Eighteen years ago, Joelma and I dreamed of creating a space in Brazil to reconnect with the Earth and to accompany visitors in their personal transformation, on the material, mental, and spiritual levels.

Our Story

Our paths have crossed here and there: in Paris with Sol Semilla, our superfood brand and organic vegetarian restaurant near Canal Saint-Martin; during our cacao ceremonies with our association Time is Art; through Joelma’s cuisine, which you may know from the Paris Yoga Festival or her workshops; or perhaps you visited us in Bahia, Brazil, when we were running the Art Jungle Eco Lodge, or more recently in Mallorca by taking part in a personal development retreat.

The Birth of Mana Inani

This time of maturation has given us the expertise for this project and allowed synchronicities to present us with this land on 2/2/2022, so that we could become its guardians.

We invested our last savings and brought together three other families, including one that has been managing the site on a daily basis up to now.

From Cattle to Cacao

Mana Inani was born, an ecosystem preserved within the Atlantic Forest, 17 km from the paradisiacal beaches of southern Bahia. A valley crossed by a stream fed by five natural springs. Eight hectares of biodynamic cacao, six hectares of açaí, and many other fruits, vines, and leaves that we have planted so we can prepare our own natural remedies!

"We see ourselves as guardians, not owners, and plan to donate the land to the NGO Tempo é Arte, to be registered to further our vision."

Our Progress

We spent two years studying the land, its waters and winds, thinking about how to enter it and where to place the buildings, while respecting its subtle energies and preserving this abundant nature.

Last August, we began building a first guest house for sleeping and sharing meals, various facilities to support cacao production, a wooden bridge to access the Maloca, our hut for celebrations and rituals.

Mana Inani will be a space for:

• Retreats and personal development

• Rituals, celebrations, and body practices

• Cultural exchange with Huni Kuin families from the Amazon

• Supporting local youth and fostering economic and cultural growth

Mana Inani’s Vision

How to Get Involved

We’re seeking partners to join us as neighbors, with opportunities to purchase nearby 3-hectare plots for “green” tourism. Soon, we’ll launch a fundraising campaign for reforestation, spring revitalization, and planting fruit trees (coconut, papaya, pineapple). Donations to our association, Tempo é Arte, are welcome, as are your ideas and talents.

Join us in this journey to create a sanctuary of nature, culture, and community!