I can hardly believe it, but the dream I’ve been busy building since for ever and working on tirelessly with the best team in the world for the last five months, has just been realised.

I have a cafe! With my own fricken name on it!!!

It’s been so full on that I don’t remember the last time I sat down or even slept for more than 5 hours, but today… today is different.

I finally got a chance to sit on our comfy cafe banquettes, looked around at all the beautiful natural walls full of living plants, observed the hardworking team happily chatting away and then overheard a customer on the phone:

‘I found the perfect new spot for us! Meet me in Chelsea, at Tanya’s.’Then suddenly, it sunk in.
This is the real deal.
These are real customers.
These are real people who really love raw food. My raw food!
These are real chefs who can make my recipes to my standards and perfect them to theirs.
These are real mixologists, who are as passionate about incredible cocktails as I am about quality, superfoods and life.
This is my new family. And they love coming to work and promoting the healthiest lifestyle ever.
This is my new home, my new office, my new happy place.

One day I will figure out how to put so much gratitude, joy and emotions into words, but for now I am happy sitting here breathing in what love created. 

It was built for you, so I invite you to do the same. If you are anywhere near London, stop by and say hello. We are open 7 days a week 7am-11pm (apart from Sunday and Monday when we close at 4pm). 

Our menu offers a variety of breakfast items, including rawtella un-toast and dehydrated fruit crepe, pour over coffee, cold-pressed juices, smoothies and liver flush shooters. Our lunch menu has an even bigger selection and includes multi-layered lasagne, detox salad, soft shell tacos with marinated oyster mushroom meat, pad thai and organic natural wine. Then come four- you can enjoy a shared platter of nachos or cheesecakes and chocolates, as well as our superfood cocktails made only with the top quality, vegan and organic spirits mixed with cold-pressed juices and superfoods.

Here’s more: www.TanyasCafe.com

I can’t wait to see you! Now we have a meeting spot 

With Love,

x Tanya

This year. This October. It is happening once more. Vilcabamba is calling!

Whether you are looking to recharge, cleanse your mind and spirit, renew your youthful glow, take your soul on an unforgettable adventure, breathe in the purest air, alkalise by marvelling at perfect nature, nourish your body with the most flavoursome and nutritious organic meals, learn how to prepare all the healthy raw foods or experience what the real Valley of Longevity is all about…

…there is no place on earth, like Vilcabamba to satisfy all of your senses and dreams.

This October, a carefully chosen group of people will get an opportunity to experience the ultimate Raw Food & Soul Adventures Retreat, once again. Read on for more details…

Every year I head out to the majestic Vilcabamba in Ecuador for my own personal retreat. And every year, you begged me to introduce it to you too. In 2013, we had an incredible group of 18 individuals thriving in the energy of such a magical place for our very first epic adventure. In 2014, I plan to make it even more special and intimate for your ultimate experience.

This incredible little village is entirely surrounded by mountains, it is known as the valley of longevity, the playground to the Inca and the capital of raw food. It runs on super charged living spring waters, provides the most healing organic produce, supplies exceptional air quality and has the potential to transform you forever. The vibrational frequencies of its sacred land are very high and not everybody is ready. If you feel drawn to experience a complete rejuvenation of your soul, body, mind and spirit, then I believe Vilcabamba has spoken to you. I know that it has spoken to me to invite you this year. I couldn’t be more honoured and thrilled for the opportunity.

Hi, I’m Tanya Maher, a wellness coach, chef, author, Reiki do Satori master healer, and a renowned raw food and detox expert. I was born in Russia, raised in New Zealand and now live in London, where I’m super lucky to have been hailed by various magazines as the UK’s leading wellness coach. I’m the founder of Better Raw, co-founder of Tanya’s Cafe in Chelsea, creator of Amazon’s #1 best selling DVD ‘Raw
Food 101’ and author of numerous eBooks, all available here on www.BetterRaw.com. This ‘Soul Adventures’ Retreat is my life’s work. I can’t wait to share the experience with you too.

