Tulum Retreat Team
Laura Fox RYT-200 | Wellness + Nutrition Coach | Experiential Travel Expert
Laura Fox | Retreat Leader
Laura, a Wisconsin native, has immersed herself in experiential travel since 2008, leading groups for a global travel wholesale company across Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Specializing in marketing and fluent in Spanish, she leverages over two decades of expertise in marketing and creative operations across Fortune 500 companies, startups, and her own ventures, including Free Bird Retreats.
Laura's yoga journey spans two decades with a focus on Bikram and Vinyasa practices. Her deep connection to Bikram yoga began in San Francisco, where her initial class was transformative. Laura practices at Hot Yoga Milwaukee, Amplify Yoga, and has specialized training at G-Form Fitness. She holds an RYT-200 certification in Vinyasa yoga and Yoga Nidra, and is a member of the National Yoga Alliance. Additionally, Laura is a certified in wellness and nutrition through the National Association of Sports Medicine. She integrates scientific wellness and yoga elements into her retreats, aiming to enhance participants' quality of life long after the retreat ends.
Yoga and experiential travel have been pivotal in Laura's life, aiding in personal growth and understanding of her family's history with mental, physical, and neurological health conditions. She has used yoga to navigate challenges, including autism, depression, anxiety, trauma, and eating disorders. A proud #boymom, Laura loves practicing yoga, seeking new adventures, spending time with her husband, hiking, reading, and enjoying the ocean or pool.
Laura's current focus integrates her passions, using her marketing acumen and travel expertise to curate holistic experiences that blend wellness, cultural immersion, and personal transformation. Dedicated to empowering others on their wellness journeys, Laura continues to inspire through her teachings and life experiences.
In-Destination Partners: Why We’re Unique
Free Bird Retreats partners with exceptional practitioners who share our dedication to holistic well-being, ensuring every retreat is transformative and enriching. Founder Laura Fox hand-selects partners and activities that are off the beaten path, drawing on her extensive experience leading group travel for global travel wholesalers. This ensures that our retreats are far from just another vacation tour. Our commitment to excellence means you can trust that each destination and activity has been chosen to provide a truly unparalleled experience, focusing on your health, relaxation, and rejuvenation. With Free Bird Retreats, you are guaranteed a unique, exquisite journey designed with your ultimate wellness in mind.
Chris Lennox | Ice Bath & Breathwork facilitator
Chris Lenox Smith | Ice Bath & Breathwork Practitioner
Having lived and worked in New York City for 15 years, Chris Lenox Smith discovered the mind-body connection after years of struggling with intense chronic pain. Breathwork combined with ice therapy was a transformative experience that altered his life path and led to an ongoing practice around nervous system regulation.
Chris now coaches mind-body modalities and facilitates breathwork and cold exposure sessions based on the Wim Hof Method to help others transform through this intense medium and find the power to shift their own life in new directions.
Chris is also the co-founder of Mind Body and the Master Ice Bath & Breathwork facilitator at Tulum Ice Club, an off-the-beaten-path haven for cold therapy where Free Bird Retreat guests will personally experience the transformation themselves on day 2 of the 4-day itinerary.
Kali | SUP Yoga Instructor
Kali | SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Yoga Instructor and Holistic Healer
Kali is an accomplished yoga instructor and holistic healer with a wealth of experience and expertise. As the founder of three yoga studios in Metepec, State of Mexico, she has been a guiding force in the yoga community for years. Kali has led 27 yoga and healing retreats in Valle de Bravo, Mexico, and taught over 100 online courses on yoga, mental health, and energy healing.
Her impressive credentials include teaching 19 yoga certifications in various specialties such as Aerial Yoga, Floor Yoga, and YogaFit across Toluca, Valle de Bravo, Tulum, and CDMX. As a Nike Trainer, Kali has inspired and empowered over 600 women per event during the Nike Women's Tour.
Kali's holistic approach extends to providing courses and training in Reiki, Thai massage, oracle reading, women's circles, red tent, and moon circles. Her certifications are extensive and include Vinyasa Yoga Sequencing, SOHA Yoga, Hatha Vinyasa Yoga, SUP Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Rainbow Kids Yoga, AcroYogaFit, Family Yoga, and many more. She is also a Trophologist, Health Coach, Reiki Master, and Holistic Therapist specializing in Chakra Healing, Mayan-Mexica Medicine, Thetahealing, Pleiadian Healing, Music Therapy, Sound Healing, Access Bars, Gem Healing, Aromatherapy, and Breathwork.
Kali will be the exclusive instructor at Free Bird Retreats' upcoming 4-day retreat, bringing her exceptional skills and deep knowledge to enhance your wellness journey. The Free Bird founder has personally benefited from Kali's instruction, making this retreat an extraordinary opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field. Join Kali for an enriching SUP Yoga experience that blends her extensive knowledge and passion for holistic wellness.