Meet Karen Baskett
Karen Baskett is a transformative wellness leader who blends Ayurveda, sound medicine, and movement to create experiences that awaken the body, mind, and spirit. With decades as a practitioner, ethnobotanist, and professional performer, she guides participants on deeply personal journeys that restore balance, energy, and confidence. Every retreat, workshop, or session is crafted to meet you where you are—empowering, uplifting, and leaving a lasting impact.
Mind Body Wellness Leader
Karen Baskett is a multidisciplinary wellness leader and founder of Alpenglow Ayurveda LLC, Amplify Holistic Arts Ltd (AHA), and the AHA Life Lab in Placencia, Belize. She blends Ayurveda, sound medicine, and movement to create immersive retreats, workshops, and private sessions that awaken the inner healer, restore balance, and leave participants energized. With over 20 years of experience and certifications in Sound Medicine and Yin Yoga, Karen integrates ancient wisdom with modern science for transformative, personalized wellness experiences.

Years
Guiding others through wellness, Ayurveda & movement.
Transformations
Lives changed through retreats, workshops, and sessions.
Meditations
Minutes of mindful practices led for healing & balance.
Life Lab
Her immersive wellness sanctuary in Placencia, Belize.
Upcoming Retreats
Radiant Return: A Glow Getters Retreat
November 8–11, 2025
Palmaia – The House of AiA
Led by Karen Baskett
“When you join one of my retreats, you won’t just ‘attend’ a wellness event—you’ll experience a space where you are seen, heard, and honored. My approach blends movement, sound, and Ayurveda in ways that meet you exactly where you are. We take the time to understand your needs, your rhythms, and your intentions, and from there, we co-create an experience that’s deeply personal—even in a group setting.“ – Karen Baskett

Five Fast Facts
A snapshot of the incredible Karen Baskett.
Q&A with Karen Baskett
Behind the Retreats: Karen’s Story & Expertise
What are some of the events or challenges that led you to develop your work?
Stress from a messy divorce and the loss of a close family member triggered early perimenopause for me. Night sweats and hot flashes were taking over my life, and as someone in my late 30s still performing and teaching dance professionally, I struggled to get the rest I needed to sustain my energy. When I turned to my doctor for guidance, my lab results kept coming back “normal,” and HRT felt too premature for my age. Seeking answers from multiple physicians led to the same conclusion: there wasn’t a solution.
This experience made me realize there was a huge gap in women’s healthcare—doctors simply aren’t trained in menopause medicine. Determined to take control of my own health, I pursued a master’s degree in Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, equipping myself with the knowledge to understand and support my body at a deeper level.
In 2023, I opened my private practice, driven by a mission to educate and empower women. I help them access ancient healing knowledge that’s often overlooked and blend Eastern and Western medicine approaches, creating a more informed, effective, and holistic way to navigate a transition that every woman will encounter.
Who inspired you when you first started on this journey?
She normalized what I was experiencing, helped me navigate mood swings and depression, and reminded me I wasn’t broken. Experiencing that kind of understanding and care firsthand inspired me to provide the same personalized, empathetic guidance to every client I work with.
What were three of your favorite books that helped you get clear on your path?
- “Untethered Soul” by Michael Singer
- “Sastun” by Rosita Arvigo,
- “The Ageless Woman: Natural Health and Beauty After Forty with Maharishi Ayurveda” by Dr. Nancy Lonsdorf
What are some ways you manage work life balance?
I keep my work-life balance grounded with four non-negotiables that I never compromise. Every day begins with meditation to center my mind, followed by movement to energize my body. I make time to cook nourishing meals for myself, connecting with the simple joy of preparing food, and I end my evenings with a strict “screens off” rule after 8 p.m., allowing my mind and body to fully rest. These rituals aren’t just habits—they’re my way of showing up fully for my work, my clients, and myself.
Where do you live now and is this your dream location and why?
