About
Mission Statement:
At Passport to the Heart, we specialize in curated wellness travel and transformational retreats designed to elevate your personal journey. Blending yoga, cultural immersion, and coaching, we create meaningful travel experiences that inspire growth, clarity, and connection.
From intimate getaways to private group retreats, our bespoke travel consulting helps you explore the world with purpose—unlocking new perspectives and lasting transformation along the way.
Let us design your next journey—where travel meets personal evolution.
Official Biography:
Melissa Andersen Volshøj, originally from Florida, is the founder and lead consultant of Passport to the Heart, a boutique wellness travel consultancy specializing in transformative retreats and curated personal growth experiences.
Melissa’s journey began at age 18 with a deep interest in travel, yoga and self-development. After earning a bachelor's degree in communications, she launched a successful career in luxury hospitality sales in Southern California while expanding her yoga practice. But after three years in corporate sales, stress-related health issues prompted a major shift. Realizing that the pursuit of the “American Dream” was impacting her well-being, Melissa made a life-changing decision: she left her career, sold her belongings, and committed fully to wellness, travel, and intentional living.
Since 2011, she has explored over 60 countries across six continents, drawing inspiration from global cultures and holistic practices. In 2012, she completed her traditional Hatha Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India, and later earned her RYT 500 certification through over 300 hours of advanced training. In 2016, she became a certified NLP practitioner and motivational coach, integrating mindset work and coaching into her retreats and consulting services.
Now based in Norway with her Danish husband and their two children, Joy and Noah, Melissa combines her background in luxury hospitality, yoga, and coaching to help clients design meaningful, transformative travel experiences. Through Passport to the Heart, she offers strategic consulting, retreat planning, and wellness programming for individuals and groups seeking more than just a vacation—they seek purposeful journeys that inspire lasting change.
Samantha
"This has been and incredible week. I appreciate all of the help with modifications. I admire Melissa's patience, creativity and also energy."
Astrid
"Melissa is like a sunshine, always positive and happy, sending a lot of good energy. I am so thankful for this week!"
Jenny
"This yoga retreat has been fantastic! Melissa brought skill, laughter, fun, and smiles that radiate warmth and Joy. This has been such a wonderful experience."
Kate
This week retreat has been so special and uplifting. Melissa has such a big heart and a serious spirit. Melissa has a wonderful impact on those around her. The sentiments and messages shared this week have truly heped me take another step in my journey.
Ulli
"I was impressed with all of the different styles of yoga. Each lesson was wonderful and I am thankful for this variety so it never got boring at all the whole week."