Wellness
Finding Bliss
The Inspiring Journey of Mays Al-Ali
Mays Al-Ali's remarkable transition from a high-stress advertising career in London to wellness expert exemplifies the transformative power of self-discovery. In this article we explore how Mays left behind the fast-paced city life to embrace yoga and holistic healing. Her journey led her to India, where she deepened her practice, and eventually to Mallorca, where she continues to inspire and heal through her work in functional medicine, nutrition, and wellness.
Mays Al-Ali's journey from a high-stress advertising career in London to becoming a renowned functional medicine-trained naturopath, nutritionist, and wellness expert is a tale of self-discovery and transformation. In 2011, Mays was deeply entrenched in the fast-paced, hedonistic lifestyle typical of a bustling city. Despite her successful career, she was seeking something more profound — a state of eternal bliss, or "samadhi," as yogis call it.
Yoga had always been a part of her life, but it wasn't until a transformative moment during a Bikram class that she realised yoga was her gateway to true joy. Guided by an inner voice, she embarked on a journey to India to deepen her practice. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one that would lead her to the healing powers of yoga and beyond.
Mays enrolled in a beginner's Ashtanga course at Gingi Li’s Ashtanga Shala in Clapham North, committing to a daily practice that soon became her new passion. Six months later, she left her advertising job and traveled to Goa, India, to complete a month-long Ashtanga Yoga teacher training course. This experience was nothing short of transformative. She not only graduated but was also offered a job teaching yoga in Goa, signalling a clear path forward.
For the next five years, Mays split her time between London and the East, gaining advanced yoga certifications, including a 500-hour advanced TTC in Ashtanga and becoming a Reiki Master. Her time in India and Thailand enriched her understanding of holistic healing, self-care, and self-love, shaping her into the person she is today.
Mays' interest in health and nutrition blossomed during her winters in Asia, where she experimented with veganism and raw veganism to address severe digestive issues and skin conditions. This exploration led her to pursue formal education in nutrition. She completed a three-year diploma in Naturopathic Nutrition at the College of Naturopathic Nutrition (CNM) and a Master's in Clinical Nutrition from University College London, both with distinction.
Her studies and personal experiences underscored the importance of individualised nutrition, emphasising that there is no one-size-fits-all diet. Using functional medicine testing and nutrigenetics, Mays learned to tailor her approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Her expertise extends to gut health, hormone balance, weight management, and eating disorders, making her a versatile and compassionate practitioner.
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Pictured above; some of Mays' delicious recipes, Pictured below; Mays at one of her Samadhi Soul Ibiza retreats
Choosing Mallorca: A New Chapter
Mays' move to Mallorca was driven by a desire for stability and balance. After two years in Ibiza, where the seasonal extremes proved destabilising, she visited Palma and fell in love with the city's vibrant energy and the island's natural beauty. Within six months, she relocated to Santa Catalina, a decision that has enriched her life both personally and professionally.
"I love the combination of the vibrant cosmopolitan city of Palma and the island's stunning nature," Mays says. "The international community here is wonderful, and the welcoming nature of the Mallorcan locals makes it even more special." Mays continues to share her passion for wellness through various ventures. She hosts an annual retreat in Ibiza, weekly Ashtanga yoga classes, nutrition talks, and fermentation workshops in Mallorca. Her monthly group detoxes and signature three-month gut healing packages offer clients comprehensive, transformative health solutions.
Looking ahead, Mays envisions opening her own biohacking retreat, detox, and healing centre on the island. She is actively seeking investors and collaborators to bring this dream to life. Additionally, she plans to establish a nutrition clinic, further expanding her impact on the wellness community.
Interview Highlights
How did you get into your industry?
"In 2012, during my first yoga teacher training, we had a raw vegan chef. After a month of eating that way, I felt amazing. This experience sparked my love for nutrition, leading me to pursue formal training at CNM and a Master's at UCL. My journey in nutrition started with a personal transformation that I now share with my clients."
What motivates you?
"I love healing people and watching them transform. Being in service to others brings me immense joy, something I missed in my former career. Helping clients live happier, healthier lives is a powerful motivator."
What are you excited to be working on right now?
"I host retreats in Ibiza and offer weekly yoga classes and nutrition talks in Mallorca. I also conduct fermentation workshops and monthly detox programs. My signature three-month gut healing package is available for those seeking deeper healing."
What does the future hold?
"I hope to open my own biohacking retreat and healing centre in Mallorca. I'm looking for investors and collaborators to make this vision a reality, along with establishing my nutrition clinic."
Mays Al-Ali's journey from advertising executive to wellness expert is a testament to the transformative power of listening to one's inner voice and following a path of self-discovery. Her holistic approach to health and wellness continues to inspire and heal those fortunate enough to work with her.
To find out more about Mays go to @healthymays on Instagram and sign up to her newsletter at www.healthymays.com to stay updated on her events and offerings.