In a world where women’s spaces are often an afterthought, Kristina Roth did the unthinkable: she bought an entire island. Nestled in Finland’s Baltic Sea archipelago, SuperShe Island spans 8.4 acres of pine forests, rocky cliffs, and tranquil shores—a sanctuary where men are not allowed, smartphones fade into silence, and women rediscover their power. This is the story of how a tech mogul traded boardrooms for birch trees to create a global phenomenon.
From Silicon Valley to Scandinavian Solitude: The Genesis of a Vision
Kristina Roth’s journey began far from Finnish shores. As founder of Matisia Consultants, a $45 million IT consulting firm, she ranked twice on Forbes’ list of America’s Fastest-Growing Women-Owned Companies . But corporate success left her unfulfilled: “I lived, breathed in a men-dominated world,” she reflected. After selling her company in 2016, she launched SuperShe—a blog-turned-movement celebrating female empowerment .
The island itself was a twist of fate. While touring Scandinavia, Roth met Benny, a Finnish spiritual healer. Their romance led her to his family’s archipelago, where she discovered a neighboring island for sale—unlisted and passed down through generations. “I bought it knowing my plans had changed,” she admits . With this impulsive purchase, SuperShe Island was born.
Building Utopia: Moss, Saunas, and Female-Only Ecosystems
Transforming a rugged Finnish isle into a luxury retreat demanded audacity. Roth personally managed construction through a brutal Nordic winter, overseeing:
- Renovations of four cabins (Earth, Fire, Water, Air), each with matte-black exteriors and minimalist white interiors featuring sheepskin rugs and floor-to-ceiling windows .
- Eco-innovations: Solar-powered waste incinerators (“We take care of our own shit”), biodegradable toiletries, and a strict farm-to-table ethos .
- All-female labor: From chefs to bus drivers, Roth hired women exclusively. When male photographers accompanied journalists, she insisted on female replacements .
The SuperShe Experience: Wellness, Workshops, and Warrior Energy
A week on SuperShe Island (priced from $3,500 to $7,250) is a meticulously crafted journey :
Table: A Day in the Life on SuperShe Island
| Time | Activity | Philosophy |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Sunrise yoga on private docks | “Awaken the body without distractions” |
| 9:00 AM | Paleovedic breakfast (coconut yogurt, lingonberry granola) | Fusion of paleo and Ayurvedic principles |
| 11:00 AM | Kayaking or forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) | Nordic nature therapy |
| 2:00 PM | Workshops (nutrition, neuroscience via Skype) | “Strengthen the mind” |
| 6:00 PM | Salmon feasts with marigold petals from island gardens | 100-mile diet commitment |
| 8:00 PM | Cacao ceremonies or stargazing from hanging cocoons | Spiritual recalibration |
Alcohol and sugar are banned; connection is mandatory. As Roth explains: “SuperShe is the average of five amazing women you surround yourself with” .
Controversy and Empowerment: Navigating Criticism
Not everyone applauded Roth’s vision. Critics labeled the island elitist and exclusionary . Roth’s response?
- Inclusive vetting: “If you identify as a woman, you’re welcome” .
- Scholarships: Free stays for “nominated” women who embody SuperShe values .
- Beyond privilege: “The island is elite… but it’s the tip of the iceberg. This is about global sisterhood” .
Her rebuttal cut deeper: in a society where women’s spaces are scarce, SuperShe is a radical act of reclamation. One guest, a forensic scientist from Minnesota, put it plainly: “Here, I’m not ‘wife’ or ‘mom.’ I’m just me” .
Ripples Across the Baltic: Impact and Legacy
Since opening in 2018, SuperShe has:
- Ignited a movement: 8,500+ applicants from 60+ countries vie for 120 annual spots .
- Created economic ecosystems: Sources produce from female farmers and artisans within 100 miles .
- Inspired tangible change: Guests report launching businesses, ending toxic relationships, or “finding energy to search for what’s next” .
Roth’s ambitions stretch beyond Finland. With property in Turks & Caicos and plans for a global retreat network, she’s scaling her sanctuary model . Yet the core remains unchanged: “This island,” she says, “is a white canvas where women rewrite their stories” .
Read more: Berlin Startup Offers Whole-Body Cryopreservation for $200K
The Sanctuary Paradox: Why Women-Only Spaces Matter
SuperShe Island thrives on a paradox: its exclusion of men fosters profound inclusion for women. In a darkened cabin during a workshop on “mammalian brain chemistry,” Roth summarized her ethos:
“The herd mentality keeps us safe but stagnant. Here, women leave the herd—not to be eaten by lions, but to become lions.”
As dusk paints the Baltic Sea magenta, guests gather on docks, not as CEOs or caregivers, but as swans—graceful, unburdened, and finally free. In Roth’s sanctuary, they find what society rarely offers: space simply to be.
Kristina Roth’s SuperShe Island redefines empowerment: not as a hashtag, but as hectares of Finnish wilderness where women reign.
1 thought on “SuperShe Island: A Women-Only Retreat Empowering Women Worldwide”