Meet Kendall Inman | Hotelier, Yoga Teacher, & Ayurvedic Health Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kendall Inman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kendall, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Jungle Keva Tulum has been a deeply personal journey for me, one rooted in a desire to create something that honors my heart and a commitment to providing unconventional experiences for others.

The decision to embark on this venture was driven by several core principles and aspirations:

First and foremost, I wanted to build a business that would allow me to work in a way that resonates with my passions while also offering meaningful experiences to our guests.

Tulum, with its natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry, provided the perfect canvas for curating unique adventures for any guest that came to Jungle Keva. I always aim to guide them to hidden gems brimming with character and authenticity. These places are not just destinations but reflections of the heart and spirit of Tulum and Mexico.

Central to Jungle Keva Tulum is the concept of creating a sanctuary—a place that is intimate enough to foster connections among guests yet secluded enough to encourage relaxation and reflection.

Beyond mere comfort, I wanted to challenge and inspire our guests, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones while ensuring they feel supported and cared for throughout their stay. Every detail, every experience is crafted to be a catalyst for meaningful moments and adventures that expand perspectives and deepen cultural understanding.
At the heart of it all is the joy of fellowship—bringing together like-minded individuals who can share stories, forge new friendships, and collectively experience the magic of Tulum. For me, this business represents an opportunity to offer a chance for our guests to escape the ordinary and discover a different dimension of life. Achieving that is one my greatest joys.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have an innate sense for taking appropriate and decisive action, whether it’s preparing for a hurricane, building a unique business, or encouraging others to embrace new experiences. That is my superpower.

My life’s journey has cultivated in me a keen discernment that allows me to notice the details and navigate challenges that others may overlook or stray from. I’ve taken risks and failed many times. However, in the midst of this melting pot that life is, I encouraged myself to stay open and be willing to adapt. I’ve traversed a wide spectrum of experiences—some deeply painful, filled with uncertainty and doubt, while others have been abundantly rich with love and joy. I’ve traveled thousands of miles away from what I consider home. I’ve learned resilience by consistently getting back up on the horse, even after getting the shit kicked out of me.

I started working when I was 10 years old, selling apples door-to-door from my radio flyer wagon. This early entrepreneurial spirit instilled in me a lasting sense of initiative and determination.

All of me is in Jungle Keva Tulum. It is a culmination of all that I have seen, learned, heard and been inspired by.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My ideal Tulum itinerary for a first time visitor:

1. Check in to Jungle Keva and store your bags in your luxury lodge. Slip into your swimsuit and grab one of your bamboo waffle robes. Head for a swim in our award-winning infinity pool. Sip on an iced cold mexican cerveza!

2. Walk over to Veleta Market for a casual dinner, beverage or craft cocktail. You will have some excellent choices as they are multiple food vendors within the market. We love Ciao Belly or K-Papi. Listen to an amazing local DJ or live music too!

3. Wake up the next day and head to Nimeño, a wonderful cafe and boulangerie (order the cruffin and cold foam cold-brew – similiar to a Caffe Freddo from Greece).

4. Early morning / midday drive down to the beach road and turn left towards the national park side / ruins and spend an amazing day at Cinco Beach Club, our favorite hang. Warm, friendly, inviting and not pretentious in the slightest.

5. That evening hang out at Jungle Keva poolside and order in. We love Pizza Pazz – the best sourdough pizza in town

6. If you are looking for another night out, we lean towards Asian Bodega – Thai and Southeast Asian food that will knock your socks off. (next door is El Bodegón, a Spanish tapas jaunt by the same owners.)

7. Save room for desert and drive north through town to the intersection of Avenida Satelite. Make a left and look for the yellow and red cart labeled: Churros Lupita – a family owned and operated stand which has some of the best and freshest churros you’ll ever eat.

8. I would recommend two final choices for the last day. Either spend a relaxing chill afternoon at the social sanctuary cenote club Vesica

or

Head inland into the Yucatan via car to the colonial city of Valladolid (90 minutes from Tulum). Grab lunch at the Hotel Mesón del Marqués. Their signature dish is the Caldo de Marqués, a chipotle chicken soup. Plus their margaritas aren’t too shabby.

Spend the afternoon at Xkopek, a mayan bee farm that dedicates themselves to bee preservation and education. Grab a bottle of the medicinal melipona honey to take back home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes, my creative and remarkable son Jake has been an unwavering source of support since the inception of this project. From the moment the idea took shape, Jake showed immense enthusiasm and dedication. During my initial crowdfunding campaign, he personally penned letters to hundreds of friends and acquaintances, rallying support and shining a spotlight on our vision.

During Christmas break in 2018, Jake selflessly devoted a month to helping bring the project to fruition, helping me ensure our first guests enjoyed a memorable New Year’s Eve retreat. His roles ranged from translator, contractor, muscle, errand buddy and supply runner.

Over the past five years, Jake has continued to return to Jungle Keva, generously offering his time, energy, and love to propel our business forward. Most recently, he launched his latest creative endeavor, The Quiet Magical Renaissance, a live album recorded in our versatile yoga space. His artistic vision complements the ethos of Jungle Keva, enriching our concept with the introduction of a potential artist residency program which adds a new exciting dimension to our offerings.

Website: https://www.junglekevatulum.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junglekevatulum/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/junglekevatulum/

Image Credits
Photographer: Julian Guardia