San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, Eden
Written by Sason Bishope Parry
Wellness is not a buzzword. It’s not a trend, a hashtag, or something you put on when it’s convenient. True wellness is alignment. It’s the daily practice of bringing the mind, body, and spirit back into harmony with who you really are. That understanding sits at the core of Aline Habib’s life and purpose filled work, and it is the heartbeat behind everything she creates.
Known lovingly by many as The Fruit Queen, Aline’s journey into wellness was not linear or polished. It was a journey that was both real, messy and nakedly human. A true calling can often feel like your spiritually naked for all to see, which can often be scary in a world filled with so much judgement. Marked by breakdowns and breakthroughs, lessons learned the hard way, and a deep inner calling that eventually led her home to herself and the confidence needed to face her calling with courage. Through years of personal healing, spiritual surrender, and conscious living, she discovered that true nourishment went far beyond food. Still, it was plants, fruits, and the vegan lifestyle that opened the first door.
What began as a personal path toward healing evolved into a calling. Aline embraced a raw, mostly fruit-based, plant-powered way of living that restored her health, sharpened her intuition, and reconnected her to nature and spirit. From there, her purpose became clear. Heal yourself first. Then help and inspire others to remember.
Today, Aline is a holistic wellness coach, retreat facilitator, plant-based advocate, and devoted mother whose life revolves around compassion, consciousness, and service. Her work inspires others to slow down, listen to their bodies, and reconnect with their inner wisdom. Whether through vegan living, yoga, mindful nourishment, or spiritual reflection, her message is simple yet profound. Healing is possible. And it starts within. That vision is now expanding in a powerful new way.
Together with her father and business partner, Paul Habib, one of her greatest inspirations and a passionate advocate for plant-based living himself, Aline has co-created Eden on the Chocolata, a sanctuary that embodies everything they stand for. Their partnership is rooted in shared values. Love for animals. Respect for nature. Devotion to wellness. And a belief that intentional spaces can change lives.
Eden on the Chocolata is more than a retreat centre. It is a living prayer. A physical manifestation of Aline’s dream to help co-create Heaven on Earth. Nestled on a lush hillside along La Chocolata near San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, Eden overlooks the ocean and is wrapped in tropical beauty at every turn. The energy is calm. Grounded. Expansive. Time seems to slow down the moment you arrive. The land itself feels like medicine.
Aline describes Eden simply and powerfully as “Heaven.” And once you’re there, it’s easy to understand why. This serene eco-lodge retreat goes far beyond the idea of a typical wellness destination. Eden invites guests to unplug from noise and distraction and return to what truly matters. Nature. Breath. Presence. Connection. The kind of remembering that modern life often makes us forget.
There is a poetic irony in the name Eden, especially when viewed through a spiritual lens. According to scripture, the original Garden of Eden was vegan. Genesis 1:29 tells us that humans were given seed-bearing plants and fruits for nourishment, not animals. Thousands of years later, science, ethics, and lived experience are now circling back to that original truth. Plant-based living, especially when rooted in whole, raw, living foods, is not only compassionate but deeply supportive of human health.
Eden on the Chocolata honors that original blueprint. Within the sanctuary, guests will find beautifully crafted wooden cabanas that blend rustic elegance with comfort, a panoramic yoga deck that opens to the sky, a tranquil swimming pool, and thoughtfully designed outdoor wellness spaces meant for movement, stillness, and reflection. Every detail feels intentional. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is forced.
Eden is proudly vegetarian and is currently transitioning toward becoming one of the few fully vegan retreat centres in the world. This evolution reflects Aline and Paul’s unwavering commitment to compassion, conscious living, holistic health, and honouring all life as it was always meant to be honoured. Animals are friends, not food. All life is sacred, a belief deeply rooted in the teachings of “ahimsa.”
Looking ahead, Eden will host a series of yoga, wellness, and plant-based retreats designed to nourish the body, calm the mind, and awaken the spirit. Guests are supported by a warm, attentive team that treats everyone like family, creating an environment where healing feels safe, natural, and deeply personal. Whether you arrive for a structured retreat or a quiet personal escape, Eden on the Chocolata holds you. It supports you. It gently invites you to exhale, reconnect, and remember who you are beneath the noise of the world while breathing in true wellness.
For Aline Habib, this is only the beginning. Eden is not just a destination. It is a reflection of her life’s work. A sacred space born from experience, devotion, and love. A reminder that wellness is not something you chase. It’s something you return to. And at Eden, that return feels like coming home.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with wellness, plant-based visionary Aline Habib to talk about her passion for veganism, holistic living, and her exciting new wellness centre Eden on the Chocolata
Sason Bishope Parry: How are you, and how is life feeling for you right now?
Aline Habib: I’m doing really well, thank you. Life feels exciting and expansive right now. I’m especially energized by our new project in Nicaragua and the opportunity to collaborate with you, along with other incredible friends who are aligned with the same mission. It feels like a beautiful season of creation, connection, and purpose!
SBP: Are you originally from Los Angeles, and how has your journey shaped who you are today?
