Origin Story
We know what it’s like to chase ambitious goals, navigate big career pivots, and push ourselves to perform at the highest level. Even with outward success, there were moments when we felt stuck, drained, or unsure of what came next. Through cycles of burnout, recovery, and self-discovery, we learned that lasting growth starts from within—reconnecting with yourself to regain perspective, energy, and purpose.
LUMI isn’t just a method we teach—it’s a way of living we’ve tested and refined. By Listening, Unwinding, Moving, and Integrating [new practices], we discovered what brings fulfillment, joy, and clarity. What started as a personal journey evolved into an intentional framework for transformation. Our mission is to help others feel their best, take meaningful steps toward living authentically, and thrive long after the retreat ends.
Our experiences span 65 countries and multiple international relocations—travel has been both our education and passion. Every retreat we plan is infused with that curiosity, insight, and attention to detail.
Whether you’re seeking a gentle reset or a deeper shift, LUMI is designed for curious minds ready to pause, explore, and reconnect—with themselves, their energy, and the world around them.
Your Wellness Partners,
Jess & Jill
Wellness Team
Jess Romano
I grew up in New York, always driven by a desire to explore what was possible—in work and in life. After studying at Binghamton University, I built a career on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley, fueled by ambition, growth, and the pursuit of experiences across cultures and industries.
The more I explored—new roles, new places, new ways of living—the more I realized that success isn’t only defined by achievement. Travel changed my understanding of how we can live, work, and create meaning differently.
A cancer diagnosis at 29 deepened that shift. It became a turning point and an invitation to live with more intention, connection, and presence.
Today, I split my time between Spain and Croatia, living a life defined by my values and evolving priorities. At LUMI, my love of travel, hospitality, and wellness come together to create experiences that help people reconnect with themselves and explore possibilities with clarity and purpose.
Jill McLaren
Raised in Switzerland, now living in Hawaii, with American and German roots, I’ve developed a strong connection to nature, wellness, and diverse cultures.
After studying environmental science at UC Santa Barbara, I entered the tech industry as a software engineer at Fortune 500 companies and unicorn start-ups, but soon realized that success to me wasn’t about accolades—it was about joy, presence, and personal fullfilment.
My wellness journey began with yoga and Pilates, which grounded me and brought daily happiness. I’ve built a life around that feeling—teaching yoga and leading activities that nurture both body and mind.
We met in New York and reconnected years later in San Francisco over travel, adventure, and life’s big questions. Living together in France deepened our friendship and inspired LUMI—a method and pathway for sustainable wellbeing, curiosity, and joy.
Drawing on our combined expertise in mind-body practices, strategy, teaching, and coaching, we craft authentic, thoughtfully curated experiences that help you pause, explore, and reconnect—with yourself, your energy, and the world around you.
Contact us
We’re here to help you start your LUMI experience. Whether you have questions about our retreats, need assistance with booking, or simply want to learn more about what we offer, we’d love to connect with you.