Claire den Hartog
Head Of Wellness At Maison Kaizen
About Claire Our Head of Wellness, Claire den Hartog, supports all Maison Kaizen retreats and activations, hosting Pilates and yoga sessions while guiding the overall wellness experience. With over ten years of holistic practice, Claire brings a grounded, thoughtful approach to movement and well being, helping shape each retreat with intention, expertise, and care
Claire den Hartog
Head Of Wellness At Maison Kaizen
1. What does wellness mean to you at this stage of your journey?
Wellness is the art of being well in an unwell world; a world that often feels overstimulated, rushed, and dictated by the pressures of modern society. It’s the ability to recalibrate, reset, and realign whenever I drift out of balance; it’s not a fixed state, but an ongoing practice of awareness, adjustment, and self-honesty.
2. How do you bring moments of mindfulness into your daily routine?
I try to mono-task; to do one thing at a time and turn even the most ordinary moments into rituals. For the past six years, I’ve kept my phone out of the bedroom to avoid screens as I wake up and before falling asleep. Small acts; making the bed, washing the dishes, or cooking; become opportunities for awareness.
I take a few deep breaths; often with my self-made essential oil blend, which helps reset my nervous system. Before eating or drinking, I bless what’s in front of me; charging it with gratitude and presence.
I also try to connect with nature, no matter where I am; even if it’s just a minute in the sun or a few barefoot steps on grass or soil. When I walk or drive, I often listen to guided meditations; they help anchor my mind and reconnect with stillness.
3. Has your relationship with self-care changed since becoming a yoga teacher?
Completely. Self-care isn’t something defined or perfect; it changes as I do. It shifts with the seasons, with my cycle, with my energy. I’ve learned that we can only take care of others when we take care of ourselves first; in essence, self-care is the least selfish and most selfless act. And I’ve also learned that rest is often the most productive thing you can do; it’s where clarity, creativity, and true alignment begin.
4. What are your favorite rituals or tools that help you reset and ground yourself?
Reconnecting with nature; always. I take off my shoes and walk barefoot on grass or soil, even in the middle of a city. A few minutes in the sun, watching the sunset, or spending time near water; whether walking by a river, hiking, or being by the sea; always helps me come back to myself.
Yoga, Pilates, and workouts help me ground through movement; a mindful shower clears away tension and resets my energy with every deep breath.
5. Which Maison Kaizen products or practices do you find yourself reaching for most often?
The silk sleeping mask that’s launching soon; it’s improved my sleep so much. I love using it on flights or during daytime meditations. And of course, the iconic Kaizen hat; my essential companion for protecting my skin from UV exposure, especially as I love to be in the sun, and yet have to protect my delicate skin.
6. How do you help your students stay connected to themselves off the mat?
I remind them that they’re always just one breath away from feeling grounded. A few deep inhales and exhales can completely reset the nervous system. I encourage them to carry their breath awareness and gratitude from class into the rest of their day; that’s where the real practice begins.
7. What’s one small, soulful habit you think everyone could benefit from adding to their day?
Reconnect with your breath. Even though it keeps us alive, we’ve forgotten what it truly means to breathe. When you wake up, take three deep, slow inhales through the nose and exhales through the mouth. Do the same before you eat, drink, or when you feel anxiety rise; it’s such a simple yet powerful reset.
8. Best part of working with Rosa?
Her motivation and dedication. Rosa doesn’t take no for an answer; where there’s a Rosa, there’s a way. She’s pragmatic yet creative, driven yet heart-led; working with her feels both inspiring and effortless.
9. What does Kaizen mean to you?
Continuous, consistent little changes that lead to long-term transformation and healing. Kaizen is a daily practice; a philosophy of evolution through presence. Just like yoga, it’s about coming back to the breath, back to the practice, with humility and curiosity.
10. Best moment of the Hamptons retreat?
The full moon ritual on the beach and the sound healing guided by Yaffit from Begoldish; it was deeply transformative. I also cherish the thought-provoking conversations shared over meals, the laughter, and the warmth of meeting new souls in such an intentional space.
11. Advice to your younger self:
Trust your path; and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. You’re on your own divine timeline. Everything unfolds exactly when it’s meant to.
12. Can’t-live-without products:
My essential oil roller, ankle weights, face/body gua sha, travel shower filter, creatine protein powder and my Kaizen yoga mat; they’re my grounding essentials, the anchors that travel with me wherever I go.