Elena Alekseeva, my clever mama, has a decade of extensive experience with Reiki do Satori principles and a unique gift to heal. She is connected to the information consciousness of the Universe, which allows her to perform incredibly detailed and accurate readings for thousands of people around the world, who all discover her somehow without any advertising or a website. Elena specialises in correction of the body, spirit, soul and etheric bodies to help a person heal from any past life karma, negativities brought on by others and self-destruction.

Vladimir Alekseev, my amazing dad, is the Mr Fix-It and Make-It-Happen man. This retreat wouldn’t be possible without him and all his behind the scenes organising. You can be certain that you’re in good hands (with impressive Spanish!) when Vlad is around. Mum and dad made Vilcabamba their permanent home five years ago and together they organise a monthly sell-out raw living luncheon at their Restaurant ‘Sungate 11:11’.

Mona Heep is a gorgeous German, who currently lives in London, bringing inner peace to its many residents. Everyone who’s ever attended Mona’s classes fall in love with her energy and her sincere pleasure in helping you with movement, strength and injuries, while improving your overall physical and mental wellbeing. After beginning her practice several years ago, she quickly developed a passion, completing her teacher training, as well as a Masters degree focussing on food politics. Yoga enabled her to work with her thoughts constructively and achieve a level of acceptance and self compassion she wasn’t able to realise beforehand. Nevertheless, a big part of Mona’s interest in yoga also lies in the link to anatomy. Mona’s yoga classes focus very much on the essence of yoga, the relationship between movement and breath which calm the mind and the “mind stuff” that stops us from enjoying life to the fullest, cluttering our thoughts with the past, future and internal blocks that don’t serve us in the present moment.

El Descanso del Toro Hosteriais the village's most prestigious and luxury resort, which also happens to be authentically Ecuadorian, when it comes to nature, peace, creativity and beauty. I believe there is always a need for a little luxury in your life, however expect to be spending more time with the land, than in your room all day long and then retreat to your stunning nest for the evening. When you spend time at the resort, you will be treated to privacy, clean and spacious bedrooms, tasteful decor, your own bathroom, and outdoor lit up swimming pool, revitalising sauna, relaxing spa and the most stunning vast natural walks and gardens for resting, walking and bringing out  your inner Yogi. You'll be staying just a 5 minute stroll away from town square and a 10 minute stroll away from my parents' citrus garden where plentiful lunches will be held.

If you’ve followed me for some time, you already know my standards, you’ve probably made my recipes and perhaps even tasted my raw gourmet organic meals, elixirs and desserts. Now this is your opportunity to indulge guilt-free and thrive not only on some of my favourite dishes for a full week, but have them all prepared from local, fresh, organic and most nutrient dense ingredients available to us on the planet. As you cleanse your palette and your level of consciousness begins to lift, your taste buds won’t know what hit them. What’s more is that Elena, my super talented mum and creator of 'Sungate 11:11' Raw Living Restaurant will be preparing some of her most raved about activated meals for you to experience. I say ‘experience’, because we will guide you to get food working for you, your digestion and any physical or spiritual ailment you may have, as well as excite and satisfy all five of your senses: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. I’ll teach you how to prepare all the food and email you recipes to enjoy forever.

Every day as you slowly rise to bird song, you will have the opportunity to rejoice in Yoga. Mona has a true gift to glide through a group and help each individual appreciate Yoga for the immense pleasure, rather than a chore (if you’re in this space currently). You do not need to be flexible or experienced, we simply ask that you come open minded towards what movement and breathwork can do for your soul. If you are a long time Yogie, you will fall in love with Mona’s style and energy. And that’s only a start! Your days will be filled with nature walks, picturesque hikes and wild swimming.

By now you may have gathered that your week in Vilcabamba won’t be short of meditation. It is a big part of my family’s spiritual journey and we will introduce you to various techniques, so that you can choose what works best for you and feel inspired to include it in to your regular regime for many years to come. The Valley of Longevity is home to many gurus and healers, and I’ve invited some very special guests to treat you to their incredible talents.

