Meet The Body Camp team

Founded in 2015 by siblings Kate and Ben Whale alongside Rick Parcell, The Body Camp was created with a simple yet powerful vision: to help people reconnect with themselves through movement, nourishment, mindfulness and meaningful lifestyle change.

Over the past decade, it has evolved into one of the world's most respected wellness retreat concepts, offering carefully curated programmes that combine fitness, mindset coaching, restorative practices and exceptional nutrition. Every experience is designed to inspire lasting transformation, whether guests are looking to reset, recharge or embrace healthier habits.

From Los Angeles and Bali to Marrakesh, Mallorca and Ibiza, The Body Camp has welcomed guests in some of the world's most beautiful destinations. Today, the retreat operates across three seasonal locations each year: Morocco in spring, the Balearic Islands in summer, and Koh Samui, Thailand, in autumn — each chosen for its unique atmosphere, natural beauty and ability to support personal wellbeing.

Kate Whale

Founder & Camp Director

With more than 25 years of experience in international hospitality, Kate is the driving force behind The Body Camp experience. From overseeing operations and logistics to ensuring every detail runs seamlessly, she is at the heart of every retreat.

Warm, energetic and endlessly dedicated, Kate has an exceptional talent for creating an environment where guests feel both supported and inspired. Her hands-on approach and genuine care for every individual are a big part of what makes The Body Camp such a memorable experience.

Rick Parcell

Co-Founder & Head Trainer

Rick's journey began in the Royal Navy, where he served for 14 years and developed the resilience, discipline and leadership qualities that continue to shape his approach today.

Following his military career, Rick moved to Los Angeles and trained at the legendary Gold's Gym in Venice Beach, where he qualified as a personal trainer and deepened his passion for fitness, mindset and sustainable lifestyle change.

For more than a decade, Rick has led The Body Camp's training programmes, helping thousands of guests discover new levels of strength, confidence and wellbeing. His coaching style is motivating, approachable and grounded in the belief that lasting transformation comes from building healthy habits that fit real life.

Ben Whale

Co-Founder & Head Chef

Ben is one of Europe's most respected plant-focused chefs, bringing creativity, expertise and a deep understanding of nutrition to every menu he designs.

As a certified mycologist and passionate advocate for whole-food nutrition, Ben creates dishes that are both nourishing and deeply satisfying, carefully crafted to support guests throughout the retreat's active programme. His philosophy centres on using the finest local and seasonal ingredients available, often drawing inspiration from the cultures and cuisines of the destinations where The Body Camp operates.

Guests quickly discover that Ben's role extends far beyond the kitchen. Through regular demonstrations and informal talks, he shares practical advice, recipes and nutritional insights that guests can easily incorporate into everyday life long after they return home.

An award-winning author of two plant-based cookbooks, Ben remains passionate about the power of food to transform wellbeing. While The Body Camp now offers optional organic meat, fish and dairy dishes, his menus continue to celebrate the abundance, flavour and vitality of plant-forward cooking.