Sharon Feanny: The Evolution of a Jamaican Wellness Leader
In a world where wellness trends come and go, for the past 30 years Sharon Feanny has steadfastly remained at the forefront of holistic health in Jamaica and beyond. Her journey from yoga enthusiast to internationally recognized wellness leader is one marked by deep conviction, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of those she touches.
From the Hilltops of Massachusetts to the Heart of Jamaica
Sharon Feanny’s wellness journey began in 1995 with a decision to dive deeper into yoga. Although she had practiced yoga since her teenage years, it wasn’t until she completed her teacher training at the renowned Kripalu Yoga Center in Massachusetts that her life truly began to shift. Her commitment to yoga wasn’t initially about teaching—she simply wanted to expand her practice. But fate had different plans for her.
While at Kripalu, Sharon experienced a profound moment that would change the course of her life. Sitting on a hill overlooking the serene valleys of Lenox, Massachusetts, she heard a clear voice saying: “You need to take yoga to Jamaica. You must take yoga to Jamaica.” This experience was more than just a calling—it was a turning point.
When she returned to Jamaica, Sharon brought with her a newfound passion for yoga, aromatherapy, and holistic wellness. She began teaching free yoga classes to community members in her hometown, from cane workers to office employees, sharing the benefits of yoga with anyone willing to learn.
Creating a Wellness Movement in Jamaica
As her yoga practice gained traction, Sharon became determined to make wellness accessible to the wider Jamaican population. In 2000, she opened the Shakti Yoga Centre in Kingston, the first studio of its kind in the city. At a time when yoga was still unfamiliar to many Jamaicans, the studio became a safe haven for those seeking physical and mental wellness. Eventually, she offered classes that combined yoga with other fitness programs, transforming Shakti into the largest yoga, spin and fitness studio in the Caribbean by 2004.
However, despite the success, Sharon faced significant challenges. By 2014, with a young family to take care of, she closed the studio. Rather than seeing this as an end, Sharon saw it as an opportunity to explore new ways to impact the wellness community at home and around the world.
Transitioning to Global Wellness Retreats & Nutritional Wellness
Then, Sharon’s journey took a natural turn toward wellness retreats, offering transformative experiences that went beyond traditional yoga classes. She began hosting week-long wellness programs at her home in Montego Bay, where participants could immerse themselves in yoga, nutrition, meditation, and cleansing practices. These retreats eventually transitioned into an online format, expanding Sharon’s reach to a global audience and allowing people from around the world to experience her teachings.
As Sharon continued to grow, she incorporated the lessons of her personal health challenges into her offerings. For example, after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder, Sharon began exploring nutrition as a tool for healing. She adopted a plant-based diet and started experimenting with detox programs, which she shared through her retreats and her cookbook, Live Fit Kitchen.
Published in 2018, Live Fit Kitchen is packed with over 100 high-vitality, plant-based recipes that embody Sharon’s philosophy of clean eating. The cookbook, available on Amazon, provides simple, delicious, and nutritious meals that align with her detox and wellness programs. Through this, Sharon has helped countless individuals integrate healthier eating habits into their daily lives, reinforcing her belief that food is medicine.
Embracing Aging and Longevity
Today, at 60, Sharon’s mission has evolved to embrace pro-aging and longevity. Her work now focuses on helping individuals—particularly women—navigate the aging process with vitality and grace. She encourages her clients to prioritize strength, mindfulness, and self-care as they age, blending the wisdom of yoga and wellness with a forward-thinking approach to health.
“I want to help women age with confidence and vitality,” Sharon says. “It’s about embracing the changes that come with age and choosing practices that support long-term health.”
Her Radiant Aging Program, which includes a six-week in-person wellness program, aims to empower women to take control of their aging journey. The program incorporates fitness, weightlifting, nutrition, and mindfulness practices, teaching women to embrace their bodies as they change with age.
2025 Wellness Retreats: A Journey of Renewal
For those looking to take their wellness journey to the next level, Sharon’s 2025 Radiant Retreats for Women promise to be transformative experiences. These retreats, held at the luxurious Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, will blend yoga, detoxing, mindfulness practices, and gourmet plant-based nutrition to provide guests with the tools they need to reset their bodies and minds.
Sharon’s personal philosophy guides every aspect of these retreats. She believes wellness isn’t just about the body; it’s about mind and spirit as well. “The retreat experience allows you to go deeper, not just into your physical health but into yourself,” Sharon explains. “It’s about finding peace within, reconnecting with what’s truly important, and learning how to nurture your body in a way that enhances your overall well-being.”
The retreats offer two options: a blissful 5-night/6-day experience in May; and an extended 7-night/8-day retreat in October.
Under Sharon’s expert guidance, the retreats will focus on fitness, fun, fabulous food, and indulgent spa treatments. Participants will enjoy a rejuvenating experience while embarking on a gentle detox journey, leaving behind sugar, alcohol, wheat, and dairy in favor of delicious, protein-rich meals prepared by Half Moon’s world-class chefs.
Each day, guests will wake up in paradise, engage in purposeful movement, nourish their bodies with clean eating, and unwind with luxurious spa treatments—all while being surrounded by like-minded women. By the end of each retreat, guests will leave not only with a renewed sense of physical vitality but also with a deeper understanding of how to integrate these practices into their daily lives.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Wellness
As Sharon reflects on her journey, she remains committed to her mission of making wellness accessible to all. For her, it’s never been about fame or success—it’s about the deep satisfaction of knowing that she has helped countless individuals transform their lives.
“I’ve always believed that wellness is a journey,” Sharon says. “It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. And I am grateful for every person who has walked this path with me.”
As she looks toward the future, she is excited to continue teaching, learning, and sharing her wellness philosophy with the world. With 2025 marking a significant year in her journey, she hopes to reach even more people, offering them the tools they need to live healthier, more vibrant lives. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, growth, and the unwavering commitment to making the world a better place—one yoga class, one retreat, and one mindful moment at a time.
For more information about Sharon Feanny’s 2025 Radiant Retreats for Women visit
And check out her work at sharonfeanny.com