AH: I’m actually originally from Montreal, born and raised in a French Québécois environment, and I come from an Egyptian / Middle Eastern family. I moved to Belize in my early twenties and lived there for many years. Growing up between cultures shaped me deeply and gave me a strong connection to spirituality, tradition, and community. My journey has taken me far beyond where I started. Through healing, recovery, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and deep spiritual awakening, adopting a plant-based lifestyle became a turning point in my life. It helped me overcome many health challenges, reconnect with my body, and become more centred in my spirit. Living closer to nature and honouring life through my choices brought me back to Source and completely transformed how I live, love, and serve. That transformation ignited my passion for helping others return to nature, remember who they truly are, and reconnect with their divine purpose. Everything I create today – from retreats to healing spaces – is centred around that calling.
SBP: When did you go vegan, and what inspired that transition?
AH: I went vegan 11 years ago. I began the transition in 2012 and fully committed in 2014 after facing significant health challenges, including digestive issues, depression, anxiety, and addictions. As I learned how eating animal products slows digestion and burdens the body, the choice became a clear and natural one for me. The transformation was profound. As my digestion improved and the depression began to lift, I knew I had found a deeply healing path. I immersed myself in the work of Dr. Sebi, Professor Arnold Ehret, Dr. Robert Morse, Fully Raw Kristina, and Dr. Michael Greger, while also watching documentaries such as Forks Over Knives, Cowspiracy, and What the Health. I began extensive juice cleansing and fasting, which elevated my healing even further and naturally guided me toward a more raw, fruit-centred way of eating. As my body healed, my heart opened more deeply – to life, to God, and to the animals. What began as a health decision became a spiritual awakening and ethical commitment. This path propelled me into greater clarity, vitality, and purpose, and it is the foundation of the work I now do – helping others heal and return to nature.
SBP: Have you always been drawn to wellness and holistic living, or was there a turning point for you?
AH: I always felt a deep calling to help people, even from a young age, but for a long time I didn’t know what that would look like. Life took me on many unexpected turns and intense roller-coaster rides, including time in rehab and plant medicine ceremonies, which
ultimately became part of my initiation and awakening. The seeds were planted long ago, but I had to walk my own healing journey first. Through struggle, surrender, and deep inner work, I found my way back to myself. To yoga. Veganism. Coaching. Those experiences shaped the compassion, wisdom, and grounded presence I carry today and allow me to hold space for others with authenticity. What once felt like detours were actually the path, preparing me to step into this work fully, with purpose and confidence.
SBP: You’re launching a wellness centre, which is incredibly exciting. Can you share the vision behind it, how it came to life, and when it officially opens?
AH: Thank you, we’re truly so excited. This project came to life as a genuine calling. I’ve been speaking about creating a modern-day Garden of Eden for years, and when we discovered Eden on the Chocolata, experienced yoga there, shared meals, and connected with the team, we just knew. It felt very clear that God was guiding us here. The beautiful thing is that Eden is already a fully functioning resort, and it’s especially vibrant during the Christmas season. Our intention is to deeply honour the legacy of the previous owners, who were true visionaries. They created a space for real transformation, and I had never encountered a hotel offering ongoing yoga retreats year-round before. What they built is truly special. Our vision moving forward is to lovingly evolve the space. We’ll continue the retreats while transitioning to a fully vegan menu, adding a few additional cabanas, and planting more fruit trees and a vegetable garden so we can serve organic, homegrown produce and become more self-sufficient. We also plan to convert the pool into a saltwater pool, making the entire environment even more holistic. Alongside this, we’ll be hosting our own personalised retreats rooted in healing, remembrance, and connection. This feels like the beginning of something very sacred, and we’re honoured to share it with the world!
SBP: What kinds of programs, experiences, services, or products will guests find at your wellness centre?
AH: Guests at our wellness centre will find a rich variety of experiences designed to nourish the body, mind, and spirit. We offer daily yoga, somatic flow, meditation, and guided nature walks that invite deep connection with the land. Our programming also includes temazcal ceremonies, cacao ceremonies, sound and energy work, and intentional spaces for rest and integration. On the experiential side, guests can enjoy catamaran tours, surfing lessons, ocean time, and immersive excursions that balance adventure with presence. We also place a strong emphasis on plant-based nutrition education, offering vegan cooking classes, fresh juices, and workshops that empower guests to bring these practices into their everyday lives. Whether someone joins us for a retreat or a personal stay, everything we offer is designed to support healing, expansion, and remembrance in a way that feels joyful, embodied, and deeply nourishing.
SBP: Will you be hosting holistic, wellness, or vegan-focused events and retreats in the future?
AH: Yes, we’ll be hosting a variety of holistic, wellness, and vegan-focused events and retreats. One of the first is our Reconnect to Yourself Babe Bowl Retreat, co-hosted with my best friend Amy Flanigan, taking place June 6–13, 2026. This all-inclusive retreat is designed to help guests slow down, reset, and truly reconnect with themselves through yoga, ceremony, nature, and intentional community. We’ll be helping participants master a high raw, plant-based lifestyle, teaching them how to make Amy’s Epic delicious Babe Bowls, and guiding them through my energizing juices so they leave feeling more electric, vibrant, and alive. Alongside this, guests will experience somatic flow, meditation, nature walks, temazcal and cacao ceremonies, plant-based nutrition education, cooking classes, ocean adventures, and more. Everything we offer is meant to be joyful, practical, and deeply nourishing, giving people tools they can carry home long after the retreat ends.
