Estonian wellness retreat Eha appoints general manager

Eha, a new Estonian wellness retreat scheduled for summer 2026 opening, has appointed Amber Gauci-Ward as general manager.

Gauci-Ward brings nearly two decades of experience across luxury hospitality, regenerative design and integrated wellbeing.

Her international experience spans Australia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Canada and Gozo. Most recently, she oversaw launch execution for Verdala Wellness Hotel in Malta.

Gauci-Ward has launched and scaled wellness ventures in remote locations and led pre-opening execution for luxury wellness hotels through her consultancy, Energy Atelier.

Her skillset bridges neuroscience, somatic practice, ancestral wisdom, biophilic design and operational innovation.

“Hiiumaa’s landscape offers a rare energetic clarity,” said Gauci-Ward. “Our intention is to create a place where people can return to themselves, reconnect with the land and experience true renewal.”

A recognised leader in transformational wellness, Gauci-Ward’s appointment underscores Eha’s commitment to building a regenerative, community-centred wellness destination.

She will lead Eha’s operational launch, shape the guest experience strategy and support the retreat’s mission to deliver regenerative, meaningful transformation.

The Eha ethos

Eha will open with a deeply nature-rooted wellness vision. Set within the Unesco Biosphere Reserve of Hiiumaa, which is one of Europe’s quietest islands, Eha will offer five retreat programmes aligned with the island’s five-season rhythm.

Designed for just 22 guests, the property will have eight suites and three forest cabins. The offering will pair contemporary Nordic design with ancestral Estonian traditions, including thermal rituals, guided nature immersion.

Eha is the vision of architect Tiit Trummal, with interiors by Studio Argus, UNT+CO and Vaikla Studio.

Ancient Estonian healing

Eva Maran, co-founder of Eha, said: “Eha will celebrate the essence of the Estonian people – renowned for their deep respect for nature, quiet strength and enduring sense of community.

Each seasonal retreat – summer, spring, autumn, winter and springrise – will guide guests through movement, nourishment, rest and reflection. The aim is to foster vitality that lasts beyond departure.

Ancient Estonian healing offerings will include sacred peat wraps and birch branch sauna ceremonies.

Facilities at Eha will include a holistic spa with private treatment rooms for bespoke therapies, using locally sourced organic products.

There will be a mindfulness studio, thermal suites with indoor and outdoor saunas, and indoor and outdoor pools. There will also be technology-free zones to encourage full disconnection and rejuvenation.

EHA is collaborating with OLO, which is designing the acoustic architecture and sonic environments for the retreat. Audio will be woven into the architecture and landscapes, creating a unique environment where sound itself becomes therapeutic.

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