Some of the best wellness retreats were founded by individuals who, after overcoming significant personal health challenges, felt compelled to help others achieve similar transformations. Their journeys not only inspired the creation of these retreats but also shaped their unique approaches to health and longevity.
The journey of Marina Efraimoglou to Euphoria Retreat in Greece
Marina Efraimoglou was a superstar in the investment banking sector. But her success did not spare her personal health, and she faced cancer twice in her late 20s, and later experienced burnout. Seeking balance, she immersed herself in holistic therapies and ancient wisdom, studying Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Five Elements. Her personal healing journey inspired her to create Euphoria Retreat, a sanctuary where individuals are gently guided towards a more fulfilling and spiritually satisfying life.
Alex Ferri, the visionary behind Palmaïa in Mexico
Alexander Ferri received profound inspiration during ayahuasca ceremonies, which changed his vision of the world, and gave him the desire to create a space that fosters deep personal transformation, letting everyone progress at their own pace, and always with joy and serenity: Palmaïa The House of AïA. Alex’ commitment to integrate principles of sustainability, holistic wellness, and spiritual exploration into Palmaïa reflects his dedication to promoting health, longevity and a strong connexion to nature and to the divine.
How Alfredo Bataller Parietti created SHA Wellness Clinic
Alfredo Bataller Parietti endured over 30 years of severe digestive issues. Facing a troubling diagnosis, he turned to integrative medicine and healing nutrition, which led to a remarkable recovery. This profound experience ignited his desire to share the benefits of a holistic approach to health, combining natural therapies with advanced Western medicine. With the support of his family, he established SHA Wellness Clinic to help others live longer, healthier lives.
The story of Christina Ong and COMO Shambhala
Christina Ong is the founder of COMO Shambhala, which started as a “simple” space for yoga and wellness in Singapore. But she envisioned a holistic wellness universe with an approach that blends traditional Eastern therapies with contemporary Western practices. Her personal experiences and passion for well-being led to the creation of retreats that focus on physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual balance, embodying principles of longevity and holistic health. Today, COMO Shambhala Estate is where the whole vision of Christina can be experienced, from health and wellness to family adventure, from perfect hospitality to experiencing nature’s power.
The quest and vision of Henri Chenot
Henri Chenot is a famous pioneer in the wellness industry, the inventor behind the Chenot Method: he integrated Chinese medicine with Western technology to promote health and longevity through powerful detox treatments and carefully engineered holistic programs. Over the years, he consistently achieved remarkable results in terms of revitalization, finding ways to restore the body’s natural balance and energy. The Chenot Method dives into the lifestyle markers of each guest, an approach that derives from the 50 years of experience of Henri Chenot and his teams, and their extensive research into the body’s self-healing capabilities. Chenot Palace Weggis is where the Chenot Method can be experienced in its entirety.
Sue and Alex Glasscock: from a hectic life to The Ranch life
Sue and Alex Glasscock co-founded The Ranch Malibu in 2010, driven by their passion for healthy, balanced living through outdoor activities and a deep appreciation for nature. In 2004, Alex attended a wellness retreat to disconnect from his hectic life, resulting in a transformative experience where he felt rested, re-energized, and empowered, shedding 11 pounds and significant inches. This pivotal moment inspired him to create a program that would help others recalibrate and embark on sustainable, healthy lifestyles in a luxurious setting. The Ranch Malibu emphasizes physical endurance, balanced nutrition, and wellness in nature, offering a structured program designed to deliver sustainable results. And now The Ranch is also available in Hudson Valley, a different but also very effective experience, just one hour away from NYC.
John and Karina Stewart and Kamalaya
John and Karina Stewart co-founded Kamalaya Koh Samui, drawing from their extensive backgrounds in spiritual studies and holistic healing. John spent 16 years devoted to a life of service and spiritual studies in a Himalayan community, while Karina dedicated over 40 years to the study and practice of diverse Asian healing and spiritual traditions, including Traditional Chinese Medicine. Their combined experiences inspired them to create Kamalaya as a sanctuary where individuals can explore and embrace life’s highest potential, integrating holistic health practices with spiritual growth.
I find it really inspiring to reflect on how these founders transformed their personal experiences and challenges into a mission towards others. And in our role of wellness travel advisors at Serenity Ways, knowing the story behind the vision and the programs of a given retreat is one of the multiple factors to take into account before recommending the retreat to someone interested.
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