SBP: Do you believe veganism and conscious living are the future?
AH: Yes, most definitely. We truly are what we eat, and I believe that restoring both our planet and our humanity begins with taking personal responsibility for what we choose to put on our plates. The planet needs us to be more conscious, the animals need us to be more compassionate, and our children need us to make the changes today for their tomorrow. We now clearly understand the negative environmental impact of animal agriculture – from deforestation and water depletion to climate disruption – and for the future of our world, this system must come to an end. When we align our food choices with love, nonviolence, and sustainability, everything begins to shift – our health, our energy, our relationships, and the way we care for the Earth. For me, veganism and conscious living aren’t trends – they are the path forward to a more peaceful, awakened, and harmonious world. More and more people are waking up, so that’s good news!
SBP: What are your thoughts on the current state of animals, the food system, and how wellness ties into all of it?
AH: I believe the current state of animal welfare, the food system, and human health are deeply interconnected. What we’re seeing is a system that prioritizes profit and convenience over life, education, and true healing. Animals suffer, the environment is depleted, and people are left disconnected from their bodies and dependent on solutions that often only mask symptoms rather than address root causes. Wellness, to me, is about returning to truth and responsibility. Food is one of our most powerful forms of medicine, yet most people are never taught this. Instead of empowering individuals to heal through nutrition, lifestyle, and connection to nature, the system often relies on big pharma interventions as the first response, rather than the last. I believe both the medical and food systems are overdue for a deep transformation – one that honors compassion for animals, respect for the Earth, and education around food as medicine. When we restore this understanding, we don’t just heal individuals, we begin to heal families, communities, and future generations.
SBP: What’s your favorite plant-based meal or food right now?
AH: Fruit is my ultimate favorite meal. Either whole or in juice or smoothies. I love mono fruit meals, especially watermelon, grapes, and even durian. There’s something incredibly nourishing and grounding about eating fruit simply, the way nature intended. I also really enjoy colorful Babe Bowls loaded with fresh fruit, greens, and natural toppings, as well as large, vibrant salads with sunflower or hemp seed dressings. On the cooked side, I love simple dishes like sweet potatoes, zucchini, green beans, beets, and cauliflower. And if I had to choose one more favorite, zucchini noodles is definitely up there – it’s fresh, satisfying, and always hits the spot. Fruit will always be my first love
SBP: Where can readers learn more about you and everything you’re offering?
AH: Readers can learn more about me and everything I’m offering on my website queenaline.com, where I share my coaching programs, juice cleanse protocol, personal story, and full details on our upcoming retreat. I also host two active Facebook communities, The RAWvolution and The Garden of Eden, Building Heaven on Earth, where we support each other, explore plant-based living, healing, conscious community, and co-creating a more compassionate world together. You can also find me on social media at @queenaline.raw on Instagram, Aline Habib on Facebook, and Queen Aline on YouTube, where I share inspiration, education, and tools for conscious, plant-based living.
SBP: Finally, what’s next for Aline Habib?
AH: What’s next for me is a continued deepening of purpose and creation. Right now, my focus is on nurturing Eden on the Chocolata into a thriving sanctuary for healing, retreats, and conscious living, while continuing to expand the work I’ve been building through Queen Aline. Beyond that, my greater dream is to co-create a vegan, self-sustaining community with my best friends – A living ecosystem rooted in love, compassion, and harmony with nature. I envision a blend of treehouses, dome homes, and organic architecture, alongside transformative retreats, a healing center, and spaces for creativity and restoration. This includes a nature-based school for children, meaningful activities for the elderly, an animal rescue sanctuary, and everything needed to live, work, and thrive together in balance. Part of this vision also includes transforming our Belize property, Mariposa Jungle Lodge, into a retreat space and eventually a fully vegan resort, aligned with the same values of compassion, healing, and conscious living. An equally important part of my mission is helping others around the world start intentional communities of their own, sharing what we learn and supporting the rise of conscious, regenerative living everywhere. At the heart of it all is my desire to help people slow down, reconnect with nature, remember who they truly are, and live in alignment with their purpose. This feels like the beginning of something much bigger – a living blueprint for Heaven on Earth.
For complete info on Eden on the Chocolata and upcoming events please visit: edenchocolata.com
queenaline.com
upcoming Nicaragua retreat, queenaline.com/nicaragua-retreat/
Aline Habib Facebook https://www.facebook.com/aline.habib
Aline Habib Instagram https://www.instagram.com/queenaline.raw
Eden on the Chocolata Facebook https://www.facebook.com/edenonthechocolata
Eden on the Cbocolata Instagram https://www.instagram.com/edenonthechocolata
