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