Meet Francesca, the Woman Behind the Altea Centro and her Journey to Make Lanzarote Home

For more than 20 years, Francesca has been helping people discover the benefits of movement, mindfulness and holistic well-being. 

We learned about her journey from northern Italy to Lanzarote, why she fell in love with Yoga and Pilates, her lifelong connection to the sea and what continues to inspire her every day.

1. Hi Francesca, let’s start at the beginning. What was life like growing up in northern Italy, and what inspired you to leave home at just 23?

I was born in August 1978 in the province of Milan, and from a very young age, I was drawn to water and movement. I loved to dance—I distinctively remember dancing with my father without ever having taken a formal lesson; it just came naturally to me.
As I grew older, that love for movement naturally translated into sport. I started working at a sports centre where I taught swimming and aqua aerobics, and eventually, I was promoted to assistant director. On paper, I was completely fulfilled professionally, but deep down, something vital was missing: the sea. I realized that I was only truly happy when I was by the ocean. So, at 23, I made the decision to leave Italy behind to live and work wherever there was salt water and open sea. It was a hugely difficult decision because Italy is a truly wonderful place, but the pull of the ocean was simply stronger

2. Your career has taken you to different countries around the world. Where did your journey take you before you eventually arrived in Lanzarote?

.I started gaining teaching experience near Monza, in the province of Milan, working at a very large sports centre. From there, my journey around the world began. I first moved to Tunisia, and then spent time in Central America and the Caribbean, working in the Dominican Republic and Cuba.
I also worked in Sardinia for a long time, and later spent a full year in the Maldives, where I taught sports, worked as a snorkeling guide, and even did some tour guiding alongside fitness. After that, I moved to Brazil.
My final destination before settling down was when I became pregnant; I decided to come here to Lanzarote because it offered the perfect mix—combining the tropical, vibrant feel of the Caribbean with the safety, comfort, and culture of Europe.

3. Do you remember your first impressions of Lanzarote? Was there a particular moment when you realised this island could become your home?

I had actually visited Lanzarote on vacation before, and I made up my mind right then: whenever I decided to stop roaming the world, this is where I would build my life. The ocean here is absolutely magnificent, and the energy of the island is truly unique and wonderful.
So, 20 years ago, I made the move and made Lanzarote my home. Even after all these years, that magic hasn't faded. It has a grounding, powerful energy that connects you deeply to nature, and that is what continues to make it such a special place for me.

4. More than 20 years later, what is it about Lanzarote that still makes it such a special place for you?

For me, Lanzarote remains so special after 20 years because it’s where I chose to build my entire life. It’s where I decided to have my daughter, buy my home, and open the wellness centre I had always dreamed of to serve this community. Plus, as a passionate swimmer, the ocean here is simply spectacular—it nourishes me every single day.

5. You spent many years working at the Fariones Sports Centre in Puerto del Carmen. How did those years shape you, both professionally and personally?

Working at the Fariones Sports Centre for so many years was an incredible learning ground. In any given class, you could have a complete beginner who had never swam or done Pilates right alongside someone with years of experience. To guide everyone effectively in the same room, you have to be highly adaptable, intuitive, and experienced. That was my greatest school—it taught me how to connect with people individually and tailor my teaching to very different needs all at once.

6. You’ve taught everything from aerobics and swimming to Pilates and yoga. How has your own approach to health, fitness and well-being evolved over the years?

That’s a wonderful question. My journey actually started as an ocean lifeguard when I was very young—I used to joke that I wanted to be like Baywatch! Deep down, I always had this inner desire to teach, even as a little girl. I wanted to share whatever brought me joy, hoping it would bring health and happiness to someone else too.
I started with swimming and all kinds of aquatic sports, like water aerobics, before moving onto land-based fitness like step, weights, and conditioning. But everything shifted when I first encountered Pilates—the moment I saw it, I just knew in my heart that I had to teach it.
Later on, I was actually asked to cover a yoga class because an instructor was missing. That unexpected moment sparked a whole new love. Today, I teach yoga in my own authentic way: focusing on helping people connect with themselves, quiet their minds, and find true internal balance.

