Jonas's story begins with a leap of faith—arriving in the U.S. over thirty years ago with little more than determination. He went on to earn a graduate degree with summa cum laude honors, taught at the college level, and built a career as a contributing art director and photographer for Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. (Pick up a Neiman Marcus Christmas Book—you've probably seen his work.) That creative eye shows up during retreats, where he often offers professional photo shoots, capturing both the magic of the experience and the people who make it memorable.

For the past twenty years, Jonas has trained deeply in both Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga, studying under renowned teachers including Tim Miller and David Swenson, alongside many gifted local instructors. He's known for his skillful, intuitive adjustments and creative sequencing —always meeting students exactly where they are, and guiding them deeper. Jonas's teaching journey started quietly at home with a small circle of like-minded yogis. That intimacy grew into Second Side Yoga in Dallas, Texas—a community rooted in authenticity, growth, and genuine connection. Monthly potlucks celebrating yoga, food, and friendship have become a beloved tradition, the kind of ritual that makes a yoga studio feel like home.

Jonas has led retreats across Mexico, Costa Rica, and Belize, each welcoming 20+ participants who returned home transformed. These aren't your typical "near the beach" retreats—Jonas secures properties directly on the oceanfront, where you practice looking out at the water, sleep to the sound of waves, and step right onto the sand. No walks or shuttles required. In Belize, he even took over an entire private island. It costs more to find these exceptional locations, but Jonas believes in bringing students the very best experience possible. Now he's especially excited to return to Portugal, a place that captured his heart fifteen years ago, this time with a group eager to explore it together.

Daniel Jardin, one of Jonas's earliest students, writes:

"In yoga, much is made of gurus, lineage, and tradition — nearly all of which is either manufactured or apocryphal. It takes most new students and teachers several years (lifetimes, perhaps) to realize how antithetical this approach is to the true spirit of yoga. Jonas got it right away. His student-first approach to teaching stands in stark contrast to the insecure myth-building and self-aggrandizing of most yoga teachers. Rather than propping himself up, Jonas was (and so remains) singularly focused on the growth of his students. Where many teachers are secretly fearful of that growth—seeing such progress as a threat to their relevance—he, instead, holds a sincere desire to see his students' ability surpass his own. The progress of his pupils is paramount. In this way, Jonas honors the true meaning of yoga by fashioning the community as the guru rather than himself..."

Over the years, countless students have practiced with Jonas, and through his 200- and 500-hour teacher trainings, he's helped shape numerous skilled yoga teachers. His retreats also count as continuing education for teachers and are fully tax-deductible.

Come discover why students return to Jonas's retreats year after year—for grounded practice, thoughtful teaching, and a community that stays with you long after you've rolled up your mat.

Current Trip

Wellness & Beaches in Algarve