Women’s only holidays are on the rise as savvy soul-sisters leave their families behind to embark on their own Eat Pray Love adventures.

The heart behind Borneo Ethical Adventures, Alison Pritchard has witnessed firsthand the transformations that occur in women travellers on holidays without their families.

“I’m all for family holidays – there’s real connection in that – but there’s something really magical about women travelling in women-only groups,” Ms Pritchard said.

Women are increasingly searching for ‘me time’ and a touch of pampering in their increasingly hectic lives. But they are not all about cocktails by the pool – instead these women are looking for an authentic travel experience, a chance to get to know the locals, to bond with fellow women travellers creating a real yearning to contribute and connect. But it’s not all work and soul searching. It’s also about letting their hair down and having a laugh.

Lonely Planet quotes research showing a 230 percent increase in the number of women-only travel companies in past six years.

Ms Pritchard added a women-only Cooking with Culture tour to her boutique travel company, Borneo Ethical Adventures, after witnessing the joy of connection women shared on holiday, while she was managing Mulu World Heritage Area in Borneo.

“I loved the laughter of a group of middle-aged Australian women arriving after walking three days on the Head Hunters’ Trail and being blown away by the sense of connection, camaraderie, and shared achievement,” Ms Pritchard said.

“The energy emanating from these women was magical and I knew then that I wanted to offer this experience to others.”

Borneo Ethical Adventure’s Cooking with Culture tour departs on August 12 from Kuching, Borneo. For more information visit the website www.borneoethical.com