No stranger to the spa industry, Amy McDonald, principal and CEO of Under a Tree Consultancy, has more than 25 years of global experience advising real estate developers, investors, and hospitality executives looking to unlock the long-term value of wellness as a driver of real estate performance. Her firm is dedicated to integrating high-impact wellness strategies into mixed-use, resort, and residential developments. With an approach centered on positioning wellness as a core economic lever rather than as a cost center, McDonald is a true thought leader in the industry. From early-stage feasibility and concept design through to programming and brand alignment, she and her team ensure wellness is embedded into the DNA of a project, generating increased asset value, market differentiation, and sustained revenue growth.
McDonald’s career has spanned the leadership of Miraval Arizona to consulting globally across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Her clients include private equity firms, hotel ownership groups, and destination developers, all of whom are focused on future-proofing assets through regenerative and preventative models. McDonald is also involved in the Global Wellness Institute, having contributed to initiatives on Wellness Real Estate, Hot Springs, and Dying Well. Here, she shares how she incorporates wellness into her own daily life.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness, to me, is simple. It is not something we do, it’s something we embody and experience. It lives in our moments with ourselves, our loved ones, communities, and the natural world. It’s about presence, being able to slow down enough to feel our breath, tune in, and respond from a place of awareness.
In my work, I define wellness as a thread that is woven into the culture, community, and care of any business or individual experience. I also see it as a strategic systems approach. Wellness is relational and regenerative; it’s about creating environments—natural and cultural—that allow people to reconnect to themselves and others. After 20 years of guiding wellness concepts globally, I’ve seen the most powerful results when wellness is designed with intention, authenticity, and care for both people and place.
What are your favorite things to do to maintain your wellbeing?
Watching the sunrise on my porch brings alignment. I get up very early to listen to nature, center myself and set an intention for the day. Gratitude is key for me. It keeps me present and life in perspective. I like to challenge myself—whether that’s doing something that I am afraid of like skydiving or staying present through a tough workout. I move daily, whether it’s a full-body workout, a long, desert bike ride, nightly walks with my daughter and dog, or a fast-paced walk through an airport (and ideally not a run). Time in nature and movement are essential for me to stay centered.
Is there a specific fitness activity that you love and why?
Cycling is my anchor. It demands presence, stamina, and breath. There’s something about the rhythm of the ride, being outdoors, fully engaged, that brings me into deep alignment. I’ve found that some of my clearest thinking, grief processing, and most creative ideas come while on two wheels.
What is your greatest wellness achievement?
Honestly, it’s hard to pinpoint just one. I’ve had the privilege of working on extraordinary projects, helping visionary clients articulate the essence of a space, guiding wellness strategies that regenerate ecosystems and economies, and watching communities benefit from a concept thoughtfully brought to life.
Beyond the projects, my greatest achievement may be holding space for clients, teams, and partners to reimagine what is possible. It’s deeply fulfilling to have built a consultancy that integrates business, wellbeing, and stewardship while still being present in my personal life and grounded in my values.
What person in wellness do you most admire and why?
There are many, but one who continues to inspire me is Neil Jacobs, former CEO of Six Senses. His vision is expansive, but grounded. He sees wellness not as an amenity, but as a framework for how we design, lead, and live. His commitment to sustainability, regenerative thinking, and meaningful guest experiences has truly shaped the industry and inspired the very essence of my business.
What is your favorite self-care routine?
Early mornings in the desert—before the heat settles in—are sacred to me. I savor the stillness and light. My self-care begins with breath, hydration, and movement. Whether it’s stretching on the patio, a mindful walk, or simply sipping coffee in silence, these quiet rituals help me start the day grounded and open.
What is your go-to for de-stressing?
Nature is always my reset. Living in the desert, I find peace in the wide-open skies and quiet expanses. When I can, I seek out geothermal hot springs or putting my feet in the ocean, sea, or lake. Water has always been a source of restoration for me. And when travel isn’t possible, simply stepping outside, breathing in the early morning air, or connecting with the rhythm of the land around me helps bring me back into balance…even in the desert.
What aspect of your wellbeing do you struggle with the most, or would most like to improve?
Holding boundaries with time and energy is a lifelong journey—one that requires constant attention and compassion. I love my daughter and our home and am grateful for my work, clients, and team, but I often find that leaves little room for rest or recharge. The biggest lesson I’m learning is that slowing down isn’t a luxury or a weakness; it’s an absolute necessity for sustained wellbeing.
Creating space to replenish and to be fully present with myself without guilt or distraction is an ongoing practice that I’m committed to nurturing every day. I especially treasure moments spent with my daughter, where simply being together helps me slow down, reset, and reconnect to what truly matters.
What wellness-related books or authors do you recommend, and why?
Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants is a favorite—it weaves together science, storytelling, and a reverence for nature that I deeply relate to. I also appreciate The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams, which speaks beautifully to why nature is so vital to our wellbeing. And Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype reminds me to stay close to intuition and creative power, especially as a woman leader in this space.
How do you celebrate small victories?
I pause, breathe, and give thanks. Sometimes that means taking a walk at sunrise, calling a friend, or treating myself to something simple but meaningful. I’ve learned that acknowledging small wins creates a rhythm of gratitude and momentum. It helps me stay rooted while moving forward.
What brings you joy?
Joy often comes in the small moments, the perfect pair of shoes that make me smile, laughter shared with family, or a spontaneous adventure like skydiving last year. I find joy in real connection, in creative collaboration, and in being with nature, whether it’s desert mornings or the feeling of putting my feet in the ocean. Those moments remind me to celebrate life’s simple pleasures while staying rooted in purpose.
