The Visionary Behind Beaverbrook’s Holistic Wellness Revolution – Interview With Camilla dos Santos
- Dec 16, 2024
- 3 min read
Camilla dos Santos is a Certified Naturopath and Functional Medicine practitioner, member of both the ANP and GNC, and additionally Ambassador for CNM, Camilla has led the Coach House spa (Beaverbrook), for the past 4 years, offering Functional Naturopathic counselling, holistic journeys (breathwork and meditation), and complementary treatments such as HBOT, IV infusions. As seen in Times, Vogue, Financial Times, Standard, Liz Earle Well-bein, and Issuu.
Camilla dos Santos, Functional Naturopath
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
I was born in South Africa and raised in Portugal, which gave me the opportunity to experience the incredible diversity of nature and humanity from a very young age. This early exposure fostered a deep awareness of our connection to nature—how we come from it and ultimately return to it- and the interconnectedness between beings. I have always been fascinated by the human body, how it interacts with the external environment, human individuality and how humans interact with each other. From lifestyle and behavior to the ecological conditions of our surroundings, I believe every interaction between ourselves, others, and nature plays a critical role in maintaining health, optimizing wellness, and preventing "dis-ease."
I place great emphasis on living in harmony with nature, thus my therapeutic approach bridges scientific evidence with traditional and holistic wisdom. This philosophy is central to my life and work.
What inspired you to start your journey in wellness and healing?
After graduating from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), I developed a slipped disc and unbearable sciatica at the age of 22, leaving me unable to walk for four months. The excruciating pain forced me to slow down and reflect on my demanding lifestyle. At the time, I was working in the pharmaceutical industry and was advised to take strong anti-inflammatories and sedatives. However, these only offered temporary relief and caused significant damage to my gut.
Determined to heal myself, I turned to supplementation, nutrition, lifestyle changes, Japanese acupuncture, and physiotherapy. These modalities helped me recover and inspired me to study Naturopathy. Later, I complemented this knowledge with Functional Medicine, which gave me the tools to help others in the way I had wished for myself during my struggle.
What do you hope clients gain from working with you and experiencing your services?
My ultimate hope is for my clients to experience profound, positive transformations. I’ve had the honour of witnessing individuals go from living with excruciating pain—such as chronic lumbar or abdominal pain (IBS, endometriosis, hemorrhoidal disease, etc.)—to being pain-free and active again. I’ve seen clients overcome skin insecurities caused by acne, eczema and lupus, finally rediscover confidence with clear, healthy skin after commiting to treatment. Some clients have even successfully fallen pregnant after multiple unsuccessful IVF attempts.
Through my services, I aim to empower clients to feel more connected to their bodies and reclaim their health and vitality.
Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about?
I’m thrilled to share two exciting projects currently in progress. The first is Obsidance, our team’s alcohol-free ecstatic dance event happening January, the 12th, in London. This 4-hour gathering includes a sacred cacao ceremony, a communion with the Four Directions (Medicine Wheel), live South American medicine music, and free-movement ecstatic dance. It’s designed to lower stress, foster connection, and promote joy and bliss.
Additionally, my partner and I are collaborating on a healthy, adaptogenic, gut-friendly chocolate brand that celebrates ceremonial cacao. This brand, called Kollibri, aims to bring the incredible benefits of cacao into people’s daily lives.
Looking ahead, our team will be curating a festival this August in the Cotswolds focused on healing from trauma. The festival will feature Middle Eastern medicine music, holistic workshops, educational talks, and nourishing food.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
One of my proudest career achievements has been transforming the Coach House Spa at Beaverbrook into a truly holistic wellness center. This upgrade has attracted clients from around the world who seek support for complex health conditions or the ultimate optimization of their health.
At Beaverbrook, I offer Functional Naturopathic counseling, manage Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, create bespoke seasonal IV (intravenous) programs tailored to individual needs, holistic retreat days and Sacred healing ceremonies.
I’ve developed and lead holistic spa days for the Full Moon, Equinoxes, and Solstices. These special events are a 3-hour journey into the soul, incorporating practices like meditation, breathwork, mindful nature walks, grounding (Earthing), ceremonial cacao consecration, and sound healing.
By combining science-backed clinical practice with traditional holistic healing, I’m able to support my clients in achieving harmony between mind, body, and soul.
