Under a Tree Consultancy proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of redefining wellness not as an amenity, but as a driver of improved hospitality and real estate performance, a business strategy, and a way of life. Since its founding in 2005 by wellness pioneer Amy McDonald, the firm has shaped wellness experiences that are personal, transformative, globally relevant, and fiscally successful.
In 1991 what began as an experiment and vision as a General Manager, McDonald integrated wellness into a small resort property In Mexico, on the Sea of Cortez, which turned into a template for transformational resort programming at Miraval in the early 2000’s and evolved into Under a Tree, a global consultancy recognized for integrating functional human-centered design and impactful wellness solutions with financial performance. With offices in Paris, London, Montreal, Calgary, Mérida, Tucson, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., Under a Tree’s influence now spans five continents, shaping how wellness is embedded into the DNA of hospitality, real estate, wellness clubs, healthcare, senior living, and destination development.
“This anniversary is not just a milestone-it’s a tribute to the people, the places, and the purpose that have guided our work-and to a future we are honored to help evolve,” said Amy McDonald, Founder and CEO of Under a Tree Consultancy. “Our clients come to us with vision and conviction. What we offer in return is a roadmap to bring that vision to life-strategically, responsibly, and collaboratively.”
The People Who Bring Vision From the outset, Under a Tree has been defined by their relationships with visionary clients, trusted partners, and private owners who are multigenerational families committed to creating something meaningful.
In 2005, one of the first clients that hired Under a Tree was Neil Jacobs, then Senior Vice President of Operations for Asia Pacific at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, who invited McDonald to present on wellness and sustainability to a group of general managers. This sparked a journey through Southeast Asia, reviewing the differences in experiences between Asia and the other 2 global areas of the brand. Based on these observations, McDonald collaborated with the Corporate Marketing and Communications team to reposition spa and wellness and recommended monthly communications and annual meetings for the Spa Directors, which have continued until the present day.
“My experience with Under a Tree has always been extremely positive,” said Neil Jacobs, CEO of Six Senses. “Amy’s integrity in wellness and sharp business instincts continue to impress me. I look forward to working with her and her team as the wellness world evolves.”
The Places That Inspire From sacred hillsides to coastal marinas, Under a Tree weaves wellness into the culture, ecology, and daily life of each place it touches. Here are a few examples:
Castle Hot Springs – Arizona, USA A historic Hot Spring Resort in a secluded canyon, embracing the tradition of restorative healing by natural hot springs, anchored by an extensive farm and miles of wilderness to explore. Winner of Travel + Leisure 500, 2025. Recognized in the 2025 Oprah Daily Hotel O-Wards as one of the Best Destination Spas in the United States and Canada. https://www.castlehotsprings.com
Tri Vananda – Phuket, Thailand Opening in 2027, Tri Vananda is a multigenerational wellness community where longevity, connection, and nature shape a regenerative way of life. https://trivananda.com
Marina Resort Cavtat – Cavtat, Croatia Set on the Adriatic coast, Marina Resort Cavtat weaves hotel, residences, wellness, and marina living-celebrating Croatian sea culture. Residences debut in 2025; hotel opens in 2028. https://marinaresortcavtat.com
“Under a Tree was a driving force behind the wellness vision for Navitas Living at Marina Resort Cavtat. With a rare ability to translate conceptual thinking into guest-centric strategy, their global perspective and seamless collaboration brought depth and distinction to the project. The result is a destination rooted in a sound business model, with both operational excellence and emotional resonance.” – Srecko Lucky Bobeta, President of Marina Resort Cavtat
The Purpose That Grounds Every Decision At its core, Under a Tree’s purpose is to guide, elevate, and empower visionaries who see wellness as a catalyst for regeneration on all levels with long-term financial return.
From the historic landscapes of Israel to the healing culture of Thailand, to hot springs in Utah, to holistic communities in South Carolina, every Under a Tree project is designed as a living system.
“Wellness is not an afterthought – it’s the foundation of long-term value creation,” said McDonald. “We champion wellness from the outset to build enduring business models that drive performance, profitability, and sustained market relevance.”
The Legacy We’re Shaping Amy McDonald, Founder and CEO, has long led the charge in redefining wellness through purpose-driven strategy and global collaboration. In 2024, she received the Leading Woman in Wellness Award from the Global Wellness Summit, honoring her decades of impact worldwide. Her speaking role continues to expand and reflects her passion, commitment and influence on the evolution of wellness globally.
In celebration of our 20th year, over the next six months, Under a Tree will be reconnecting with clients, collaborators, and partners who have shaped their story. Through shared reflections and forward-looking conversations, they will celebrate the people, places, and purpose that define Under a Tree-and explore what’s next in the evolution of wellness.
Media Contact: Darlene Fiske, [email protected]
Property Photos to download HERE.
Amy McDonald headshot to download HERE.
