ZenAgain Wellness: How Jennifer Carmel is Transforming Lives with Plant-Based Retreats

What if food could heal not just the body, but also the soul?

This is the question that ignites Jennifer Carmel, a world-renowned chef, artist, and visionary founder and CEO of ZenAgain Wellness Retreats LLC. With over 30 years in the food industry, Jennifer has mesmerized global audiences with her stunning food artistry—most notably her celebrated mandala cakes—and her unwavering commitment to plant-based, sustainable living.

In the last decade, she has emerged as a trailblazer in the wellness community, blending her culinary creativity with a profound dedication to health and environmental stewardship. Join us as we share Jennifer’s inspiring journey and how her sold-out retreats are transforming lives.

You’ve had an incredible journey in the culinary world—what inspired you to transition from catering and creating mandala cakes to founding ZenAgain Wellness Retreats?

During the pandemic, I attended a transformative retreat in Costa Rica, which sparked a profound shift in me. It was a time of deep introspection and connection, and I experienced many powerful insights about my life’s next chapter. I realized that my passion for nurturing through food could evolve into something more holistic. My heart was set on creating beautiful, healing spaces where people could come to be pampered, healed, and transformed in beautiful natural settings—leading me to found ZenAgain Wellness Retreats LLC. I wanted to blend my artistry and love of creating healthy food with experiences that inspire inner peace and wellness.

Your work is renowned for its artistry and focus on plant-based eating. What do you find most rewarding about combining your love of food with wellness and sustainability?

What I find most rewarding is the sense of community that naturally forms when people gather around food, especially in small, intimate settings. Combining my love for food with wellness and sustainability allows me to create experiences that are both nourishing and transformative. I love incorporating visits to local organic farms and sustainable businesses during our retreats. These connections not only deepen the guests’ understanding of where their food comes from but also bring the entire wellness experience full circle for me. It’s about creating a holistic relationship between nourishment, the earth, and mindful living.

ZenAgain Wellness Retreats and ZenAgain Catering have gained worldwide acclaim. Can you share a memorable moment from one of your events that deeply touched you or one of your guests?

One of the most unforgettable and surreal moments of my career was being invited to prepare a five-course plant-based dinner for 30 guests on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, Richard Branson’s private paradise. It felt like a dream come true, cooking in one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever visited. Creating my culinary magic for such an incredible group of people in that setting was beyond an honor. Meeting Richard Branson himself and hearing about his stories, visions, and struggles he’s endured throughout the years creating this off-grid, sustainable oasis was deeply inspiring. That experience taught me that with passion, love, and persistence, there truly are no limits to what’s possible. It reaffirmed that even the wildest dreams can become reality.

Photo by Laurita Polvorilla

As both a private chef and CEO, how do you balance the demands of your culinary artistry with running a successful wellness retreat business?

That’s a great question. Balancing the demands of my catering business while running wellness retreats is definitely a challenge and requires a lot of careful planning! I’ve learned to be very selective about the events I take on and space them out enough so that I don’t become overwhelmed. Recently, I’ve realized it’s time to expand my team even further and delegate more, which is a crucial step as the business grows. I’m also working on diversifying my offerings to keep everything fresh and exciting. While it’s demanding, the rewards—seeing the impact on guests’ lives—make it all worth it.

Many people look to you for inspiration, whether it’s for your creative food concepts or your approach to well-being. Who or what inspires you?

One of my greatest sources of inspiration is simply nature itself. I’m constantly amazed by the intricate geometric patterns found in plants and flowers and the symbiotic relationships between plants, insects, and animals. The deep connection I feel with nature fuels my curiosity, driving me to explore and create new food combinations. I love experimenting with edible herbs, flowers, and unique fruits and vegetables. For me, food is more than nourishment—it’s medicine, a form of healing, and that belief is what inspires me to try something new every day. I also find my rejuvenation, inner peace, and bliss when I’m immersed in nature. That sense of peace sparks my creativity in powerful ways.

Photo by Laurita Polvorilla

Your retreats focus on healing, mindfulness, and plant-based living. How do you design a retreat experience that’s both nurturing and transformative for your guests?

