Travelers in the Places They Call Home
“It’s like the Amalfi Coast meets Mexico, with green jungles, islands off the coast, eight miles of pristine beaches, and the most beautiful villas you’ve ever seen.”
Kim Kessler spent 10 years as Director of Public Relations at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, leading international media campaigns and building long-standing relationships with journalists, wellness experts, and social media influencers. She also spent five years as Director of Public Relations for The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, on Maui, and The Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa in Pasadena.
At the top of her game, Kim first visited Careyes in August 2017 and loved it so much that she returned many times over a two-year period. Then, on a visit in November 2019, she had a vision of a one-bedroom, fully remodeled ocean-view casita and inquired with the sales manager. Two weeks later, he presented her with photos of exactly what she had envisioned. Kismet.
Kim took a couple of months to decide, then bought her little house, packed up her L.A. apartment and vegan cookbooks, and moved a week before COVID forced the world behind masks and doors. She hasn’t regretted a single moment and is one of only 50 full-time residents in her remote jungle-meets-the-sea home, three hours south of Puerto Vallarta.
Five years on, with her Mexican residency in hand, you’ll find her teaching yoga, cooking vegan meals for her friends, and running her global business, KIPR Global from a laptop in her dreamy casita overlooking the sea.
How do you say, “Living your best life” in Spanish?
Do you get restless for the big city?
I love the nature of here, including the jungle beaches, clifftop casitas and houses, and the international residents and guests that swoop in throughout the year. I have met the most fascinating people in Careyes, fellow homeowners and visitors alike.
From time to time, I love visiting big cities like L.A., Madrid, or Mexico City, but I also find it overwhelming, especially after living in such a remote place surrounded by nature. I do miss the convenience of ordering vitamins and having them delivered the next day, and going to the robust farmers’ markets that you find in big cities.
You recently became a yoga instructor, correct?
Yes. I have been practicing yoga for more than 20 years, but completed three yoga teacher certifications during the pandemic: a 200 hour yoga teacher training in Costa Rica, a transformational yoga training on Paros island in Greece, and a 200 hour Bhakti yoga teacher training in San Diego with one of my favorite yoga teachers Govind Das whom I accompanied to India on a Bhakti yoga journey to three sacred areas of India.
I really enjoy teaching yoga and do a combination of community vinyasa yoga classes at Careyes and private villa sessions for guests.
Is it easy to be vegan in Careyes?
Lilo Beach Club has delicious vegan food. The owner is from Los Angeles, too, and understands the importance of having plant-based options on the menu. Casa de Nada restaurant has vegan dishes, and I helped create the vegan menu at the exclusive private beach picnic in the Paraiso area of Mexico, just outside of Careyes at Casa Tauro.
In addition, I have led two plant-based yoga retreats with vegan chefs in Careyes, including one with celebrity vegan chef Leslie Durso.
I partner with many wellness leaders who come and help inspire others to lead healthy lives.
What are people surprised to discover in Careyes?
People usually don’t have a full understanding of Careyes, but when they arrive for the first time, they are impressed with the beauty, nature, and architecture, and how it all melds together so well!
It’s like the Amalfi Coast meets Mexico, with green jungles, islands off the coast, eight miles of pristine beaches, and the most beautiful villas you’ve ever seen. Guests also love how international the people are. You’ll hear people speaking multiple languages from Italy, France, Portugal, Colombia, USA, England, Spain, etc.
When you’re not working or teaching yoga, what do you do?
I take a morning nature walk along the jungle beaches near my house. I love cooking plant-based lunches for friends, going on boat rides to spot whales in season, and swimming off the white-sand beaches of Paraiso.
I also love the private beach picnic experience at Casa Tauro in Paraiso, going to have lunch at Lilo Beach Club, and parties at Casa de Nada with the incredible local DJ, Tatum.
For anyone considering a visit to Careyes, or even a move, do you have some advice?
Careyes is amazing, but definitely not right for everyone. It’s for a specific type of person who loves nature, doesn’t mind being alone at times, and can work remotely. I would recommend visiting a few times to make sure it is the right destination to live. I’m happy to provide advice to anyone seeking more details about the destination and the decision.
Read about my visit to Careyes, a resort unlike others in Mexico
