What inspired you to study at CNM?

I started my career as a tropical marine biologist, working on islands where I felt a strong sense of purpose. However, after witnessing corruption in environmental work, I lost faith in making a real impact. I returned to the UK and started a more conventional career in offshore wind farm development, but the corporate lifestyle left me feeling drained and unfulfilled.

The turning point came with the ten-year anniversary of my father’s passing. He retired at 52 and died of bowel cancer at 53. This loss made me reevaluate my own health and future. Disillusioned with my lifestyle, I attended a yoga retreat and felt amazing, but struggled to maintain that feeling back in London. Determined to understand what made such a difference, I decided to study nutrition. In 2013, I enrolled part-time at CNM, and that’s where my wellness journey truly began.

How was your experience studying at CNM?

Studying at CNM was truly transformative. For the first time in years, I found myself surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared my passion for health and wellness. The community and sense of belonging made learning not only exciting but also deeply inspiring. Hearing real stories from people overcoming health challenges through diet was enlightening, and I gained valuable insights beyond the curriculum, particularly around topics like endometriosis.

What stands out most from my time at CNM was the transition from my old corporate life, where conversations were focused on football and drinking, to connecting with people who shared my true interests. The friendships I built at CNM have lasted well beyond the course, and that sense of community continues through my work at the retreat. Meeting new people each week, learning from their experiences, and fostering a space for open conversations has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey.

Any standout moments or challenges during the course?

The biggest challenge was the clinical practice hours. Conducting consultations was a completely new skill for me – managing time, ensuring I didn’t go overboard in helping, and remembering my own value were all things I had to learn. It was a steep learning curve but also invaluable.

Any modules or teachers that had a big impact on you?

Absolutely! Adam really helped me learn how to critically assess scientific research. He taught us to question things like the study methods, funding and sample sizes, which has been incredibly useful in my work. I also loved Fiona’s teachings, and the nutrigenomics module was a game-changer for me. Learning about my own genes related to things like vitamin D and how my body processes certain nutrients completely changed the way I approach health.

My motivation for studying naturopathy was deeply personal. My grandfather passed away at 40 from a heart attack and my father at 53 from bowel cancer – the dirty genes on my father’s side, all unregulated by stress and poor diet. Learning how to optimise my own health through understanding my genetics has been life-changing.

One of my biggest realisations was about the importance of methylation (a process in the body that helps keep us healthy). A blood test revealed I had high levels of homocysteine, which can increase the risk of heart disease and cancer – both of which run in my family. Catching this early allowed me to make changes, like removing mercury fillings and switching to a cleaner, whole-food diet.

How did you launch Wild View after studying?

The flexibility of the CNM course was incredible – it allowed me to travel and volunteer at retreats while completing my studies. I swapped my corporate life for kitchen shifts, chopping vegetables in exchange for yoga classes around the world. I spent months working in retreat kitchens in Spain, clearing compost toilets, and fully immersing myself in the retreat lifestyle.

During this time, I saw incredible transformations happen in just seven days. But I also noticed a recurring frustration – guests would leave feeling amazing, only to slip back into old habits once they returned home. That’s when I knew I wanted to create a retreat with an educational element, giving people the tools to sustain their health long-term, not just experience a temporary boost.

After years of searching, I finally found the perfect location in Portugal. It wasn’t without challenges and a steep learning curve, but I jumped in, bought the land, and spent six months living in a tent, planning the retreat’s future.

Building Wild View was a seven-year journey full of obstacles – Brexit, COVID, local red tape, engineering setbacks – but step by step, it became the retreat it is today. I reinvested every bit of income, adding essentials like a sauna, air conditioning, and underfloor heating as funds allowed. Looking back, it was an intense, exhausting process. Ironically, my own wellness took a hit while creating a wellness retreat!

I know how fortunate I was to have this opportunity. I had a flat to sell, no children or commitments tying me down, and the ability to take a risk. It’s not as simple as saying, “Just go for it,” but for me, it was the right leap at the right time.

Any inspiring guest transformations you can share?

There are countless stories of transformation, with over 350 five-star reviews on Google. One guest suffered from chronic stomach issues and leg numbness for most of his adult life. After just three days at the retreat, he was able to walk up hills without numbness for the first time in 15 years. Another guest, a 47-year-old man, was unaware of his dangerously high blood pressure. Thanks to the retreat and the heart health talk, he started checking his blood pressure and realised he was at serious risk. This led him to seek the life-saving intervention he needed. Now, he returns each year, and his diet and lifestyle have completely transformed – he’s a new man.

What does a typical retreat day look like?

Mornings begin with gentle yoga, focused on grounding and emotional release, followed by a peaceful walk in nature. After a nutritious brunch, there’s a nutrition talk. In the afternoon, guests enjoy a HIIT class, followed by some downtime for massages or relaxation. Evenings include a light dinner and group activities like silent walks or games. The day’s structure keeps everyone engaged and focused on their wellness journey.

What are the biggest misconceptions about retreats?

One common misconception is that retreats are just holidays, but they’re actually a lot of hard work! Guests often leave pleasantly surprised by how fun and rewarding the experience is – connecting with great people and feeling rejuvenated. Another myth is that retreats are only for people already into wellness, but many have epiphanies and realise how much better they feel after adopting healthier habits.

What’s next for Wild View?

I’ve learned that it’s important to avoid the temptation to always want more. The journey to building Wild View has been challenging, but it’s made me appreciate the process. I don’t want to expand just for the sake of it; instead, I want to continue providing an authentic and fulfilling experience for our guests. Wild View isn’t just a retreat – it’s a space for personal transformation. And I’m excited for what’s to come!