Join us for a soul-stirring conversation with Damian Chaparro, co-founder of Aro Hā Wellness Retreats, as he shares the story of building one of the world’s most transformative wellness sanctuaries. From the fast-paced world of tech to the stillness of meditation and sustainable retreat design, Damian’s journey is a testament to the power of inner clarity, conscious risk, and deep listening.

In this episode, Damian opens up about the highs and lows of creating a retreat space from scratch in a foreign country, the true meaning behind Aro Hā, and how discomfort and uncertainty shaped his most meaningful growth. His insights are both grounding and expansive perfect for anyone seeking deeper purpose, inner alignment, and holistic success.

Watch the full episode to hear Damian’s inspiring lessons on wellbeing, entrepreneurship, and the art of building something that truly matters.

About our guest:

Damian Chaparro is the visionary co-founder of Aro Hā Wellness Retreats, a globally acclaimed retreat center nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. With a background in business and early tech, Damian made a radical shift into wellness after experiencing his own personal awakening. Today, Aro Hā integrates regenerative design, sustainability, mindfulness, and peak wellbeing practices and has become one of the world’s most respected destinations for personal transformation. Damian’s mission is to help people reconnect to themselves, the planet, and the deeper rhythms of life.

Follow Our Guest:

Website – https://www.aro-ha.com/

Retreat Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/aroharetreats/?hl=en

Personal Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/damianchaparro/?hl=en

Podcast – https://www.aro-ha.com/

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Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

00:30 - Discovering true wellness for the first time

01:20 - Why real transformation begins on the inside

02:14 - Letting go of expectations and learning to flow

03:32 - From tech to yoga: Damian’s radical life pivot

04:20 - A retreat experience that changed everything

05:02 - Selling everything to build Aro Hā from scratch

06:07 - Living in discomfort to pursue a higher vision

06:51 - Why your first retreat might not be the right one

08:00 - Building a retreat experience that resonates globally

09:17 - How Aro Hā blends personal health with planetary health

10:22 - Permaculture, sustainability, and regenerative design

11:01 - Building something that had never been done before

12:14 - Guests feel the difference even if they can’t explain it

12:42 - Challenges of starting a business in a foreign land

13:51 - Grief, family, and maintaining presence through pain

15:23 - Making decisions from stress vs. trust

16:10 - Facing doubt and inexperience in the early years

17:13 - The mindset shift that helped Damian move forward

17:42 - Entrepreneurship as the ultimate growth journey

18:05 - Navigating cultural learning with respect in New Zealand

19:06 - The deeper meaning behind the name Aro Hā

20:36 - Gratitude for the land, people, and cultural legacy