By Nora Zelevansky
Alma Frequency Festival Founder Talana Bestall. Photo by Sylvie Gianella.
Just a few short years ago, Talana Bestall, now a wellness pioneer, was working in London, burning the candle at both ends. Following a stint in fashion PR at Karla Otto for brands including Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton, she then transitioned to hospitality, launching properties for legendary hotelier André Balazs (of The Standard and Chateau Marmont fame). “In hospitality, people seemed to have more perspective and were kinder,” she recalls. “It was a world of hedonism in a different sense.”
Bestall’s job was fun, and she loved building brands, but she was also an overworked new mom struggling to find work-life balance. On a whim, she joined Aquazzura’s founder and creative director, Edgardo Osorio, a dear friend, on a trip to the spiritually charged beaches of Careyes, Mexico—and everything changed.
Bestall had spent some time in high-vibrational spots like Bali as a child, and she always practiced some version of wellness in her own life, but she was unprepared for the impact a session with a healer named Yolanda would have on her. “She changed my whole perspective on life,” says Bestall, who quickly realized she wasn’t living as dimensionally as she could be. Suddenly, she had grand ideas for the future—both personally and professionally.
This year, Bestall brings the Alma festival to Six Senses in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
Luckily, the stars aligned. Bestall had recently been brought on to help launch Six Senses Ibiza, a new resort on the lesser-traveled northern tip of the Spanish island. In a destination known for hard partying, it was a kind of pristine escape, a quieter, less developed vision for what Ibiza could be. And it was the perfect place for the hospitality expert’s new brainchild—Alma Frequency Festival.
“Alma began as an idea—a place for connection, discovery, and a bit of magic,” she says. By mid-2022, she had launched RoseBar, a longevity clinic offering high-tech metrics and treatments for healthier living led by Dr. Mark Hyman, on style setter property. And, later that year, with her rolodex of healers and practitioners, she threw the first-ever Alma festival—which translates to soul in Spanish—as… not quite a retreat.
The three-day gathering developed more as a Coachella for enlightened seekers. While workshops with visionaries—from biohacking expert and author Ben Greenfield to The Class creator Taryn Toomey to meditation teacher Light Watkins—populated the event, Bestall intentionally eschewed rigid scheduling, preferring to give people the freedom to explore at their whim. “I asked myself, If I went on a retreat, what would I want it to be like?” she says of the free-flow structure. “It has grown into something really beautiful—it feels like a New York City dinner party!”
A group sound healing session at the Alma festival.
And the evolution continues. In 2025, Alma is reinventing a bit, relocating to Crans-Montana in the Swiss Alps for what Bestall describes as “a different depth of experience.” There are also whispers of expansion to the US, and Bestall is launching Aníma Ivica, a curated supplement line (and editorial platform) in June. “If Alma is the full-on macro experience, then Aníma is like nuggets of wisdom to get you through your day,” she muses. “We wanted to distill the essence.”Today, Bestall doesn’t just conceptualize the events. She walks the walk, living between London and Ibiza, with annual trips to Bal Harbour. Taking care of herself now is especially important as she’s expecting another child this year. “So much is on the horizon,” she enthuses, “and I’m dreaming big.”
Talana Bestall knows travel, style, and wellness like few others. Peruse her go-tos for everything from luggage to lifestyle.
What’s your daily uniform?
Polished yet free-spirited. My style reflects a balance of sophistication and bohemian ease. I gravitate toward versatile pieces with a story, blending modern designs with timeless wardrobe favorites. Whether it’s an Isabel Marant jacket or a Loewe raffia bag, my wardrobe tells a story of curation and personal finds.
Do you have a favorite makeup line?
I like Westman Atelier by makeup artist Gucci Westman, for clean beauty.
What’s your go-to footwear for making a statement?
Always Aquazzura when it comes to dressing up.
And what about daytime or for more casual days?
Golden Goose sneakers, Gucci mules, or Adidas Gazelle trainers for daily essentials.
You travel a lot! What’s your must-have suitcase or travel bag?
Rimowa, hands down. We are a family who swear by their suitcases.
What’s your classic travel look?
I love James Perse and always have, as I’m originally a California native. Their soft clothing is a travel essential.
What wellness accessories or tools help you find balance?
I love a natural cork yoga mat, and that’s what I practice on. Another essential for me is the Aníma Ivica Silver Luna Tonic, an evening body elixir that eases tension, keeps my skin hydrated, and supports a restful night’s sleep.
What keeps you feeling grounded when you’re traveling?
When I’m traveling, staying grounded is all about small, consistent rituals. I always bring my red-light mask, squeeze in bite-sized meditations, and do my best to stick to my workout routine; it helps me feel balanced, no matter where I am.
Tubereuse candle
Do you have favorite home decor items that help you feel calm and joyful?
My home is my sanctuary, and I fill it with pieces that bring calm and joy, often made from natural materials. I’m drawn to items with a story—like hand-woven rugs from Morocco, ceramics by Ibiza artisans, or a collection of Diptyque candles (particularly Tubéreuse), and grounding scents like palo santo or lavender.
Where in the world are you most eager to visit next?
That’s a good one! I would love to go back to Casa Mirador in Careyes, Mexico. Also, my possible summer list includes The Rooster or a private villa in Antiparos, and in Italy, Il San Corrado di Noto or the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, Taormina.
Beachside at The Rooster, Antiparos, Greece.
What are some of your favorite Alma experiences?
I love immersive sessions, including two different types of holotropic breathwork, one lying flat with earphones on for quiet and one, called Soma Breath, led by a healer (who is a DJ on the side) on a terrace overlooking the sea. I love the sunset sauna ceremonies and guided hikes.
What does your personal everyday wellness routine involve?
A red-light mask, morning movement (whether yoga, Pilates, HIIT, strength training, or a hike), and a green juice. My go-to to de-stress at the end of the day is the Aníma Evening Dose, with magnesium, chamomile, and lemon balm, which helps restore circadian rhythm and supports natural sleep.
What’s the best balancing wellness advice you can offer?
To embrace your own journey and go at your own pace. Wellness is not a race, and there’s always something to learn along the way. Trust your intuition—it often knows what you need before your mind does. Consistency is key. Small, daily habits often lead to the biggest transformations over time. And don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Growth and balance often come from exploring new experiences and pushing past what feels familiar.
