which to do it. This is the essence of the girls’ night out trend – SuperShe is a few nights out and Chardonnay is replaced with Finnish sauna!”

The former CEO of Matisia Consultants, which made $45 million (£32 million) in 2015, decided to launch SuperShe, a network for “badass” women in the style of exclusive men’s clubs.

SuperShe Island is a female-only Finnish retreat (SuperShe)

This group of women – a mix of those selected by Roth and those nominated by existing SuperShe members – can already opt-in to retreats on Hawaii, Branson-bolthole Necker Island and Turks and Caicos; SuperShe Island is the next step.

“It was in the air…this ‘goddess movement’ that began in 2017 with the women’s march,” says Roth. “I see 2018 as a year themed toward empowerment that will mobilise all women globally.

“They believe in themselves – and each other – more than ever and are using that unleashed power to effect meaningful change.”

The entrepreneur-turned-kitesurfer acquired the 8.4 acre island one hour and 20 minutes from Helsinki Airport with the intention of creating an intimate retreat where 10 women at a time can enjoy a holistic time away.

“It is aimed at women worldwide who are curiosity seekers, who long to connect with other women on a meaningful level, who crave sisterhood,” she says. “It’s for women who are like-minded in their embrace of the mind, body and soul connection.”

Roth claims the island is not anti-men, but that a female-only environment can have a relaxing effect: “I’ve observed that the perceived-freedom of not having to ‘get your glam on’, wear make-up, or negotiate activities lends itself to a peaceful, inspirational travel experience for women.

SuperShe Island has four refurbished cabins (SuperShe)

“SuperShe Island is not anti-men, we are just girls-only-sometimes.”

And, although exclusive, it is not exclusionary.

“Transgender women are welcome to become members and travel to SuperShe Island,” says Roth.

Four newly refurbished cabins will accommodate guests, with high-end furnishings from Missoni, Marimekko and Ted Baker.

Does Roth think the balance of power is finally starting to shift in women’s favour?

“I do and there is evidence of it everywhere. But I feel the more important observation relates to how individual women perceive themselves more than how the establishment, or men, or other women for that matter, view them.

SuperShe founder Kristina Roth has created a network of women (SuperShe)

“Any time we seek – and find – satisfaction, peace and joy from within, it is much more real that seeking those things from without.

“Women are naturally good at doing this, more and more women I talk to have this point of view. It is a gorgeous sight to behold.”