Portal North. ISSUE 2 - Magazine - Page 44
How we see it
WELLBEING
Retreat company Zest Life has been focusing on wellbeing
for over 20 years. Founded by Laura Bell after a life-changing
back injury, the aim was to introduce others to the healing
powers of yoga and nature
Starting with its 昀氀agship retreat in Anglesey, North Wales,
Zest Life has expanded to include the Lake District,
Yorkshire, Norway and Ibiza.
You now offer several locations. What’s driving demand?
Laura spoke to Portal North about the growth of wellness
travel and what keeps her grounded.
What inspired you to create Zest Life?
The Zest Life was born from my deep love of yoga, nature
and the outdoors. After overcoming injury, yoga became a
powerful part of my healing and soon became something I
integrated into everyday life as a cornerstone of my health
and wellbeing.
I started bringing together all the things I personally loved –
movement, time in nature, connection and space to breathe
– and shaped them into retreats. That’s how it all began, built
from real-life experience.
What’s behind its success?
From the very beginning, we’ve stayed true to our values,
philosophy and founding principles. We’ve always remained
grounded in our own lane, without being swayed by fads.
Everything we create comes from a genuine place – rooted in
what we love, what we value in nature and what truly makes
us feel good.
MOVEMENT, TIME IN NATURE,
CONNECTION AND SPACE TO
BREATHE
44 PORTAL NORTH ISSUE 2
We have customers who have been with us for the past 20
years, with some returning more than 10 times. They love
what we do and also enjoy experiencing different locations
and countries.
We’ve also noticed a shift in what people are looking for.
While we originally focused on yoga, walking and wild
swimming, our guests are now increasingly drawn to more
cultural and adventurous experiences.
How do you select your locations for the retreats?
We always select locations that have a real wow-factor. It’s
not just about ticking boxes. We have to go there in person
and feel that it’s right.That instinct is a really important part
of our decision-making process.
