The Story Behind RVIVAL - An Interview with our founder, Eliza.

How did RVIVAL come to life?

“RVIVAL was built to embody everything I cherish about nature,” Eliza begins. “It’s a reflection of the tapestry of experiences that have shaped my life. The idea came from a growing sense of frustration and urgency — a response to modern society’s relentless pace, material obsession, and digital saturation. I kept seeing how disconnected we’ve become — not just from the natural world, but from each other, and from ourselves. We’re rapidly losing touch with our primitive roots, with the connection that once grounded and sustained us.”

Where did your own relationship with nature begin?

“I’ve spent years working across the world — supporting leading specialists, guiding expeditions through earths biomes, sailing across oceans, and developing the skills to lead more extreme journeys. Somewhere along the way, I fell into the trap of believing that to be an expedition guide, I had to constantly push myself. Run faster. Hike higher.”

“But that mindset obscured a much deeper truth: the need to slow down. To listen. To observe. I was fortunate to rediscover that truth on a few expeditions that forced me to pause, build community, and reconnect with something ancient — something passed down by my grandfather, a traditional stick maker and farmer, and by my parents. That legacy reminded me: this isn’t about conquering the wild — it’s about returning to a way of being that feels deeply human and a part of nature.”

And that’s where RVIVAL began?

“Yes — RVIVAL was born around campfires, through late-night conversations, during ocean crossings and long hours at the helm. It began in chats with fellow ghillies while pulling ragwort in the fields, in the thick of the jungle trekking through the rain, and over rewarding hot brews in tents after long days hauling pulks across the ice. It emerged through countless exchanges with specialists, countrymen, sailors, guides, clients, and crew. The more stories I heard from the extraordinary people I met throughout my career, the more my mind would spin — searching for answers to the greatest challenge of all: how to reconnect a disconnected world with nature.”

“That question planted the seed that would become RVIVAL — a bridge across the widening gap between modern life and the wild. It’s a pathway to revive people’s natural instincts, restore respect for the environment, protect disappearing skills, and reawaken the wisdom of community. It laid the foundation for a venture designed to re-equip people with the tools, mindset, and confidence to reconnect with nature — as it once was, and as we were always meant to.”

Tell us about what RVIVAL offers.

“RVIVAL creates skill-based, specialist-led, nature-focused escapes designed to reconnect people with their natural rhythm. Our experiences help guests slow down, build confidence and curiosity, and walk away with practical knowledge they’ll carry for life. Whether it’s private clients, corporate groups, or partnerships with estates and luxury brands, our goal is the same — to bring people back to nature.”

“We work with estates to diversify their offerings while protecting heritage, support luxury brands as experiential providers, and design bespoke escapes for individuals seeking something real. We also recruit and place some of the best talent in the field — guides and specialists who live and breathe the wild.”

What kinds of people join RVIVAL retreats?

“Most oftern our guests are people of influence — CEOs, public figures, politicians — individuals used to operating at a high level, at high speed. What they come to RVIVAL for is space: space to slow down, recalibrate, and reconnect. Through immersive experiences, we give them the privacy and tools to attune to their surroundings, develop meaningful skills, and adopt a more balanced, nature-centered way of life.”

What makes the RVIVAL experience unique?

“It’s incredibly diverse — our team is highly skilled and multifaceted, which allows us to tailor our escapes to individual needs. But what unites every journey is intention: to reconnect people with their natural habitat. Our experiences centre around elemental practices — freediving, foraging, exploring, tracking, cooking over fire, hearty conversations, and feasting. These moments stir something deeper in us, something stored in our muscle memory, waiting to be reignited.”

“That’s what RVIVAL is really about. Our motto is: ‘We were wild once.’ It encapsulates everything we do.”

Do you integrate luxury into the experiences?

“Yes — while our roots are in the rawness of nature, I also believe in balance. RVIVAL blends immersive, nature-led experiences with the comforts of beautiful, sustainability-driven luxury stays. Our base is Monachyle Mhor, a boutique luxury hotel tucked away in the mountains of Perthshire, Scotland — a true hidden gem. We also collaborate with some incredible partner brands, including The Royal Scotsman, Unique Homestays, and Cromlix. Reconnecting with the wild doesn’t mean giving everything up. For me, it’s about finding a sustainable balance between it all.”

How do you tailor each experience?

“Every retreat is bespoke. We speak personally with each guest to understand what they’re seeking — whether that’s healing, challenge, connection, or inspiration. For couples, it’s often about exploring new dimensions of their relationship. For families, it’s about bonding and building life skills together. For friends, it’s about shared adventure and presence. Each journey is designed with care, rooted in meaning.”

What’s the most fulfilling part of your work?

“Watching transformation happen. Seeing someone rediscover their instincts, reconnect with their body, slow their thoughts, and open up to nature — it’s powerful. Not just for the individual, but for the ripple effect they carry back into the world. That’s how we create lasting change.”

What advice would you give to someone looking to reconnect with nature?

“Remove the pressure. Keep it simple. Reconnection starts by feeling comfortable outdoors, not by conquering it. Take a walk in your neighbourhood, regardless of the weather. Let the elements touch you. Do it often, and you'll start to slow down — breathe deeper, listen more, see more clearly. That’s where it begins.”