About Me

Hey,
I am Amanda!

Founder of The Wondering Lotus Lifestyle... your go-to space for soulful travel, slow living, and finding yourself somewhere beautiful!

I'm a Rome-based travel content creator, yoga teacher, and retreat host with a serious case of wanderlust and a belief that the right trip can genuinely change your life. My love affair with travel started at 10 years old on my first trip to Rome and Paris. Spoiler: I never really came home! I'm a California girl who followed her heart straight to Italy, and I haven't looked back since.

I was 13 when I started practicing Buddhism and that philosophy of purposeful movement quietly shapes everything I share here. Travel, yoga, community… it all connects! When I’m not exploring hidden gems in Rome or planning day trips through Europe, you can find me on my yoga mat. I teach Yin yoga and host wellness retreats designed to help you slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect with yourself in some of the most stunning corners of the world.

Making the impossible possible through faith and diligent efforts. 

You might notice it’s The Wondering Lotus… not Wandering! And that’s completely intentional. Wandering is about movement. Wondering is about curiosity. It’s the questions we ask, the awe we feel, and the way travel cracks you open and makes you see the world and yourself differently. I’ve always believed the best trips don’t just take you somewhere new… they make you wonder about everything you thought you knew!

Why The Wondering Lotus
What To Expect

I created The Wondering Lotus Lifestyle to be the place I always wished existed… real travel guides, honest expat stories, wellness inspiration, and a community of women who are done waiting for permission to live fully. Whether you’re dreaming of your first solo trip to Europe, curious about expat life in Rome, or looking for a retreat experience that actually nourishes your soul, you’re in the right place!

Welcome to The Wondering Lotus Lifestyle. Let’s wonder together. 🪷

xx Amanda

You could easily spend your whole life somewhere and still be able to discover new things.

Hidden Gems in Rome

Last Updated on April 22, 2026 by AMANDA CASTILLO Hidden Gems in Rome: 9 Off the Beaten Path Spots the Crowd Miss Everyone who comes

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