Meet the Team

“If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go with others.” – Mansukh Patel

Ayla Wilde

Ayla Wilde
Owner/Yoga Teacher/Breath Coach


I’m 28, I’ve been practicing yoga since I was 15 & teaching it since I was 21. 

I never wanted to work for myself (ironic, right?) but have always felt a strong pull to help others – and what better a way to do that than running retreats, sharing what I’ve learned and grown through over the years. I’ve done a lot of self development work over the years, through my yoga journey and the incredible Dru team in North Wales, and whenever I’m asked what my mission statement is, it’s simply “to make a difference in the world.” For people’s lives to be better because of the interaction we’ve made, and to make a positive ripple of light that spreads far and wide.

Over the last 7 years I’ve taught: power, gentle, seniors, mens, mums + bubs, kids, teens, and hot yoga in studios, at charity events, for a wine label, on retreats, for sporting clubs, for an online studio, zoom, at gyms and home visits for 1:1.

I’ve currently traded the warm tropical oasis of Airlie Beach, for the stunning, rugged coastline of Margaret River in Western Australia, where I’m teaching at Gnarabup Yoga Studio. And LOVING it. WA feels very much like home.

There’s lots on this website about me, my teaching and my story, so if you want to know more click here.

Danielle Keast
Photographer/Videographer

Dani + I have been best friends since we first met on our first day of boarding school in year 11.

She’s one of the best people you’ll ever meet (in my non-biased opinion).

She’s there on my retreats, capturing the whole experience in a very non-invasive way, so you can have memories of the experience and not feel like you need to spend much time on your phone (if that’s what you want). Besides taking photos though, she’s extremely kind, generous, and knowledgable about sailing, life and everything in between. She loves travelling, helping others, and is one of the most genuine and beautiful people you’ll ever meet (wait – did I say that already?).

She’s also an absolute cacao, essential oils, and crystal lover, and is currently learning to practice the singing bowls. I am so grateful to be able to share this experience with her.

Frani Wilde

Frani Wilde
Physiotherapist/Yoga Teacher/Ayurvedic Practitioner/Breath Coach

Physiotherapist of 35+ years, a yoga teacher, meditation teacher, yoga therapist, yoga tutor + mentor, yoga teacher trainer, soon to be Ayurveda health coach & does one on one personal coaching (among many other wonderful things).

Growing up in the country and then moving to Adelaide, I remember mums country patients would travel 5 hours return in a day just to see her. I remember her calling me one day and her response to me asking how she was finding her physio in Airlie going, she said “Great, but I keep fixing people and then they don’t come back!” She’s that kind of person. She knows and understands the body in a way that strikes awe, and each retreat people pull me aside to comment on how wise, kind and knowledgable she is.

She is incredibly inspiring, passionate, insightful, kind, knowledgeable, empathetic, bubbly & motivated, and the kind of person you want around you and in your life. When she’s not doing physio or teaching yoga, she’s on a hike with her besties, or probably building a house or planting a forest with my brother. Bit of a jack of all trades if you will. Another comment from people on the retreat? “Gee wiz, I hope I can look like your mum in my 60s.” Yeah, you and me both!

I feel so proud & lucky to be able to share my career with her as my mentor, my colleague and my mum.

Maddy Smith
Occupational Therapist/Yoga Teacher/Breath Coach

Maddy’s yoga journey started at a young age, shadowing her beautiful Mum who is also a (Dru) yoga teacher. Growing up in the yoga community where the principals of yoga were infused into her daily life, helped her to develop a love for the practice.

In 2018 Maddy completed her teacher training with Dru Yoga Australasia, initially to compliment her work as an OT. After experiencing burnout, the practice of yoga became a fundamental tool to help re-centre her body, mind and spirit. This personal journey with yoga has since developed into a passion for teaching and sharing the practice with others.

Outside the world of yoga, Maddy works as an OT providing Telehealth services to individuals of all ages across Australia. This allows her the freedom to her the other things in life she loves – including travelling, hiking, surfing and experiencing life to its fullest. Recently, she had the amazing experiences of teaching yoga at a surf and yoga retreat in Sri Lanka (while also learning to surf!), walking El Camino across Spain, and hiking the Overland Track in Tassie.

Maddy’s passions are for using yoga and breathwork in an inclusive way to help regulate the body and mind to find balance, stillness and to help people do the things they love.

She’s also has a smile and personality that is contagious, and shares my love of adventure, travel and wellness. I feel very fortunate that Maddy has joined the AWL team.

A Wilde Life

Retreats | Adventure | Wellness

“Because the ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
– Steve Jobs

awildeliferetreats@gmail.com

0425 554 491

Natasha cully
Natasha cully
2. November, 2022.
Ayla is a heart led yoga teacher and ‘A Wilde Life’ retreats are the most beautiful and transformative experiences. Give her a follow and make sure you book in to the next retreat 🥰
SOS Phonerepairs Airlie Beach
SOS Phonerepairs Airlie Beach
2. November, 2022.
Best yoga teacher ever! The perfect balance of challenge, encouragement and direction, and all done with so much warmth and joy <3
Estelle Berger
Estelle Berger
24. October, 2022.
This retreat is the ultimate experience of sailing in the Whitsundays, yoga on the beach, meeting incredible people and replenishing your soul. I loved every second of it and can’t wait to go back 🙏 Thank you Ayla and Frani
Peggy Roome
Peggy Roome
6. October, 2022.
I have just spent the past four days sailing around the Whitsundays with beautiful like minded women. It was the most amazing thing I have done for my body and soul in years. Ayla & Franni are a wonderful team and dedicated yogis who led our yoga practices to the point where you were completely absorbed. The crew of the Broomstick were brilliant, preparing our delicious vegan meals and catering to our needs. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend A Wilde Life and Prosail to anyone! ♥️
Liam Robinson
Liam Robinson
5. October, 2022.
Words can’t describe how amazing this beautiful lady is and the heart and soul she puts into her retreats. This is hands down the best retreat I have been on. Four days of sailing, snorkelling, yoga, hiking and adventure catering for all fitness levels. Amazing friendly crew that know the best secret locations around the Whitsundays. Food was also incredibly delicious and healthy. Loved loved loved this trip.
Melissa Mellado Ruiz
Melissa Mellado Ruiz
5. October, 2022.
Embark on an incredibly beautiful transformative journey with Ayla and Frani! The yoga and sailing retreat was a unique experience for me to discover new yoga and meditation practices in the very magical Whitsundays islands while connecting with a beautifully intergenerational and inclusive group of people. The sense of community, the content and science behind each practice, and the flow of each day was just perfect. Each yoga, meditation, snorkeling, and waking spots handpicked by Ayla were absolutely stunning. The Prosail crew also did a fantastic job at making our stay safe and smooth with very abundant yummy food. Add to this an awesome photographer, Dani, who managed to discretely capture the beauty of every moment and people, while connecting with us. I am honestly forever grateful for this amazing experience and I cannot wait to join the next retreat in Bali or the Whitsundays with these beautiful souls!
Danielle Koschel
Danielle Koschel
5. October, 2022.
Words can't evan describe how amazing this trip was. The food was incredible. The crew were incredible, there is so much to do and it's all so beautiful. I met the most amazing women that I will never forget and I learnt so much about stillness, self worth and the beauty that life has to offer. It really was so magical. Ayla and frannie are the most beautiful souls and they just always make your heart so full of love. I highly recommend this trip. You get to see the reefs, the sunrise, the sunset, the mountains, the ocean and all mother nature has to offer. It's truly incredible. I dare you to book a trip, because I know your going to have such an extraordinary time 🙌🏻