Under a Tree Consultancy The company is celebrating its 20th year of business. It has spent the past two decades redefining wellness as more than an amenity. Wellness is a strategy for improving hospitality and real estate, as well as a lifestyle. Since its founding by wellness pioneer Amy McDonaldThe firm has created wellness experiences which are personal, transformative and globally relevant.
In 1991, McDonald, as a general manager, integrated wellness into a small Mexican resort property on the Sea of Cortez. This experiment and vision became a template for resort programming transformation at Miraval, in the early 2000s, and evolved into Under a Tree. A global consultancy, Under a Tree is recognized for integrating human-centered design, impactful wellness solutions, and 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 approach us with a vision and conviction. What we offer in return is a roadmap to bring that vision to life—strategically, responsibly, and collaboratively.”
Vision is only as good as the people behind it
Under a Tree was defined from the beginning by their relationships, which include visionary clients, trusted business partners and multigenerational family owners committed to creating meaningful things.
Under a Tree had its first client in 2005. Neil Jacobs was the then Senior Vice-President of Operations for Asia Pacific of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Jacobs asked McDonald to give a presentation on sustainability and wellbeing to a general manager group. In order to compare the different experiences in Asia with the two other global regions of the brand, McDonald took a trip through Southeast Asia. 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.
Neil Jacobs CEO of Under a Tree said, “My experience has always been positive.” Six Senses. “Amy’s commitment to wellness and her sharp business sense continue to inspire me. I am looking forward to working with Amy and her team in the future as wellness evolves.
The Places that Inspire
Under a tree weaves wellness in the culture, ecology and everyday life of every place it touches, from sacred hillsides to marinas on the coast. Here are just a few of the examples.
Castle Hot Springs – Arizona, USA
Historic Hot Spring Resort, nestled in a secluded Canyon, with a farm, miles of wilderness and natural hot springs. Travel + Leisure’s 500 Best Hotels of 2025. In the Oprah Daily Hotel O-Wards 2025, the spa was recognized as one of Canada’s Best Destination Spas.
https://www.castlehotsprings.com
Tri Vananda – Phuket, Thailand
Tri Vananda, a multigenerational community of wellness, will open in 2027. Here, longevity, connection and nature form a regenerative lifestyle.
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 the driving force for Navitas Living in Marina Resort Cavtat’s vision of wellness. Their global perspective, seamless collaboration and rare ability to translate concept thinking into guest-centric strategies brought depth and distinction for the project. The result is an emotional destination with a business model that’s rooted in soundness.
– Srecko Lucky Bobeta, President of Marina Resort Cavtat
Every decision is grounded in a purpose
Under a Tree has as its purpose to guide, empower and elevate visionaries that see wellness on all levels as a catalyst for long-term financial returns.
Every Under a Tree project, from the historical landscapes of Israel, to the healing cultures of Thailand, hot springs in Utah to holistic communities of South Carolina, is designed to be a living system.
“Wellness is not an afterthought — it’s the foundation of long-term value creation,” said McDonald. “We champion wellbeing from the start to build enduring, profitable business models that drive market relevance and performance.”
The Legacy We Are Shaping
Amy McDonald has been the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the company for many years. She has led through global collaboration and purpose-driven strategies to redefine wellness. She was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. Leading Woman in Wellness Global Wellness Summit Award, honoring decades of her impact on the world. Her speaking career continues to grow and is a reflection of her passion, dedication and influence in the global evolution of wellness.
Under a Tree is celebrating its 20th anniversary by reconnecting with the clients, collaborators and partners that have shaped it. 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’s headshot for download HERE.
Darlene Fiske
PR Contact
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Under a Tree by Amy McDonald
