Intentional Vitality Retreats

Hi, it is lovely to meet you . I’m Zoa ~ the creatress of the Intentional Vitality Retreats.

Before I began guiding others toward wellness, I lived a life that took me across the world. As a PhD-level scientist, my studies carried me to Japan for weeks and months at a time. I fell in love with Italy—Rome first, then the rest of its endless delights. South Africa left me with unforgettable stories (and some fabulous clothes that still bring back memories). Pregnancy didn’t stop me from saying yes to Brazil—at least until my belly made travel impossible! And then there was Iceland—oh, Iceland, you inspired me.

Today, I shine at Zen and Vitality, my one-woman Functional Wellness Studio. Yes, I teach yoga, lead Pilates sessions, and educate on nutrition and the needs of the human body. But wellness—and Zen and Vitality—are more than movement, more than food. This is about support, connection, and feeling truly seen.

At Zen and Vitality, my clients find more than just a class or session. They find a space where they can breathe, reflect, and be supported. A place where they feel noticed and missed when life pulls them away. It’s a place where you can cry on a shoulder when you need to, get thoughtful suggestions for caring for your sick mother, or receive a gentle reminder of what you said you were going to do for yourself this week.

This same welcoming and supportive community vibe is lovingly carried into all Intentional Vitality Retreats.

I learned how crucial self-care is when I nurtured my daughter through a multi-year chronic illness. It was easy to pour all my energy into being her caregiver—but I knew, without a doubt, that I couldn’t be there for her if I wasn’t also taking care of myself. Self-care became my #2 goal every day—because I needed to be my best to give my best.

As an entrepreneur and functional wellness guide, I want to share what I’ve learned about choreographing a lifestyle where wellness and healing aren’t just afterthoughts—they’re the foundation. In the push and pull of modern life, we, as women, need to make time for ourselves—without distractions and without apology. We need to Retreat.

Woven through your Retreat experience are the 7 Pillars of Intentional Vitality—the guiding principles behind every detail I plan. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to create a sustainable wellness lifestyle. That’s why each retreat is designed to help you reset, reflect, and return home feeling stronger, clearer, and more capable than ever before.