Born in Portugal to a Portuguese father and Brazilian mother and raised in Macau, Mariana is a Hong Kong and Macau – based certified holistic wellness consultant, and nutrition coach, certified yoga instructor, raw vegan chef and author with a passion and enthusiasm for living a healthy, sustainable and holistic lifestyle.

Mariana has been committed to personal wellness since her youth, however, it took a change in career path – from studying Law in Florence to the unknown world of the Wellness – to truly find her passion. 

Following her heart, Mariana returned to the start of her educational and professional path, and gradually realised her dream of becoming a wellness professional. 

And the Journey begun

Mariana first discovered yoga in 2007, when she joined Macau’s largest yoga studio as a sales representative. From this point onwards, her interest in this ancient physical artform became daily practice, and in speaking with yoga experts, Mariana began to understand the powerful connection between body and mind in achieving optimal health.

Noting the growth of Southeast Asia’s spa industry, Mariana decided to broaden her horizons, focusing on learning about holistic and alternative therapies, aromatherapy and body anatomy. Enrolling in various spa, beauty and complementary therapy courses, Mariana earned a C.I.B.T.A.C. Anatomy, Physiology and Body Massage Diploma, Diplomas in Beauty Therapy Services from I.A., C.I.B.T.A.C. and C.I.D.E.S.C.O., a Diploma in Aromatherapy under N.A.H.A. standards, and an I.S.B.C. Diploma in Spa Management, Development and Treatments, leading her to become a certified holistic therapist and beauty aesthetician.

In 2009, Mariana was ready to put her knowledge into practice as she joined the Grand Hyatt Macau as part of Isala Spa pre-opening team. Here, she learned the fundamentals of spa operations, concepts and treatments, and after an intensive 13-week program, was invited by Hyatt’s School of Hospitality to be part of the Train the Trainee (TT) course; an on-going program of staff training.

As she continued to explore the mind-body connection, Mariana came to the realisation that she was meant to heal, educate, and share her knowledge with others. She embarked upon a journey to become a registered Yoga Alliance-certified yoga teacher (RYT), and through this training her eyes were opened to Ayurveda and the healing powers of food. This coincided with a gravitation towards a plant-based diet, as she eliminated dairy, reduced fish and eggs, and incorporated more greens, superfoods and legumes than ever before. Mariana felt alive! Eventually, she was inspired and encouraged to make the commitment to becoming 100% plant-based. 

WHAT YOU PUT ON YOUR FORK IS A CHOICE, A CHOICE
THAT WILL EITHER NOURISH YOUR CELLS OR
STARVE/CONFUSE/OVERWHELM THEM.

Mariana’s health journey is inspired by many of her very own challenges, all of which contributed to who and where she is today.

One of the many things that she has learned through her journey is that, while spa and wellness focus and concepts may vary, everyone shares the same goal: helping people realise their own potential. By promoting wellbeing, and educating, supporting and empowering people, we can all achieve a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Sattva Juicery and Kitchen – Macau

In 2014, after realising the lack of resources in Macau, and being inspired by the amazing products and choices abroad, a business plan for what is today one of the most sought-after products in the health and wellness field was finally put together.

Mariana became the co-founder and creative director of Sattva Juicery and Natural Products Limited, Macau’s first raw cold-pressed juicery, delivering juices, juice cleanses and raw vegan snacks straight to the client’s door. Macau welcomed Sattva with such curiosity and enthusiasm that bottles were strategically distributed in the city to cater the community. 

Together with her business partner, Dias developed a product that let its taste profile speak for itself. Sattva soon became the vessel for educating the local community about the benefits of cold pressed juicing and the importance of a leading healthy lifestyle. 

The Juicery was founded on the principle that we need a simple, effective means of nourishing our bodies, relieving them from the stress of everyday life, and restoring ourselves to a state of wellbeing. 

Sattva exists to deliver the uplifting and healing powers of raw, cold pressed juices and snacks to you through the most efficient and convenient means possible.