EMBRACING THE ART OF LIVING: AN INSIGHTFUL JOURNEY WITH AYURVEDIC EXPERT, TOMAZ MUELLER

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the transformative world of Ayurveda with Tomaz Mueller, an esteemed practitioner whose journey began with the guidance of legendary teacher Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Over the past three decades, Tomaz has developed a unique approach to Ayurveda that combines ancient wisdom with modern lifestyles, creating a holistic, balanced path to well-being. At our upcoming “Art of Living with Ayurveda” retreat at Villa Porto Rapallo, Tomaz, alongside host Lisa Pelloso, will guide participants through personalized dosha analysis, daily Ayurvedic practices, and a deeper understanding of how to harmonize with nature’s rhythms. Here, Tomaz shares insights into his journey, the power of Ayurveda, and what guests can expect from this life-enhancing retreat experience.

Tomaz, your journey into Ayurveda began with Guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and spans over three decades. How have these early experiences shaped the foundation of your Ayurvedic practice?

My journey into Ayurveda began with the immense privilege of working closely with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, an enlightened being and founder of the transcendental meditation movement, who played a pivotal role in introducing Ayurveda to the West. His wisdom, combined with my collaboration with Dr. Deepak Chopra in the late 1980s and early 1990s, shaped the foundation of my practice. These early experiences ignited my passion for quantum healing and expanding consciousness, which are integral to my approach today. I was also deeply involved in spreading the ancient science of Ayurveda globally, working to establish clinics around the world and training therapists in its healing modalities. Over more than three and a half decades, I have had the honor of teaching Ayurveda in various countries, helping people reconnect with nature’s wisdom and guiding them toward deeper healing. After nearly forty years of working in the field of Ayurveda, I am a firm believer in its transformative power for all.

For those who may be new to Ayurveda, can you explain what Ayurveda actually is and how its principles can benefit modern lifestyles?


Ayurveda is an ancient system of healing originating in the Indian subcontinent that focuses on balance—within the body, mind, and environment. Its core principle is that by aligning with nature’s rhythms and understanding your unique energetic and physical constitution, or dosha, we can prevent illness and experience vibrant health. In today’s fast-paced world, Ayurveda offers practical tools for modern living, from nourishing nutritional choices and daily routines to stress reduction techniques like meditation. By incorporating these timeless principles, we can create a lifestyle that promotes lasting wellness, peace, and vitality—something we all crave in today’s busy world.

What are you most looking forward to about your collaboration with Lisa Pelloso on “The Art of Living with Ayurveda” retreat at Villa Porto Rapallo? 


I am truly excited about the opportunity to connect with like-minded souls who are eager to explore the profound wisdom of Ayurveda. Collaborating with Lisa Pelloso at such a stunning venue as Villa Porto Rapallo offers a unique space for deep transformation. I’m especially looking forward to guiding participants who are ready to take responsibility for their own wellbeing, recognizing that true healing begins with increased awareness and an expansion of consciousness. Together, we’ll explore practical ways to align with nature’s rhythms, while cultivating inner peace, vitality, and a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us.

​You’ll be guiding guests through personalised dosha analysis during the retreat. Could you explain the importance of understanding one’s dosha and how this insight will help participants enhance their wellbeing? 

Understanding your dosha—your unique metabolic type—is crucial for achieving optimal health and balance. Each of us has a specific combination of energies that influences not only our physical body but also our subtler bodies such as our emotional, energetic, mental, and spiritual body. By learning about your dosha, you can tailor your lifestyle, diet, and daily routines to suit your individual needs. This personalized approach can significantly enhance your wellbeing, helping you to restore balance, increase vitality, and align with your true nature. At the retreat, we’ll explore this ancient wisdom in depth, giving you the tools to make informed choices that support lasting transformation.

​What unique Ayurvedic practices, such as herbal remedies and lifestyle adjustments, will you be introducing at the retreat? Can you give us a glimpse of what participants will learn and experience?

