From Hospitality to Wellness: The Journey That Created Zen Den Yoga

20+ years in any industry is a long time.

Let’s take it back to the start.

From being a child in Chicago, IL, we rarely got to go on a real vacation. Back in the 80s, it was to Grandma and Grandpa’s house in Galena, which was beautiful, but as a child I dreamed of exploring and staying in those beautiful resorts you see on TV.

When our parents surprised my twin sisters and me with a Disney World vacation, to that little girl, it was the mecca. It truly was magical. The magic was the hotel bed tucks, the butter in shape of that famous mouse, the resort views and, come on, of course the theme parks. Even as a child I knew that feeling of hospitality was the magic. It was an escape where everyone was nice. Who knew years later I’d get my bachelors in Hospitality Management in the most magical place on earth? Rosen College of Hospitality Management - part of the University of Central Florida.

I’ve managed some of the most prestigious properties and always had the same approach. This wasn’t just booking a trip, I was creating the most memorable experiences.

My thought process was if you make them feel like VIPs no matter their length of stay or guest status, they will return.

This led me to become a multiple-million-dollar revenue generator for many of the travel companies I worked for. Beautiful, yes, however, many times it was said that I cared more about my guests than I did for the companies I worked for. And truth be told, I did.

After years of creating dream trips for others, I wanted to do those dream trips and make my vision of the most exclusive, healing accommodations come to life. I have sent well over 100,000 people on dream vacations in my time. I wanted to do those dream trips and make my vision of the most exclusive, healing accommodations come to life. Since I know how to plan life-changing trips, I started doing it for myself.

I booked a yoga retreat nestled in Nosara, Costa Rica, located in the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone, Bodhi Tree Resort. Life changing. I came back a different person.

The mix of working in travel combined with my personal yoga journey is something I have never seen in this industry. Hospitality is rooted in acts of service.

Here’s where Zen Den Yoga was born.

All the lessons I have learned and the most amazing experiences I was able to check off of my Happy and Healthy Bucket List, I help others check off theirs. Instead of scrolling social media wanting to be on that dream trip, only a distant dream, you can be on it.

Turn your “One Day” trip into “Day 1.”