I ran a survey of what may interest you the most in a destination retreat and from the hundreds of people who’ve responded, a trend was more than obvious. You are a nature loving spirit and you want all the mountain hiking, trail exploring, wild plant foraging, local veggie market visits, zip lining and water fall trips, which Vilcabamba has to offer. I promised you an opportunity to create your ideal
retreat, so we’re including all of the listed excursions to our week together. Get ready for the most adventurous fun, while you satisfy your inner child’s cravings for joy and freedom.

This is a retreat that requires investment in you. Anyone can visit Ecuador and enjoy its many resources at any time, but I insist that you are not here looking for a quick fix to your health concerns and that you apply only if you are truly willing to make the effort, are serious about getting involved and keep an open mind to new ideas. There is an application process, because it is very important to me that I choose the right group of individuals, not for me, but for you. If you are game, here’s what you need to know…

We have arranged a special rate for any additional nights that you may decide to stay. We recommend that you arrive on Saturday 25th October and spend two nights on your own, adjusting to Vilcabamba’s energies. The retreat will kick off at 4PM Monday 27th October and conclude at 11AM Monday 3rd November.

Your investment for a full week:

1. Own private deluxe room with en suite |£900 after 1st August | Early bird £791  
2. Shared double deluxe  room with en suite | £750 after 1st August | Early bird £651 
3. Shared twin deluxe room with en suite | £750 after 1st August | Early bird £651

*Pricing is in GBP and includes the following: (Please note the Ecuadorian currency is USD)

7 nights lush accommodation
(27, 28, 29, 30, 31 October and 1, 2 November)

7 x daily nutrient packed raw food breakfasts, including organic local fruits, chia porridge, detoxing juices, homegrown fresh leaf teas, crunchy granola clusters, creamy nut milks, rawtella spreads on raisin bread and coconut water.

7 x gourmet three course lunches, including multi layered lasagna, marinated and pesto stuffed mushrooms, creamy soups with onion bread, gazpacho with garden picked vegetables and fermented sauerkraut, sun burgers, energising snacks, decadent chocolate cakes and digestion aiding smoothies.

Please note that dinner is your free time to explore Vilcabamba’s cafes and restaurants, which all have raw food offerings on their menus. This is a key time for you to soak in the day’s activities and learnings, as well as digest the vitamin rich foods that you won’t try any where else. Many people prefer to skip dinner and meditate, rest, sauna or enjoy a pampering session, while others take the opportunity to order a cooked vegetarian meal, so not to experience detox symptoms on their holiday. Soul Adventures is very much about you.

8 x hours of raw food workshops

1 x 60 min relaxation massage
(more available at $30 per hr)

7 x 90 min invigorating and enlivening Yoga sessions

Gifts and surprises along the way

2 x 90min taxi transfers to and from Loja airport

(Please note that this is covered if you arrive no more than 2 days before your retreat and depart no more than 2 days after. Outside of these days the taxi is an additional $40 each way)

7 x daily meditation sessions

Local fees and adventure excursions

Numerous simple, yet life changing techniques

Hanging out and creating lifelong friendships

…as you can see- it’s everything except your flights to Loja, Ecuador!

*All rates are per person.

SPACES ARE VERY LIMITED AND YOUR APPLICATION MUST BE APPROVED IN ORDER TO JOIN US. IF YOU ARE READY FOR THE MOST LIFE ENRICHING WEEK IN THE SACRED VALLEY OF LONGEVITY, APPLY TODAY>>

Got more questions? Here are some answers>>

I am truly blown away by the amount of support and excitement coming my way at the news of Tanya’s raw food restaurant opening.

I’ve been filing away your beautiful words ‘for a raining day’, not even thinking about sharing them publicly, because… you know… it’s showing off, giving me a big head and inflating my ego.

And then I get THIS message (below) and it reminded me about why I do what I do. It reminded me that love and kind words MUST be shared. It reminded me that the ego is an illusion, just like ‘the norm’ and ‘the rules’ set by society.

So I choose love and love needs sharing. This message (from last year’s yoga teacher at my Ecuador Soul Adventures Retreat) warmed my whole heart and I am so so grateful…

Hey Tanya,

it’s been a while and I felt today was the perfect day to give you a shout out.
I want to thank you again for everything. For encouraging me to do IIN, I love it and I’m joining their book course on wed…
For radiating and always continuing to strive for the best and reaching higher and higher on your path, for being authentic, loving, kind and generous to the whole world and yourself!

