About
Land Ahoy
As you approach her sparkling shores take a deep restorative breath and exhale slowly
Scents of red earth, tropical foliage and sea spray fill the air
You are welcomed with a fruity mocktail and crowned with a wreath of fresh tropical flowers
These are the moments you have dreamt about
Paradise found
You walk barefoot through the eco resort
Pathways lined with palm and fruit trees
The entire Island solar powered and self-sufficient
Your bungalow overlooks the water and you bathe under the stars
Sunrise yoga, mountain hikes and waterfall swims fill your days
At one with nature
Body and soul nourished
Resolute – this is how life should feel
Simple. Connected. Purposeful
You’re ready to integrate this new way of being
Reality awaits
But not before you pocket a few souvenirs
Scooping up the last of your room’s toiletries
You’ll be using every last drop of these beauties
Better yet, can you get this brand back home?
What’s their name… oh of course
Desert Island Essentials!

Meet the founder
Who loves an overnight success story?...Unfortunately that's not our founding story, it’s been a long time in the making...
Our founder, Kate Ellis, a frustrated soulpreneur desperately craved purpose and impact. A passionate environmental activist with a growing addiction to natural skincare, for which she blames a combination of aging, motherhood, being a Dietitian and the 2020 millennial induction to TikTok, she conjured Desert Island Essentials in the height of COVID-19 pandemic.
Kate says, ‘The brand name came to me as I imagined a tropical island escape with my girlfriends (sans toddler). Swinging on hammocks, whilst being waited on by pool attendants delivering bottomless Pina Colada’s.’
Kate had envisaged a self-care brand that created bare necessities, items you’d need and want on a ‘desert island’, products that were natural, evidence-based but also utilitarian (how very millennial working mum) without compromising luxury. Frustrated by the deceitful and gimmicky use of the word ‘sustainable’, the lack of real care factor and the boring ‘eco’ beige branding in the industry. Desert Island Essentials was born - eco, end to end ethical, luxurious and sustainable. With a mission to be a catalyst for action, a pattern disrupt that inspires women to put the planet first, so that our children inherit a healthy Earth.
Desert Island Essentials Belly & Body Oil is only the beginning…. Read about our commitments here.