ABOUT VIA YOGA

Going away can be the first step toward coming home.

Via Yoga was founded in 2002, when after returning from a vacation in Sayulita, Mexico, Kelly Kemp approached her friend and yoga instructor Michelle Gantz with an idea. To create a place where people could slow down and escape their hectic lifestyles; where they could both relax and challenge themselves. Guests would do this via travel, via trying new things, via yoga, via surfing, via Pilates. And with this vision Via Yoga was born.

Suzie Cavassa: Owner
Suzie’s story begins in 2007 on a Yoga and Surf retreat in Costa Rica with her sister, Mimi. “It was an amazing week of renewal. The perfect mix of activity and rest, of self-discovery and care-free fun, I was hooked”, Suzie remembers. So in 2009 when the opportunity presented itself to join the Via Yoga team, she jumped at it. Her fifteen years of management experience in the health and wellness industry was a perfect fit for the growing business.

2011 marked another chapter in the evolution of Via Yoga. When co-founders Kelly Kemp and Michelle Gantz were ready to pass the torch, Suzie happily embraced carrying the Via Yoga experience forward. “With Via Yoga, I was able to marry my love of travel and an active lifestyle. I’ve always believed in the mind body connection and the practice of yoga as a transformative vehicle”, she says. Today Suzie leads the Via Yoga Team with Kelly and Michelle remaining actively involved and enjoying the benefits of a supporting role.

Andrea Arriaga: Senior Yoga Instructor and Via Yoga Host
One of the very first Via Yoga instructors, Andrea has been leading retreats since the inception of Via Yoga. Her numerous talents include teaching yoga and surfing as well hosting retreats. Raised in a bicultural family on the coast of Ventura, California, she is a citizen of both the United States and Mexico. Andrea has lived in both Nayarit and Hawaii since first arriving in Sayulita. Her connections to and knowledge of the local community and its culture serve as an invaluable benefit and comfort to Via Yoga guests.

Tijen Hotchkiss: Guest Relations
Tijen's love affair with yoga began in 2005. After discovering Pilates, she gave yoga a try. It didn't take long to realize that the clear head and calm energy that followed a yoga class, was addictive! After attending a friend's Bikram class and vowing to never do it again she now claims a perfect week includes two hot yoga classes partnered with two Pilates classes. Tijen joined the Via Yoga team in August 2009. "It has been a wonderful adventure, helping Via Yoga guests get ready for their retreats is incredibly satisfying and exciting", Tijen shares. Last May, she attended her first yoga retreat in Todos Santos, Mexico and insists that it was the most relaxing and sweet vacation yet!

Kelly Kemp & Michelle Gantz: Co-Founders
Kelly and Michelle feel that Via Yoga has been successful for one very important reason: guests have life-changing experiences. “We set the stage,” says Michelle, “and we watch guests as they relax into the trip. We give them room to take time for themselves, to discover themselves, and make friends. People create the vacation they want. We're there to support them with classes and offer ideas for local adventures.” “Guests come to have fun,” Kelly adds. “I keep in touch with several of our guests, many of us have remained friends. It was a surprise to meet so many different people from so many walks of life, I’ve really enjoy it.” Today, you’ll find Kelly and Michelle hosting Via Yoga retreats enjoying the remarkable company they created.

We hope to see you soon at a Via Yoga Vacation!