You are one of my top 10 favourite women whom I have learnt a lot from and have grown from through your massive amount of influence and inspiration.

I want to congratulate you on your ever awesome upgraded life: husband, restaurant, WEBSITE!!!!! WOW!, offerings, sharings and your new look… darling you look stunning and it’s so you!

You’ve blossomed even more to be this most radiant shakti whom I respect, honour and admire.

I wish you a continuing endless abundant journey.
Way to go!
Love and joy
Doris

Speaking of IIN…

I’ve some BIG news for anyone keen to study nutrition, become a health coach or just get the super fancy certificate from the world’s largest nutrition school!

IIN are offering my friends up to $1,500 off of your tuition if you enrol before 4th July.
Register your name here and I’ll hook you up with more details on the program and your $1,500 scholarship.

And for all requesting the cafe update, it looks as though we are ahead of schedule and will be opening doors even before August!

I’ve been posting daily progress reports on our Facebook page, so do keep an eye on it for news as they happen. Here are a few snippets..

Hoarding boards going up:

Work behind the scenes:

The team behind the project, in meeting:

  More updates found here>

Have you seen my exciting announcement numero uno yesterday? Here it is again if you missed it>>

But I did promise you that something else is coming your way. Something bigger, better, more terrifying and thrilling, than anything I’ve ever planned, launched or lived before.

And it’s happening this year! This August! In London!

Watch out UK- my very own raw food cafe and cocktail bar is opening in just over six weeks from today.

There. I’ve said it. It feels amazing and I’m pretty certain I just levitated.

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE CAFE:

Located at a prestigious London address, Tanya’s is a beautiful raw food restaurant and superfood cocktail bar in the heart of Chelsea. This cutting edge, living cuisine is as energising and impressive, as it is elegant. The menu is designed to reflect your busy schedule and provide loving nourishment at all times of the day. You’ll be able to get your morning green juice or a coffee with hazelnut milk, a satisfyingly delicious plant-based burger and decadent raw chocolate cake for lunch, then come evening you could share a vibrant cashew cheese platter and superfood packed cocktails, that are made with only top quality, vegan and ethically sourced alcohol. Tanya’s is about blending innovative technique with seasonal produce and offering delicious culinary art in a classy natural environment.Coming to myhotel Chelsea, August 2014.

TAKE A PEEK AT THE ARCHITECT’S DRAWINGS:

CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN! HOARDING BOARD SNIPPET:

FOLLOW ALONG FOR UPDATES & PROGRESS BEFORE WE OPEN:

T | twitter.com/TanyasCafe

F | facebook.com/TanyasSuperfoods

In| instagram.com/TanyasChelsea

W| Coming soon

CHEF & MANAGER ROLES ARE OPEN & AVAILABLE NOW:

HEAD CHEF & ASSISTANT CHEF

Have you got the talent, passion for healthy plant-based food, an artistic flair and experience in a fast paced commercial environment?

We are looking for exceptional chefs to play a big part in the success of Tanya’s Raw Food Restaurant at myhotel, Chelsea. Working closely with the Restaurant Manager to ensure that revenue, profit and performance targets are consistently achieved, you’ll also see that we meet all hygiene, health and safety requirements.

It goes without saying that you’ve already made your mark in a highly commercial restaurant business if applying for a Head Chef position and would have at least one year experience if applying for an Assistant Chef position. A drive to give our members the very best dining experience and a degree of knowledge on the raw food cuisine, would both be essential.

Above all, you set and expect the highest standards, have a can-do attitude, are great at motivating others, able to consistently work to time constraints, start at 6AM and have a real desire to promote healthy eating and positivity in a high-energy environment.

The hours are a dream come true for many chefs, as you’ll be done by 4PM, the package will include great training and development, 28 days holiday pa, meals on shift, discounts and a competitive basic salary of circa £30K-£38K for a Head Chef and £20K-£28K for Assistant.

ASSISTANT MANAGER

Are you an energetic people person with a passion for healthy plant-based food and experience in a fast paced commercial environment?

