Trading Los Angeles for Island Life: My Journey Teaching Wellness Across the World

Leaving Los Angeles, pausing my work at UCLA, and stepping away from the pace of modern Western life became one of the most transformative chapters of my life. After years of teaching yoga, Pilates, movement, wellness, and holistic healing in high-performance environments, I felt called to experience the world in a deeper way — not simply as a traveler, but through cultural immersion, connection, and service.

That calling first brought me to the Maldives, where I was contracted to help launch the first women’s-only wellness studio in Malé, the capital city. This opportunity felt historic and deeply meaningful. The studio became a rare private sanctuary where womenSmewcould move freely, exercise comfortably, wear what they wanted, and remove their head coverings without judgment. Witnessing women experience freedom, confidence, joy, and empowerment through movement was incredibly powerful.

Many people don’t realize that the Maldives is considered the world’s only 100% Muslim country. Rather than viewing our cultural differences as limitations, I embraced the opportunity to learn, listen, and immerse myself in a completely different way of life. Living there expanded my perspective in ways I never expected.

Every week, I explored a new island — each one feeling like its own hidden world in the middle of the Indian Ocean. I developed a profound connection to the ocean and nature unlike anything I had experienced before. I swam with sharks and stingrays, snorkeled through vibrant coral reefs teeming with life, and parasailed high above the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Some days felt almost surreal, like living inside a dream or nature documentary.

The slower pace of island life taught me presence.

In many ways, the Maldives challenged everything I had unconsciously absorbed from Western culture — the obsession with productivity, constant stimulation, appearance, and achievement. Life there felt more connected to nature, spirituality, simplicity, and community. I began to understand wellness in a completely new way.

Then, in December, another incredible opportunity arrived.

I was contracted to oversee the wellness program for Soho House on the tiny, secluded island of Canouan in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Canouan is so remote that the only way to access it is by boat or small charter flights. It felt like stepping onto another planet compared to Los Angeles.

There, I taught yoga, mat Pilates, reformer Pilates, and hosted wellness events for guests during high season. I also taught private yoga and Pilates sessions for guests staying at Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, Soho House’s sister property on the island.

Island life in Canouan was beautiful — but also deeply humbling.

It was the complete opposite of life in Los Angeles. There were no retail stores, limited food options, and very few community events. At the time, I was the only American expat living on the island, which created a very interesting experience of being the “minority” for once. My yard was shared with goats, roosters, stray dogs, cats, and chickens wandering freely throughout the day. My apartment had no hot water, and there were even periods when we lost running water entirely.

At times, it was challenging.

But it also forced me to slow down in ways I never had before.

Without constant convenience, entertainment, or consumerism, I became more connected to nature, simplicity, and the present moment. I found joy in ocean sunsets, quiet mornings, conversations with locals, and living with less. The experience softened my nervous system in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until returning home.

And honestly — by the end of it — I was craving Los Angeles.

I missed my UCLA colleagues, my Ecstatic Dance LA family, my spirited friends, access to healthy food, quality skincare, getting my hair colored, my nails done, and all the little comforts I had once taken for granted. Returning to California after months of island living has made me realize how dramatically environment impacts the nervous system. Even after only a few short weeks back, I can already feel the intensity, speed, and stimulation of Western life returning.

Still, I carry these experiences with me deeply.

Traveling and teaching internationally changed me forever. It taught me resilience, adaptability, cultural appreciation, and the beauty of living outside my comfort zone. It reminded me that wellness is not just something we teach in a studio — it’s a way of being, connecting, and existing in the world.

And while I have no idea how long it will be before I pack my bags and work overseas again, for now, I’m incredibly grateful to be back home in California.

I’m excited for all the new students, clients, collaborations, and opportunities already unfolding here — and equally grateful for the pieces of the islands that now live within me forever.

Catch me while you can…currently teaching at UCLA, Malibu Colony Pilates, Wellness Events at Rafi Lounge, and around LA, private coaching, and Softwave Vitality, as a shockwave practitioner, a FDA cleared device to help with pain and healing, naturally.

Hosting Blue Moon Event Saturday May 30th, includes yoga, soundbath, tarot readings, oracle cards, hot tub, pool time, in a private setting in Mandeville Canyon.