From Burnout To Bloom: How Jasmine Nash Is Redefining The Modern Yoga Retreat

What if travel could leave you feeling more energized—not exhausted? For Jasmine Nash, founder of Hot Yoga Travel Co., the answer lies in slowing down, tuning in, and designing retreats that go far beyond beautiful destinations. Through her thoughtfully curated yoga experiences, she’s helping guests move from “closed to open”—trading stress and routine for connection, clarity, and a deeper sense of self. We sat down with Nash to talk about the magic of mindful travel, the transformative power of 26&2, and why true wellness might just begin when you finally stop rushing. —Noa Nichol

What inspired you to start offering yoga retreats, and how have your own life and practice shaped the way you design these experiences?

I have always been a traveler—it’s something very familiar to me. From an outside perspective, the travel life can look glamorous! This can be true, but another reality is that traveling can be challenging and hard on one’s system.  Practicing yoga and prioritizing other healthy habits while on a trip can go a long way towards one’s actual enjoyment of the trip. 

I curate each trip so that travelers have the chance to feel their best and fully soak in the experience. I hope that guests have not only a phenomenal travel experience, but leave feeling inspired and rested.

Why is the hot 26&2 practice such an important part of your retreats? 

I love practicing many styles of yoga, but I have not found a style that has such an ability to create change in people as the 26&2 practice does. It is an incredibly healing and balancing practice. It’s also challenging! The 26&2 gives people the chance to do something difficult yet deeply therapeutic. I watch people become empowered to take charge of their physical and mental health through this practice. Each retreat feels intentional and personalized.

How do you balance structure with spaciousness—giving participants both guidance and freedom?

I offer a generous amount of yoga and other activities for those who wish for a more structured day. At the same time, some guests choose to take extra time for themselves and join us later. Everything is structured so that one can “drop in.” I encourage each guest to use their intuition to make the experience their own.

Can you describe the emotional or transformative arc you hope people experience over the course of a retreat? What are the “before and after” moments you see most often?

The words that come to mind are “from closed to open.” People arrive tired and stiff, and find themselves in an environment of strangers. Within just a few days, as we practice, sweat, connect, laugh and explore, everyone opens up and the walls crumble. Faces begin to look rested and radiant, and people bloom socially once they realize that they are in a group of supportive, like-minded people. By the end, friendships have been forged, and there is a feeling of camaraderie within the group. I love to see everyone glowing as we part ways. 

What makes a retreat truly restorative—beyond beautiful locations and great yoga classes? Are there elements you prioritize that most people overlook?

An experience becomes truly restorative when one slows down and makes an effort to notice what is around them. I always encourage retreaters to move more slowly through their day than they might at home, and I create the schedule in a way that no one needs to hurry. What does it feel like to not be in a rush for an entire week? This small shift in intention can be incredibly refreshing and rejuvenating. 

What role does connection with others play in deepening each person’s practice and integration?

My retreat groups are typically very diverse in terms of where they come from and how they spend their time at home. That being said, a common thread is that all who choose to come have some level of interest in health and wellness, which could range from a mild curiosity to a lifestyle built around it.

Knowing that others at the retreat have similar goals of wellness and vitality naturally creates a supportive and connected group. I often notice people sharing ideas and encouraging others on their individual paths. It’s like showing up to an event and instantly having a bunch of new friends who are in full support of your health goals. That’s a big deal!Many people feel nervous or intimidated booking their first retreat.

What would you say to someone who’s curious but unsure if they “deserve” or can commit to that kind of experience?

When someone attends a retreat, it tells me that they are willing to prioritize something of great value: their health. We address health from many angles during a retreat: consistent yoga practice, clean eating, meditation and breathwork, journaling, being present with a like-minded community…. all of these aspects are healing and nourishing. We all know that in order to function well in our home lives, we have to take care of ourselves. The retreats I lead are designed to be not only a fun travel experience, but deep self-care time. 

In other words: if one of your top priorities in life is to serve others, be it through your family life or your job, taking time to focus on your own wellness is vital. When you are well, everything else you give is better! It is more about “prioritizing” than “deserving.”

Your retreats blend movement with mindfulness, nature, and self-reflection. How do you weave these threads together in a way that feels cohesive and gentle—not overwhelming?

I recognize that everyone chooses to come to a retreat for a different reason- craving community, needing time to reflect, seeking inspiration, or wishing to invigorate their yoga practice. Whatever the “why” is,  I encourage all participants to move through the week slowly. To take more time doing things than they usually do, and to pay more attention to their surroundings. When one slows down- truly slows down, the experience becomes incredibly sweet and gentle.

Retreats can shift people deeply in a short time. How do you support participants to bring those lessons home and integrate them into everyday life once the retreat ends?

That’s true! Sometimes people tell me that they had a “life changing” experience, and I find that so beautiful. Everyone seeks support in different ways- whether it is the continued connection on our group chat, support in continuing to practice at home, or encouragement to focus on habits that are healthy for them. I am always available for retreaters to connect with after they return home, and many retreaters keep in touch with their new friends as well.

How do you choose retreat locations, and what role does place—culture, landscape, energy—play in shaping the experience?

I love to offer diverse experiences. I have some folks who come to multiple events per year and love to explore new places. Some absolute musts on my list are:

• Environment: a place that allows participants to immerse in the natural world and feel its effects, OR immersion into a new culture- often both of these happen on the same trip!
• Care: a place where all the details are handled smoothly so that the experience from start to finish is as relaxing and fun and possible.
• Yoga space: this part is a pillar! I always make sure that we will have a great place to practice together.

Looking ahead, how do you see the role of retreats evolving in the yoga world?

In recent years, I’ve seen a lot more yoga studios starting to offer retreats for their local students, which is both a great community builder for the students as well as welcome income for studios. Pairing with studio owners to assist them in creating retreats for their people is something I’d like to do more of in the coming years.

Are there new formats, themes, or offerings you’re dreaming about for 2026 and beyond?

So many!  Being creative about new events is a lot of fun for me. The 26&2 practice pairs very well with other movement styles, so I have a few hybrid events in the works. I’m also constantly scouting new venues, both for events that are geared more towards travel and those more aimed at yoga education. Stay updated here!