Damian Chaparro’s business partner Chris Madison made his fortune in hedge fund management in New York. Deciding to go on a wellness retreat himself, Chris crossed paths with Damian at the legendary wellness retreat The Ashram, in California. Post-retreat and another few meetings later, Damian’s vision of a “transition space for those interested in nature, adventure, self-development, alternative health and results-oriented fitness” became a $30-million reality — provided he found the perfect location. Let’s just say Damien did good.

Roll forward two and a half years and the charismatic “co-creating” pair of Damian and ever-talented local lass Paula, form the obvious driving force behind Aro Hā. Rani and Toni head up the kitchen team, whipping up endless smorgasbords of energy-rich, purposeful and beautifully presented foods while Sarah and her knowledgeable gardeners, with their green-fingered touch, make it all possible. There’s also Hafa, the Brazilian yoga teacher who gracefully worked us through our morning classes, Kiwi Adam who had us dancing wildly around the Aro Hā room during his mix-of-everything, fitness-heavy Dynamic Playground class and Bruce the Masseuse, who worked his magic hands over our sore and tired muscles.

So, what really is well-being? The dictionary defines well-being as “the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy.” If the dictionary is to be believed, then having just completed Aro Hā’s five-day mindfulness retreat, I can say with confidence that I am very well indeed.