About Palm Rock Retreats
With over 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry under their belts, our founders Chris and Sam curated our first escape in Spring 2022. With the whole COVID chapter behind us, we wanted to bring the joy back to both travel and wellness. Palm Rock provides our guests with the perfect plan to get into the best shape of your life, both physically and (more importantly) mentally.
We started with the foundation of wellness coaching and a genuine desire for improving peoples health. With the addition of our beautiful residence in Spain, great food and sunshine, we have the formula for an experience of a lifetime.
Chris Wharton BSc (Hons)
Founder and CEO
With over 16 years experience in the wellness industry, Chris has established himself as one of the worlds leading health and fitness experts. Chris' 'tools for happiness' principles have helped thousands of clients improve their relationship with exercise and nutrition, with his work being featured in dozens of national publications including Mens Health, Women's Health, Sky news, BBC, TEDx, The Independent and the Guardian.
In the past year alone, Chris has personally delivered exercise keynotes to the CEO's and founders of 25 of the worlds biggest companies including Google, Dropbox, Microsoft, Instagram and Tesla, as well as over 50 of the worlds most renowned actors, musicians and athletes. Giving them his take on how we can use exercise to live a longer and happier life.
Sam Preston BSc (Hons)
Co-Founder and Head of Programming
Sam has spent his entire career working to improve peoples health. Initially in injury rehab and personal training, coaching movement and providing the knowledge on living a pain free life. Fast forward to now and Sam lectures and coaches people nationally on taking control of their health and happiness with simple, effective, lifestyle and mindset changes.
Through Palm Rock Sam has worked with some hugely influential people, from actors to CEO’s. He understands the sacrifice of dedicating your life to work, family and building something bigger than yourself. However, the ‘tools for happiness’ principles that Sam and Chris educate will restore belief and enthusiasm in self-care.
Sam’s dream is to be able to help people, globally, live a more able and positive life. Unlocking everyone’s true potential.
Estelle Mccluskie
Host and Yoga Instructor
Creator & CEO of LYS life, YogaBears, Estelle's Goddess Circle
I started my journey as a teacher and studio owner in Liverpool, teaching many different styles. I am happiest when I am creating new “yoga body” styles aimed at everybody. I want everyone to feel the release and freedom of yoga. I believe we all should practise yoga from baby’s and beyond into our advanced ages, why should we grow old when we can glow and evolve.
During my classes I love to journey through the chakras awakening the super powers we all have within. Yoga has helped me massively in my life and the biggest gift it has given me is self love. My ultimate aim is for everyone to leave my class with a smile on their face and an abundance in love in their heart.
Ollie Portch BSc (Hons)
Host and Coach
Ollie brings the energy. With an (almost) constant smile Ollie makes even the most hardcore strength and conditioning sessions enjoyable! Having delivered over 8,000 personal training sessions over the past 8 years, he's certainly earned his stripes.
Ollie has experience working with every type of guest, and approaches his training with honesty and empathy. A true gent.
Lizzie Pitt
Host and Photographer/Content creator
Lizzie is our resident content creator, photographer and social media whizz.
Hard to miss with the biggest eyes and smile onsite, Lizzie is on hand to help curate your stay, and (if requested) can catch some beautiful, candid shots of your experience to take away with you.
Ellie Pitt
Host and Beautician
Ellie is our resident onsite beautician. An expert in helping you look and feel your best. Offering a range of treatments from Augustinus Bader facials to luxury gel manicures. A treatment or two with Ellie help add that extra glow of confidence, boost your mood and brighten your day.
Carol Moore
Head Chef
Carol has a wealth of experience in client experience and dining. Working in cafés, bars and restaurants to owning her own successful establishment here in Sotogrande.
Carol has attended many cooking masterclasses alongside world class chefs including Michelin star holders Gordon Ramsay, Angela Hartnett, Atol Kulcher, Clare Smyth and Richard Corrigan.
In 2006 she was a contestant in the UK MasterChef, reaching the professional kitchens and cooked alongside Nic Watt at Roka.
These days, Carol is a private chef and consultant chef, working mainly with Palm Rock Retreat. Having an in-depth knowledge of nutrition means her menus are clean, whole food, nutrient dense with controlled calories. She also personally grows a lot of the herbs and vegetables used at Palm Rock.
Luke Greenslade
Coach
Luke graduated from the University of Portsmouth with a BSc in Sport Science and an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology. During his time at Portsmouth he was able to train and coach a variety of young athletes in Football, Boxing, Athletics and Swimming.
Since then he has accumulated over 15,000 hours of specialist coaching experience with a range of professional athletes. As well as providing solutions for fat loss, behaviour change and wellness/lifestyle strategies.
Luke has a wealth of management and business development experience within the fitness industry and now mentors other coaches to achieve their own journey within sport and exercise.
Matt Walsh
Host and Operations
Final year Business & Management student at the University of Kent, Matt has experience in sales, social media management and videography.
Matt has managed to gain experience in the energy drink industry, gym industry and American sports industry at such a young age. His varied experience provides him with a strong work ethic and logistical approach to his duties.
Working in the operations team at Palm Rock, Matt helps ensure the day-to-day operations of the resort run smoothly with his friendly customer service and commitment to Palm Rock and its mission.
Great chat and even better hair.
Jade Henderson
Coach
Jade is a graduate Sports Therapist and personal trainer with over 5 years of experience in the industry. She is also pre and post natal coaching qualified, with a large interest in women’s health.
Her experience with a wide variety of clients means that she is able to personalise each training session to suit individual goals, wether that be strength, fitness or injury related. All coached with a friendly smile and heaps of enthusiasm!
Jade values your health just as much as her own, and has a passion for helping others live happier, healthier, pain free lifestyles.