Each retreat I design starts with a dream. I often sit in bed late at night with a cup of tea, perusing exotic locations and dreaming up themes that would go along with them. I then reach out and form a connection with the owner or host of the retreat property and decide if it’s a good fit. Then, I slowly start to piece together the bones of the retreat. I follow a template of sorts from past retreats, reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and what guests have asked for. It’s a creative process, and I’ve discovered if it flows easily, it’s meant to be. If it’s a struggle with lots of roadblocks, I simply won’t move forward with it. I love creating these adventures. I’m over the moon excited for our next retreat in Yelapa, Mexico, in April 2025—filled with lots of magic!

Plant-based diets have become more popular in recent years, but they can still be intimidating to some. What advice would you give to someone curious but hesitant to adopt a plant-based lifestyle?

I always tell people that plant-based eating doesn’t have to be intimidating—it’s all about creativity, flavor, and balance. If food is cooked with heart and thoughtfully crafted using diverse plant proteins, herbs, and spices, it can be just as satisfying and comforting as any other cuisine. The key is to focus on vibrant, nutrient-dense ingredients and experiment with different flavor combinations. By embracing the wide variety of plant-based options available, you’ll find that you can create meals that are not only delicious but also incredibly fulfilling. Start by incorporating a few plant-based meals a week, and let your palate guide you. You might be surprised at how content and energized you feel!

You’ve been in the food industry for 30 years and a leader in wellness for the last 10. What do you hope to achieve in the next decade with your retreat business and culinary ventures?

In the next decade, I would like to see ZenAgain Catering and ZenAgain Wellness Retreats LLC create a legacy for themselves that not only continues to transform lives on many different levels but also encourages a much deeper connection to the planet. I want my businesses to be a beacon for conscious living, showing people how small, intentional shifts can make a profound impact on their health and the world around them. My greatest aspiration in the next decade is to be able to give back to this planet in meaningful ways—to help preserve and nurture the delicate ecosystems that sustain us, and to protect the beautiful, fragile creatures that call this Earth home. Whether through sustainable retreats and events, supporting environmental causes, or directly contributing to conservation efforts, I want to ensure that any wealth I create is channeled back into preserving the natural beauty of our planet for future generations. I intend to one day own a massive nature preserve! That is the plan! (big smile)

Where do you find peace and renewal for yourself as someone who is constantly giving to others through your food and retreats?

When I finally have the chance to decompress, I head somewhere with white sand and turquoise water. Anywhere off-grid and in nature brings me right back to center. And of course, being with my family, pets, and loved ones.

If you could describe your mission in life in one sentence, what would it be?

Ultimately, my mission is, and always has been, to leave a legacy of love—reminding everyone that our shared humanity is the foundation for meaningful lives, real connection, and positive change.

What do you believe is the key to creating lasting change in one’s health and wellness?

I believe a key to lasting change for one’s health and wellness is to learn to embrace and radiate love in all its forms. Forge deep and meaningful bonds with others, find your community, be a source of support and encouragement, and nurture the growth of those around you and the land you live on. Be kind. Take care of yourself and love yourself, most importantly. Through kindness, empathy, and compassion for all living things—and by embracing love as a transformative force—you can create a positive ripple effect for yourself and all those around you. That, I believe, is the key to a long, prosperous, and happy life.

Can you tell us more about your upcoming Wellness Retreat in Yelapa, Mexico? What unique experiences can participants look forward to?

We are so excited about this very special retreat, “Sanctuary of the Self,” taking place April 27–May 3, 2025. Yelapa is a hidden gem, accessible only by boat, nestled in Cabo Corriente, Jalisco, Mexico. It’s a stunning, nature-filled paradise where time seems to slow down, making it the perfect backdrop for a wellness retreat.

Guests will have the chance to hike through lush trails to waterfalls, swim in crystal-clear waters, and completely immerse themselves in the beauty of this unique destination. One of the highlights is our dolphin swim boat excursion, which includes a secluded picnic on a private beach—truly a magical day. Beyond that,our offerings are designed to deeply rejuvenate mind, body, and soul. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of art classes, morning and afternoon yoga sessions, and luxurious spa treatments, including massages and saltwater Watsu sessions in a pool overlooking the vast Pacific.

Nearly all the rooms boast ocean views, and with our early bird pricing available until January 1st, 2025, this incredible experience is surprisingly affordable. It’s a retreat where every detail invites you to reconnect with yourself and the natural world. We are so thrilled about what promises to be a magical week.

What’s the best place to follow you and connect with your work?

Follow me on Instagram at @zenagaincatering and @jenzenagaindesigns, and check out my websites at www.zenagainwellnessretreats.com and www.zenagaincatering.com.