We are looking for a passionate Assistant Cafe Manager to play a big part in the success of Tanya’s Raw Food Restaurant at myhotel, Chelsea. Working closely with Tanya Maher to ensure that revenue, profit and performance targets are consistently achieved, you’ll also confidently deliver exceptional five-star service to guests.

It goes without saying that you’ve had some managerial experience in a commercial café, thrive in a fast-paced environment and have the service, raw food and drink knowledge to lead a  restaurant.

Above all, you have a real pride and passion for your work within the healthy eating industry, you set and expect the highest standards, have a can-do attitude, exceptional customer service skills and ability to deliver a warm and charming management style, are great at motivating others, willing for 6AM starts and have a real desire to promote superfood eating and positivity in a high-energy environment.

The hours would be flexible, the package will include great training and development, 28 days holiday pa, meals on shift, discounts and a competitive basic salary of circa £20K.

APPLY NOW:

Please send your CV and cover letter to hello@tanyasliving.com and include this subject line: Tanya’s – Job Application for (enter position). You will be contacted if your skills and experience fulfils the criteria of the role and of the position is still available. Otherwise, your details will be kept in our confidential files should a suitable vacancy arise. We appreciate that not all candidates wish their details to be held on a database and would ask that you notify us if this is the case.

Last Wednesday night, we held our very first SupperClub in Chelsea’s beautifully tasteful myhotel.

It was all part of the Grand Plan and The Secret Project BetterRaw, which very soon will no longer be much of a secret, but what it will be is the latest and greatest news for all of UK’s raw food industry!

Excited much? I know I am. Too excited for words, so I’ll do my best in pictures. Here’s a summary of the night…

The boys of upstairs' Pellicano Restaurant, helping to set up the room for 30 SupperClubbers.   Our lovely helpers, Shani and Kelly, both of whom were pure angels to me all day long.   The first course was a Samosa Cone served over traditional Mint & Cucumber Raita and spicy radish sprouts.   The room ready for the 'magical mystery tour of all of your senses'.   Tables are set and Pina Coladas are waiting at the door for our guests.   Overjoyed to be in this raw food sandwich with both of the SupperClub organisers' other halves... Pretty Kate (Richard's partner) and funny Elliot (my partner).   Second course of the night was this Avocado and Passionfruit Soup, served with Crunchy Cracker Boats.   The third course was a Creamy Matcha Green Tea Cocktail with Dehydrated Root Veggie Chews (as seen in my eBook 'Nourished- Comforting Raw Food Recipes for Winter').   Radiant beauties lighting up the whole room with those smiles.   The fourth course- Romantic Salad of Mixed Greens in a Pink Raspberry and Beetroot Vinaigrette (also a recipe found in Nourished).   Years of waitressing pay off when you can deliver more than two plates to a table at once.   And my favourite shot of the night is of this Moroccan Garden- the  fifth course. It was a visual satisfaction of Sundried Tomato Hummus, Sunflower Seed Falafels, Sprouted Buckwheat Spirulina Crackers and Veggie Chips.   And the 'almost whole' team! From left to right: Richard, Kim and me.   Getting the sixth course ready, which was a Palette Cleanser- Cucumber Ginger Sorbet and Carrot Orange Foam.   Aside from not being able to taste and smell any of these pictures, the only other pity of reading this post is not being able to hear the stunning live music. Blue Muse's Anne Malone and her team were simply sensational.   And the finale.. getting the dessert ready. We had a Sweet Trio of Raspberry (from 'Seduced' eBook), Chocolate Cinnamon (from 'Festive' eBook) and Choc Coated Hazelnut Cream.   Wanna come next time? We sold out in record time for this one and no doubt that the same thing again will happen once we release next SupperClub dates. If you want to be the first to know, make sure that you are on the list, sign up here>>

The one clue I can give you is that it won't be until I get back from NZ (as a married woman!!), so if you'd like to attend a class of mine before that- the last workshop I'll be running for at least two months is our Lush Escapes 1 Day City Retreat. Join Colby Hanks and me for our signature class and a guided introduction to raw food and yoga. Sign up here>>