A Message from Gary:

“From early 1984, Debbie and I had nurtured a dream to create a very special place where people could step away from the pressures of everyday life and learn how to better care for their health. We believe that the human body has an incredible ability to heal when given the right environment and support.

Living Valley began on 8 October 1990, when our family arrived at the property that was to become Living Valley Health Retreat. After more than six years of dreaming, planning and believing in what could be created, we finally had a place to begin bringing that dream to life.

Now, more than 40 years after that small seed of a dream began to grow, we are awed as we look back through the history of Living Valley, reflecting on the lives of so many people who have benefited from the retreat and who went on to enjoy better health and long lives, while also impacting the health of their families and friends.

As more than 30,000 guests have enjoyed a Living Valley program, Debbie, Giselle and I have been extraordinarily blessed to witness many truly remarkable life transformations. We have witnessed recoveries from many serious health conditions. We have also observed, in many cases, a compound effect. Once physical health is restored, a subsequent improvement in emotional and mental health so often seems to follow.

There is another gem that makes us particularly proud as we celebrate this birthday.

Ten years ago, we began handing the mantle of Living Valley over to our daughter, Giselle.

Giselle grew up at Living Valley from the age of ten. Since then, she has spent most of her life serving our guests and has become an integral part of everything that Living Valley represents.

As her father, I am incredibly proud as I watch Giselle carry the mantle into the next generation. I am chuffed as I see the determination and commitment she brings to Living Valley as she takes responsibility for the lives and wellbeing of more than 800 guests each year, as well as leading our team of more than 40 staff members.

The retreat has become much bigger than anything Debbie and I envisaged 36 years ago. Knowing that our own daughter is now carrying that legacy forward, while continuing to honour the purpose and principles upon which Living Valley was founded, is very special to us both.

To every person who has come through our gates, walked alongside us, supported us or entrusted us to care for their health over the years, thank you for being part of the Living Valley story.

Now, as we enter the next chapter, we wish you good health and hope to see you once more at Living Valley in the near future.”

Gary Martin ND
Founder
Living Valley Health Retreat