Meet Maria Alvarado - Energy Practitioner & Founder of MyZen Retreats

Maria is an intuitive energy practitioner. Her retreats offer a space to rediscover your zen, reconnect with your inner vitality, and join a like-minded community.

“My journey has taken me through many phases—from producing TV documentaries on India’s true luxury and craftsmanship to working in corporate India and luxury hospitality. But it was motherhood and my own healing journey that led me to create MyZen Retreats.

At 20, after a long-term breakup, I traveled to Kerala, India, to find myself. There, I discovered Ayurveda—its nourishing foods, therapeutic massages, yoga, and holistic approach to well-being. This transformative experience not only deepened my understanding of healing and self-care but also sparked my passion for holistic wellness.

During pregnancy, I experienced the power of holistic healing—from Reflexology to Dr. Gowri’s Ayurvedic diet, the Gentle Birth Method, and hypno birthing. These practices played a vital role in my journey. My studies with Indian yoga master Swami Ji introduced me to breathwork techniques, which I’m sure helped me through labour and many stressful situations. By my third child, she was born in just 15 minutes. Reflexology also supported my post-birth recovery, but nothing truly prepares you for the intensity of motherhood—balancing three babies and work was overwhelming.

That’s when I met Jane Goodey, my mentor and teacher—a Five Element Acupuncturist and Energy Healer, whose wisdom and guidance transformed my understanding of healing and balance - showing me just how magical this world truly is.

With three children born in under three years, motherhood was a shock to the system—as it is for every woman. Weight gain, body changes, no time for yourself, coming last. If only I had known then what I know now. But it was all meant to be.

I never returned to my old career. Instead, I became a Reiki practitioner and trained in Natural Lift Facial Massage & Facial Rejuvenation, blending Ayurvedic massage, Japanese face massage, acupressure, and facial reflexology. These techniques are deeply restorative, balancing both beauty and well-being by stimulating meridian points, improving circulation, lymphatic flow, and energy alignment - Energy flow and circulation are essential part to feeling vibrant and aligned from within.

The Inspiration Behind MyZen Retreats

MyZen Retreats was almost called “My Time”—because time is the one thing most of us, especially mothers, rarely have for ourselves.Time for ourselves.Time with those we love.Time to do what we love.

That’s one of the main reasons I created MyZen Retreats—to provide a space where we can step away from daily demands and realign, recharge, and return to the best versions of ourselves.

Whether it’s a bespoke retreat in Greece or a day retreat in London, each experience is designed to offer deep renewal—bringing together expert healers, energy work, and unique practices that support true transformation.

A New Chapter: Embracing Energy & Flow

Now, as I step into 50, I embrace this new chapter with strength, vitality, and a deep commitment to sharing my knowledge and passion for healing.

Honestly, I feel better now than I did in my 30s—and definitely with more clarity than in my 20s! Maybe it’s life experience, the healing practices I’ve embraced over the years, or simply learning to listen to my body.

I believe in the power of healing foods—herbs, fruits, vegetables, and natural remedies that support the body’s own renewal process. And yes, most of us should be eating more greens! But I’ve personally found certain herbs and natural remedies really beneficial along the way. I had PCOS, struggled with brain fog for years, and managed rosacea, and I’ve noticed how the right support can make a real difference.

Even today, it’s the small daily rituals—a simple face massage when cleansing my face, a mindful breath, a moment in nature—that keep energy flowing and restore balance.

I love Roald Dahl’s quote: “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” Because magic does exist all around us. When we follow our intuition and stay authentic, we naturally attract the right people, opportunities, and experiences into our lives.

On this MyZen journey, I am grateful to collaborate with Roxani Eleni Garefalaki, a highly skilled practitioner in Tai Chi, QiGong, Five Element Acupuncture, Reiki & the Alexander Technique. Roxani reminded me of my passions before motherhood—that it is possible to create change in this world for the better.

Together, we are launching our first Mind-Body-Energy Retreat, an immersive experience that integrates energy healing, movement, and nature therapy to restore balance, alignment, and vitality.

MyZen Retreats

At MyZen Retreats, we create healing escapes in magical locations—a sanctuary where you can restore, recharge, and rejuvenate.

Guided by expert wellness practitioners, our retreats blend energy healing, movement, and mindfulness - helping you release stress, find balance, and take home simple practices you can incorporate into everyday life to help you feel your best.

Healing is a natural process, beautifully captured in the words of Mexican healer and poet María Sabina:

“Heal yourself with the light of the sun and the rays of the moon.

With the sound of the river and the waterfall.

With the swaying of the sea and the fluttering of birds…

Jump, dance, sing, so that you live happier.

Heal yourself, with beautiful love, and always remember… you are the medicine.”

MyZen Retreats isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about reclaiming your time, energy, and inner radiance.

With the right tools, environment, and guidance, you can realign and rediscover your natural flow.

We invite you to exhale, recharge, and step into your most radiant self.