Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendall Inman.
When life hands you lemons or anxiety, inflammation, and sleep disorders, you turn to yoga. At least, this was the case for Kendall Inman, founder of Jungle Keva Tulum. Twenty years ago, newly married and instant step-mom to three busy children with a baby on the way, the unchartered territory left the former fashion executive overwhelmed. When it came to meeting the demands of company heads at Donna Karan and Guess, Kendall was a pro. However, after the birth of her son, sleepless nights and the lack of a conscious eating plan left her depleted in energy and unable to thrive as she once had.
A daily dose of yoga was just what the doctor ordered. Almost immediately, Kendall began to realize the benefits of the yoga classes combined with meditation sessions and breathing exercises. This natural high had restored her vitality so much so, that she was inspired to charge forward to earn her 200RYT and Ayurveda Health Counsellor certification.
The fellowship and support of the incredible instructors and yogi peers she had met along her journey, gave Kendall the incentive to launch an idea that would foster an even greater connection within her Texas yoga community. In 2002, she established Living Yoga Dallas. For thirteen years, this business venture hosted some of the world’s finest yoga teachers including Rod Stryker, Erich Schiffmann, Seane Corn, and Beryl Bender Birch, for trainings and workshops, spawning an exciting expansion within the region.
Life, being the grand production that it is, would not be so captivating without its scenes of heartache and tribulation. Enduring a painful divorce left the sails of this now single mother tattered and torn. All-be-it difficult, Kendall’s tenacious spirit was unyielding. She determined to find blue skies again on the other side of the storm and set off to pursue her passion.
Her devotion to Yoga and Ayurveda prompted a pilgrimage hike in the Himalayas and several trips to India. In local ashrams, the eager mentee had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally studying under leaders in the country where these transcendent practices first originated.
While she has spent thirty years traveling the globe, Kendall has always felt ‘home’ in Mexico. Whether sampling the divine culinary offerings in Mexico City, practicing yoga on a secluded mountaintop in Oaxaca or negotiating with the odd road bandit in Chiapas, this female version of Robinson Crusoe is a Mexican expert through and through.
In the last decade, Kendall has led more than a dozen yoga and wellness retreats in the Riviera Maya. Her adventurous spirit and local knowledge along with her keen sense of quality and infectious liveliness are an impeccable hospitality combination.
Her ability to relate to everyone she meets is a result of her culmination of life’s trials and triumphs. Having dedicated her heart to several roles – mother, teacher, wife, business executive, entrepreneur and perennial student, she has developed an innate ability to empower people. Leading the way with her signature, true-to-herself manner, she challenges anyone who shares space with her, to dig deeper within, until a marvelous connection to their own authentic power occurs.
Not only are her efforts focused on helping her clients to live their best lives, but her most recent concept, Jungle Keva Tulum, aims to be an impelling example of sustainable living and tourism. The project features solar panels, a state-of-the-art sanitation treatment system, and displays elegant local hardwoods complimented by a handsome Mayan resin finish throughout the luxurious lodges.
With her penchant for detail and reverence for nature, Kendall has designed a tranquil hotel and retreat hideaway in the award-winning travel destination Tulum, Mexico. Engulfed by an exotic garden, the jungle oasis opens its doors to travelers in search of a unique trip above and beyond the typical Mexican all-inclusive experience. Guests can partake in experiential cooking classes and wellness workshops, dine on exquisite local menus and dance under the stars, as well as explore some of the most outstanding locations in the Yucatan Peninsula, which the majority of Riviera Maya tourists will never have the chance to encounter.
Beyond the four trademark retreats including The Ultimate Reset and Family Adventure Retreats, Jungle Keva delivers the prime venue for hosting professionals who wish to lead their own events. The paradise-like setting and upscale amenities offer an introduction like no other to the spectacular natural beauty and magical energy of Tulum.
Keva is Kendall’s grandest vision of her purpose, her heart exposed for the world to see. It is a manifestation of her pure joy that lives on in every cherished guest.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
On one hand, I wish that establishing Jungle Keva Tulum could have went a little smoother. However, on the other side of the coin, I have had the chance to work with some of the most incredible architects and craftsmen, I believe, in the world. Together we have laughed some, grown some, worried some, but have overcome the setbacks. The Jungle Keva Tulum vision was grand and I am thrilled beyond measure that the team could bring it to life.
That being said, as any entrepreneur will tell you, building a business from the ground up does not come without struggle. During construction there were some days that plans advanced at a smooth and steady pace. While other days, I admit I had my doubts that I could pull this enormous feat off.
Even today, after hosting several successful events and happy customers, our team continues to iron out kinks. But each week takes us closer to all I ever imagined this extraordinary project to be. As all consuming as a start-up can be, I am reminded of my purpose with each Keva guest who leaves renewed, transformed and uplifted, even in the subtlest of ways.
This video tells a little about my story:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/jungle-keva-tulum-an-enchanting-jungle-hideaway/x/19174336#/
Please tell us about Jungle Keva Tulum.
I value social connections, unique travel experiences and hold a high regard for the environment and for my own wellbeing. There are millions of other people with similar ideologies. With a background in corporate sales, a devotion to yoga and Ayurveda, as well as experience hosting international wellness retreats, Jungle Keva Tulum seemed a natural progression on my journey.
Jungle Keva is a special place in the heart of Tulum’s jungle. It is a sanctuary where every single design element fuses together to create a tranquil haven and soul-stimulating experience for travellers. It is a luxury, boutique hotel, a retreat venue and also acts as a community hub, hosting several social events such as yoga and brunch, festive holiday parties, and casual Sunday barbecues.
Guests are truly awed by the property – the warm, elegant woods we used in our lodges, custom furnishings and yoga studio, the Mayan masonry work, the indoor/outdoor en-suite bathrooms, the breathtaking pool area. I am elated with the outcome and the fact that we get to see day in and day out, a light of inspiration ignite in the eyes of arriving visitors is icing on the cake!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One memory that stands out and highlights my spirit particularly well is picking 100 pounds of apples at age 11 with an intention to sell them myself. When I didn’t sell the entire bunch from my makeshift roadside market, I used my sister’s red wagon and went door to door to sell what remained. I guess you could say I was tenacious from a young age. I have always spent as much time as possible outdoors and feel most alive when I am interacting with people.
Pricing:
- Retreats $1895 for 5 nights, 6 days, all meals, classes, excursions.
- Hotel nights average $150
Contact Info:
- Address: Calle 3 Pointe, Region 15,
Manzana 3 LT 7
Colonia La Veleta
Entre Fundadores de Tulum y 16 Sur
Tulum, MX 77780
Quintana Roo - Website: www.junglekevatulum.com
- Phone: 214-738-5885, 011-52-1-984-132-6234
- Email: kendall@junglekevatulum.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendallyoga/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/junglekevatulum/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/kendall.inman.1
- Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/junglekevatulum/
- Other: Jungle Keva Tulum
Image Credit:
Jake Inman, my son 🙂
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