Finland’s archipelago holds many quiet islands, yet one eight-acre parcel in the Baltic Sea near Raseborg stands out for its brief but distinctive chapter as a women-only retreat. Kristina Roth, a German-American entrepreneur who sold her tech consulting firm in 2016, purchased the property in 2017 and opened it to guests the following summer. The venture operated until late 2023, when it was sold to a private buyer, ending the women-only policy while leaving behind a lasting online community.
The Founder and the Vision
Roth built her career through roles at major firms before launching Matisia Consultants, which ranked among the fastest-growing women-owned businesses. She channeled proceeds from that sale into SuperShe, an online platform offering profiles, recipes, and events aimed at women seeking personal growth. The island became the physical extension of that platform, designed as a space free from typical distractions where participants could focus on wellness practices and professional connections. The concept drew from Roth’s own experiences navigating male-dominated industries and family expectations. She described the island as a blend of luxury hospitality and intentional community, with strict membership criteria that drew thousands of applications. Over 8,500 women applied, and nearly 2,000 gained acceptance before operations ceased.
Daily Life and Offerings
Guests stayed in renovated cabins named after natural elements, each equipped with high-end furnishings and private decks overlooking pine forests and rocky shores. Activities followed a structured schedule that included yoga sessions, forest bathing, kayaking, and meals prepared with local ingredients. Sauna use and meditation formed regular parts of the routine, alongside talks on topics such as personal development and brain chemistry. Roth emphasized creating an environment where women could explore ideas without external pressures. The seven-day programs combined physical movement with reflective practices, all set against the backdrop of the archipelago’s calm waters and long summer daylight. Local chefs prepared dishes using produce from nearby sources, maintaining a focus on fresh, nutrient-dense options.
Business Timeline and Local Context
Construction and renovations took nine months, with work completed before the 2018 opening. The island remained closed to men except during that initial build phase. Finnish media coverage reflected mixed reactions, noting both the novelty of the project and questions about exclusivity in a region where islands often pass through families rather than enter the market. Roth hosted limited public events, such as a 2018 open day for local residents, to build some ties with the surrounding community. The model echoed other women-focused spaces that emerged around the same period, though SuperShe distinguished itself through its remote island setting and full-immersion format.
The Sale and Lasting Impact
By late 2023 the property transferred to shipping executive Deyan Mihov for approximately one million euros. The women-only policy concluded with the transaction, yet the SuperShe network persists as a digital platform connecting members across more than 120 countries. Roth’s approach highlighted how private initiatives can test new models of community before broader market forces intervene. The episode illustrates the challenges and opportunities of creating specialized travel experiences in sensitive natural areas. It also shows how founder-led projects can shape conversations around purposeful travel even after ownership changes hands.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.