I moved to Placencia, Belize in 2024 to launch a wellness business that leverages my unique skill customizing transformational experiences for both locals and visitors. I instantly fell in love with the beaches, the people, the Caribbean Sea, and the vibrant community—and the abundance of fresh, healing plants and herbs has been life-changing. In just one year, my chronic health issues have eased, my bloodwork has improved, and my stress levels have dropped dramatically. Placencia isn’t just my home—it’s the perfect setting to immerse yourself in nature, movement, and healing, far from the demands of everyday life.
How have your travels impacted inspired your life and or work perspective?
I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, and every year my family took a two-week road trip to explore the natural beauty of the national parks. Out of 63, I’m proud to say I’ve visited 37 national parks so far! Spending so much time in nature as a young girl shaped who I am, instilling a sense of adventure, my adoration for plants and flowers, a love for chasing waterfalls and sunsets, and a curiosity I carry with me to this day.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Are you involved with any local or online communities that inspire or support you personally or in your work?
What are your favorite three movies of all time and why?
- Ice Castles – I grew up as a competitive figure skater, so this one gets me every time. It’s equal parts tears and inspiration—pure magic on ice.
- An Affair to Remember – A classic love story that never gets old. It’s my reminder that some things, like romance and hope, only get better with time.
- A Chorus Line – The movie that made me fall in love with performing. It’s basically why I packed my bags for NYC to chase my dance dreams, and it still fuels my passion for movement and storytelling today.
Tell us about your current or past pets and what they mean to you in your daily life.
I have a 10-year old Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix named Disco who brings me so much joy. We go on daily walks on the beach together and we take trips to the Mayan mountain waterfalls to cool off. He is full of personality, has a new-found love for all things coconut, and is living his best pup life soaking up the sun in Belize.
I structure my mornings around the natural rhythms of the day, following Ayurvedic principles that have proven transformative for my health and energy. I rise at 6 a.m., begin with meditation, yoga, or gentle movement, and take a moment to assess my digestion with tongue scraping—a simple practice that guides how I nourish my body. My largest meal comes at noon, with a lighter dinner by 6 p.m., screens off by 8, and bedtime around 10. These practices are the foundation of my wellness, helping me stay balanced, energized, and grounded, no matter what the day brings.
What are you passionate about that most people don’t know?
I have a lifelong love affair with plants—indoors, outdoors, edible, flowering, variegated… you name it. As a kid, I was captivated by them, my mom was always in the garden, and that fascination guided my studies in college, where I focused on learning ethnobotany instead of parties. I spent time on plant walks, learning about healing plants with Navajo and Hopi elders, and even chose my DJ name, Hyasynth, as a nod to the plant world. Botanical gardens are my church, so living near the Belizean jungle—with tropical plants the size of small cars growing in my backyard—was an obvious, natural choice.
Any other added thoughts?
This is a space to move freely, laugh, release, and explore your own version of wellness without judgment. Drawing on my years of teaching dance and creating safe, expressive spaces for women, I guide experiences with humor, love, and a little vulnerability—so the shifts you feel aren’t just temporary; they linger long after the retreat ends.
When you join one of my retreats, you won’t just “attend” a wellness event—you’ll experience a space where you are seen, heard, and honored. My approach blends movement, sound, and Ayurveda in ways that meet you exactly where you are. We take the time to understand your needs, your rhythms, and your intentions, and from there, we co-create an experience that’s deeply personal—even in a group setting.
This is a space to move freely, laugh, release, and explore your own version of wellness without judgment. Drawing on my years of teaching dance and creating safe, expressive spaces for women, I guide experiences with humor, love, and a little vulnerability—so the shifts you feel aren’t just temporary; they linger long after the retreat ends.
Think of this as your invitation from a wise older sister: come curious, come ready to play, come ready to feel yourself in ways you didn’t even know were possible. I’ll be there to guide, witness, and celebrate the new you every step of the way.
I believe there’s no “one-size-fits-all” in healing. Retreats allow the time to uncover what your body and mind truly need, to connect with like-minded women, and to explore multiple paths to feeling better, stronger, and more like yourself. The difference comes down to who is guiding you—someone who understands the journey, holds space for discovery, and knows how to make it both joyful and empowering.