They say the only constant in life is change and I’ve found that to be deeply true. After many years working in the education space, I have begun a new venture in the Wellness Tourism Industry. The journey here has been long, one with several pivots.
After my last corporate job in 2022, I gave myself room and permission to test different ideas. From avocado exports to a plant based food company idea, I patiently invested time and resources to make sure I was making an informed decision.
Knowing first hand how much work goes into building a successful business, I asked myself this important question.Is this something I want to give my life to? Thankfully, I knew someone who could help, God! Scripture reminds us not to lean on our own understanding but to trust in Him for direction. As I reflected and prayed, one thing became clear, for the first time in many years I felt deeply rested.
As an exec at Ubongo, I poured everything into my job… and many times sidelined my psychological, spiritual, and physical needs in the process. But after years of living a life of constant exhaustion and anxiety, I had finally designed my life in a way that nourished my mind, body and soul. This transformation made me want to help other people experience the same deep,holistic rest and Eden Retreat was born!
Eden Retreat is a sanctuary for burned-out professionals! A place where high-achieving professionals can lay their burdens down, connect with God, themselves and others, rediscover wellness, get some clarity and courage around their next big step and return to life renewed for bigger and better things!
At our very first retreat in Zanzibar last year, something amazing happened! Women from five countries who are also leaders in their organizations came together and it was pure magic. We rested. We laughed. We went on some of the most incredible adventures on the Island. We prayed for each other. We danced. We connected deeply. The whole experience felt like coming home to yourself with sisters by your side.
By the end of the retreat, two of the women had already planned a business trip together to Kenya! That’s when it hit me: this wasn’t just a tailor made travel experience company. It was a movement.
So many brilliant, hard-working women and men are walking through life burned out, stressed, and spiritually empty. Burnout is real and loneliness is rising, with AI integrated into our lives these challenges will be exacerbated.Nearly 1 in 4 people globally feel deeply isolated, making the need for community even more critical. The Wellness tourism industry is enormous, currently valued at $651 Billion. We’re craving more peace, more connection, more rest, and more purpose.
And the beautiful part? Eden Retreat is so perfectly in tune with my purpose – to help people achieve their potential in life. But also well aligned with my passions, skills, and interests.It brings together everything I naturally love; people, faith, wellness and healthy living, traveling, hospitality, beautiful spaces, soulful conversations, joy, and fun. It’s a business that feels like home!
The response we have received so far has been unreal. Women and men are showing up from all over the world, hungry for stillness, a kindred community, and soul-level transformation. And we’re just getting started.
In a world that’s moving faster every day (hello, AI era), I truly believe people are craving intentional, tailor-made travel and wellness experiences that help them slow down and come alive again.
So if you’ve been feeling a little off, a little tired, or a little lost Eden Retreat is your invitation to pause and honor who you are.
So stay with us.
Watch what unfolds.
And if your heart is telling you it’s time to pause, reset, and rise again…
Eden is waiting.
Doreen Kessy – Founder of Eden Retreat
