A new chapter in Auckland’s wellness scene begins this spring with the launch of Cora, a design-led reformer pilates and wellness studio created exclusively for women and the LGBTQ+ community. Nestled in the heart of Grey Lynn, Cora is more than a studio, it is an urban sanctuary that blends movement, stillness, nourishment, and community under one roof.
Founded by wellness devotee and qualified yoga and pilates instructor Mibella Villafana, Cora was born out of a love for holistic wellbeing and a desire to create an inclusive space where women and LGBTQ+ individuals can connect, restore and thrive.
“Cora comes from corazón, meaning ‘for the love of’, and that’s exactly what it represents. It’s a space where movement meets stillness, where we honour both energy and rest, and where community is at the heart of everything we do. At Cora, we celebrate women, uplift the LGBTQ+ community, and redefine what holistic wellbeing means in today’s world. We’re incredibly proud of our inclusive offering and know it will truly resonate with our community,” says Villafana.
At the heart of the studio lies intentionally curated reformer pilates classes, designed and led by some of New Zealand’s top practitioners. These classes are tailored to guide women through every life stage using mindful movement that builds strength, resilience, and balance.
To complement the physical practice, Cora Studio offers authentic contrast therapy, combining traditional Finnish saunas and invigorating ice baths to support detoxification, recovery, and relaxation. Upstairs, Cora Gallery is a serene, art-filled space created in collaboration with Föenander Gallery and thoughtfully curated by Villafana showcasing exceptional New Zealand and international art. It is also home to The IV Lounge, providing restorative IV treatments, a serene lounge, and a unique event space for workshops, pop-ups, and private retreats.
In redefining how wellness and productivity can co-exist, Cora also offers bespoke corporate wellness retreats and team sessions. From mornings of mindful movement to restorative sauna and ice immersions, or full-day retreats with nourishing food and IV nutrients, each experience is designed to restore balance, foster connection, and leave teams feeling centred, energised, and inspired.
This multifaceted offering makes Cora unlike any other wellness studio in New Zealand: a design-driven, results-oriented, community-focused haven where members can habit-stack their wellness rituals in one premium setting.
Cora opened its doors in Grey Lynn on 13 September. Located at 2 Kingsley Street, Grey Lynn, Cora is open seven days a week, and offers up to ten classes and contrast therapy sessions daily with plenty of car parking available.
Membership options encompass an introductory offer, individual and bundled standard classes, weekly unlimited classes with or without contrast therapy, as well as contrast therapy-only options.
To experience a class, contrast therapy session, book an IV treatment or to explore membership options, visit corastudio.co.nz.
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