7. After such a long and established career, what gave you the courage to take the leap and create your own wellness space?

After so many years of teaching, I reached a point where I wanted to be truly independent and build something of my own, without having to work under someone else's terms. I had a clear vision, and I wanted the freedom to create a space on my own terms.

8. Tell us about Altea. What did you want people to feel from the moment they walked through the door?

.My dream was to create a holistic haven where everyone could find exactly what they needed under one roof. From the moment people walk through the door, I want them to feel cared for and offered a tailored approach—whether that’s through a Pilates or yoga class, a relaxing massage, a beauty treatment, acupuncture, or physiotherapy. It’s all about creating an inviting, personalized space for health, healing, and personal well-being.

9. The name Altea has a beautiful meaning connected to healing and restoration. Why did that name feel so right for you and your vision?

The name Altea came to me almost by chance. I was looking for the name of a flower when I came across Altea. It was love at first sight—it immediately touched my heart. In that very moment, I knew my wellness center would be called Altea.

Then I discovered the meaning behind the name, and it made me love it even more. Altea is a flower that has long been associated with healing, care, gentleness, and well-being. I thought to myself, this is exactly what I want my wellness center to represent.

10. What can someone expect when they come to Altea for the first time, particularly if they have never tried Pilates, yoga or a wellness class before?

For first-timers, it's very common to feel a bit insecure, afraid of not doing it right, or worried about not keeping up with the group. Creating a welcoming environment and a space of trust in a place as peaceful and special as Altea makes a huge difference.
My goal is to guide you through this journey: teaching you how to breathe, helping you connect your mind and body, and encouraging you to be truly present during class—alongside all the wonderful benefits that Yoga and Pilates bring.

11. Who is Altea for? Do people need to already be fit and active, or do you welcome complete beginners and people of different ages and abilities?

In Altea, everyone is welcome: from people who have never worked out and have no idea how to move their body, to those with a deep body connection who have played sports all their life. That is why we offer classes for absolute beginners, beginners, and advanced levels.

12. With more than 20 years of teaching experience, what do you think makes your classes and your approach to wellness different?

With over 20 years of experience, what makes my classes truly special is that I pour everything I have learned into every single session. I do it with genuine love and passion for people, so that you can experience and enjoy everything that has brought so much well-being to my own life.

13. We often think of exercise as being about physical fitness, but how important is movement when it comes to our mental and emotional well-being too?

Movement is an essential component of our mental and emotional well-being. Through yoga and Pilates, we build a deep bridge between mind and body, developing a genuine capacity for presence and listening: we learn to stay in the present moment and guide the body with intention.
It is precisely in this state of connection that we become able to truly feel what is inside us and identify emotions that have remained trapped as tension in different parts of the body. Recognizing these sensations, welcoming them, and working through them using the breath allows us to let them go—transforming movement into a true tool for release

14. What do you find most rewarding about the work you do, and is there a particular success story or moment with a client that has stayed with you?

The most rewarding part of my work is seeing my clients improve, not only physically but also mentally. The greatest satisfaction comes when they tell me they feel more present, have developed a stronger mind-body connection, and experience their practice with greater awareness. That is when I know I have contributed to their well-being, both on and off the mat.

15. Finally, what are your hopes for the future of Altea, and what would you say to someone reading this who has been thinking about making more time for their own health and well-being?

.My hope for Altea is that it continues to grow and that everyone who walks through its doors leaves feeling happier, lighter, and knowing they have found a true oasis of peace.

The message I would like to share with my clients is something I am learning myself: always make yourself a priority. Take that time for yourself, no matter how busy life becomes. Those moments dedicated to your own well-being are not a luxury—they are an investment in your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Thanks to Francesca for her time, and if you would like to organise a visit to Altea Centro or more information, you can click on the Image below to view their website.