At the retreat, participants will explore a variety of Ayurvedic practices designed to foster balance and vitality. This includes information about herbal remedies that support detoxification and healing based on each individual’s dosha. In addition, we’ll dive into the art of kitchen alchemy, where simple yet powerful home remedies can be crafted using everyday ingredients. You’ll learn how to create nourishing teas, healing oils, and natural tonics—transforming your kitchen into a place of healing. We will also cover lifestyle adjustments, such as daily routines (dinacharya) and seasonal practices (ritucharya), to align with nature’s cycles. By the end of the retreat, participants will be equipped with practical, time-tested tools to integrate Ayurveda into their daily lives, empowering them to cultivate lasting wellness and harmony.

For those new to Ayurveda, what are some simple yet effective daily practices they can start incorporating into their lives straight away?

Ayurveda offers many simple yet powerful practices that can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. Start by rising with the sun to align with nature’s rhythms anddrink a glass of warm water with lemon to kickstart digestion. Another effective practice is tongue scraping, which helps remove toxins and promotes oral health. Mindful eating—focusing on fresh, seasonal, and warm foods—is a key Ayurvedic principle to support digestion and overall vitality. Finally, taking a few minutes each day for meditation or mindful breathing can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing. These small, intentional changes can have a profound impact on your energy and balance, creating a foundation for a healthier, more harmonious life. Many of these tips are also featured in my book Mindful Alchemy, and I’ll be diving deeper into them during the retreat, offering practical ways to enhance your wellbeing through Ayurveda.

What role does the serene setting of Villa Porto Rapallo play in enhancing the Ayurvedic experience for retreat participants? How important is the environment when it comes to healing and transformation?

The environment is fundamental to healing and transformation, and Villa Porto Rapallo’s serene, coastal setting elevates the Ayurvedic experience to another level. The villa’s proximity to the sea not only offers stunning views but also brings the calming and rejuvenating energy of the ocean, which deeply enhances the sense of peace and balance we strive for in Ayurveda. A harmonious and beautiful environment, like the villa and its surroundings, naturally supports your journey toward wellbeing. The soothing sounds of the waves, fresh sea air, and luxurious comfort of the villa create an atmosphere that allows participants to fully relax and absorb the teachings. When your environment is both nurturing and in harmony with nature, it amplifies the healing process and makes transformation even more profound.

You’ve had a long and impressive career to-date, working with a range of high-profile clients, including celebrities and even royals! Can you share a particularly memorable career highlight or standout moment with us?

One of the most memorable moments in my career was working with members of the royal family who wereseeking holistic support for managing stress and improving their overall wellbeing. The experience was humbling, as it reinforced how universal the need for balance and healing truly is, regardless of status or background. It was incredibly rewarding to witness the transformation that Ayurvedic practices, combined with frequency healing, had on their physical health and mental clarity. This experience reminded me that the principles of Ayurveda and natural healing can benefit everyone, from the everyday person to those in the highest circles, and it further deepened my commitment to making this wisdom accessible to all. 

​Lastly, what advice would you give to someone considering joining “The Art of Living with Ayurveda” retreat, particularly if they are new to Ayurveda and holistic health practices?


My advice to anyone considering this retreat is to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to explore new possibilities. Ayurveda is not just a system of health; it’s a way of life that empowers you to connect with your true nature. If you focus on expanding your consciousness and becoming the best version of yourself, healing will naturally follow as a by-product. This retreat is an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and tune into your body’s innate wisdom. You don’t need any prior experience with Ayurveda—just a desire to grow, transform, and embrace a more balanced, vibrant way of living. This journey will equip you with tools to support your wellbeing, not just for the duration of the retreat but for life.

Ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery and balance?

Join Tomaz Mueller and Lisa Pelloso for “The Art of Living with Ayurveda” retreat at Villa Porto Rapallo on the Italian Riviera.

📅 Retreat Dates:

  • January 8th - 12th, 2025

  • March 26th - 30th, 2025

Visit our Retreat Schedule for more details and to reserve your spot:

www.villaportorapallo.com/retreat-schedule

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