About Us

ABOUT US

Our Story

Floripa opened in 2007 when founder Ettore returned to Sicily after globe-trotting, driven by a passion for kitesurf. What began as a tiny surf house with shared bunkbeds has blossomed into a thriving yoga & kitesurf retreat, hosting over 1,000 guests each season. We’ve added yoga classes at dawn and dusk, created an on-site restaurant, and welcomed teachers and guests from every continent.

Floripa Surf and Yoga House team celebrating together in Sicily, showing the retreat’s strong community, joyful spirit, and welcoming staff

The values that drive us.

Joyful yoga practice under an olive tree at Floripa Surf and Yoga House in Sicily, a relaxing retreat for connection and wellbeing
Respect & Kindness
We honor our guests, each other, and the environment.
Photo of the terrace of a room at Floripa Yoga & surf house
Love for Simple Living
Beach breezes, home-cooked vegetarian meals, barefoot vibes, good time.
Two women preparing a kite for kitesurfing at Floripa Surf and Yoga House in Sicily, enjoying beach life and ocean adventure
Community Spirit & fun
Shared meals, group practices, impromptu BBQs and laughs.
Woman practicing forearm stand in the indoor yoga shala at Floripa Surf and Yoga Retreat in Sicily, showcasing advanced yoga and natural light
Passion for growth
Whether it’s nailing your first downward dog or your first kite jump, we’re here to guide you.
Fresh vegetarian food prepared by the in-house Italian chef at Floripa Surf and Yoga Retreat in Sicily, including spinach risotto and walnut-topped soup
Nourishing Food
Food for the body and the soul, with beautiful vegeterian dishes, shared amongst new friends
Resting cat on TRUST cushion at Floripa Yoga Retreat in Sicily, symbolizing peace, comfort, and a relaxing home-like atmosphere
Animal Lovers
Caring for all beings, including our furry recue friends, giving them love and a home.
Joyful yoga practice under an olive tree at Floripa Surf and Yoga House in Sicily, a relaxing retreat for connection and wellbeing
Respect & Kindness
We honor our guests, each other, and the environment.
Sunbeds and parasols on the quiet sandy beach near Floripa Surf and Yoga Retreat in Sicily, offering guests private beach access and relaxation
Love for Simple Living
Beach breezes, home-cooked vegetarian meals, barefoot vibes, good times.
Two women preparing a kite for kitesurfing at Floripa Surf and Yoga House in Sicily, enjoying beach life and ocean adventure
Community Spirit
Shared meals, group practices, weekly BBQs and laughs.
Woman practicing forearm stand in the indoor yoga shala at Floripa Surf and Yoga Retreat in Sicily, showcasing advanced yoga and natural light
Passion for growth
Whether it’s nailing your first downward dog or your first kite jump, we’re here to guide you.
Chef Francesco making homemade vegetarian pasta at Floripa Surf and Yoga Retreat in Sicily, showcasing authentic Italian slow food and in-house cuisine
Nourishing Food
Food for the body and the soul, with beautiful vegetarian dishes, shared amongst new friends.
Resting cat on TRUST cushion at Floripa Yoga Retreat in Sicily, symbolizing peace, comfort, and a relaxing home-like atmosphere
Animal Lovers
Caring for all beings, including our furry rescue friends, giving them love and a home.
About us

Floripa : A  Home away from Home

With beautiful views over our Balinese-style gardens, on-site restaurant, yoga shalas, delicious homemade vegetarian food and, most importantly, waves across the road, it's no surprise that many guests return to Floripa year after year.
We've always wanted to create a space that feels like home, where it's easy to have fun and meet new friends. The essence of Floripa is good times.

This one strongly supports keywords around **kitesurf in Sicily**, **community**, **beach lifestyle**, and **Floripa’s warm, welcoming energy**

Our heart belongs to the wind and waves

Long before yoga mats unrolled on our terraces, Floripa pulsed to the rhythm of the sea. Each morning, surfers carve the gentle Sicilian swells, and by afternoon our kitesurfers rise into the wind at Zuma Beach, harnessing every gust for an unforgettable ride. Stand-up paddleboarders drift along our sunlit coastline, soaking in panoramic views as the world wakes—and it’s here, in these moments on water, that our story began.

Meet Our Crew

Our small, international team brings together passionate yogis, dedicated kitesurfers, and warm-hearted hosts who live the Floripa way every day. United by respect, kindness, and a love for simple joys, we’re here to welcome you, guide your practice, and make sure your stay feels like home.

Mayo
Boss of the School too! Kite and Windsurf Instructor in love with surf and tricks.
Ettore
Boss of the School and kite instructor, no need to worry about anything when you are with him!
Volunteers
Every summer we host volunteers who would like to spend their holidays at our place. They help us to make sure everything runs smoothly around Floripa and Zuma, while enjoying beach life. They bring vibrant energy and a can-do attitude to everything they do!
Giada
Giada (or Giadina) is our Brand Manager, arrived at Floripa as a volunteer in 2016, and never left since then! Now In charge of Floripa Yoga Academy and marketing.
Paolo
Floripa's lush, colourful gardens are always a favourite with our guests and we have Paolo to thank! Alongside gardening, he looks after maintenance so if something's broken, he's the man to fix it. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find Paolo playing volleyball at Zuma or enjoying a sunset aperitivo.
Zia Lorenza
Lorenza (affectionately known as Zia, meaning Auntie) has been keeping Floripa looking its best since 2015 so expect to see her cleaning your room and the communal areas. Anything you need for your room, don't hesitate to ask Zia.
Chef Francesco
He worked all his careers in important Kitchens everywhere, until two years ago decided to create his life with sea view, and possibly a van where to travel with, when looking for perfect wind and waves. He cooks by heart, you will taste his incredible passion in very fresh meal you will enjoy!
Giovanna
Sicilian native Giovanna has been a much-loved member of the kitchen team since 2018. She's cooking up breakfast treats from the early hours, ready to energise you after a challenging yoga class! Fun fact: Giovanna's son is founder Ettore's best friend.
Giusy
Giusy is part of the Reception team so she's probably one of the first people you'll interact with while planning your stay. She is super organised, staying on top of guests' requests to ensure you have a smooth arrival at Floripa and everything you need during your stay.
Chiara
Chiara, originally from Ispica, is part of the reception team. You can go to her to organise everything from transfers to massages to hire cars. Chiara also looks after all the Floripa animals with care and love, thanks to her years of volunteering with strays and running an animal charity.
Cristina
Massage Therapist
Offering lomi lomi, lymphatic drainage and relaxing massages, book in with Cristina for a truly regenerative experience.
Ruth
Coach
Ruth is our in-house coach. Professional Certified Coach (PCC), she is an expert in transitions and will support you in making choices and taking actions that truly serve you.
Lorenzo
Osteopath
With Floripa from the beginning, Lorenzo's treatments are tailored to exactly what you and your body needs.
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Food is Life

Francesco: Our Kitchen Maestro

Chef Francesco at Floripa Surf and Yoga Retreat in Sicily holding a tray of fresh vegetarian Italian dishes, showcasing the retreat’s in-house gourmet cuisine
Stuffed tomatoes with herbs and vegetables from the vegetarian Italian menu at Floripa Surf and Yoga Retreat in Sicily, garnished with fresh basil and mint
Chef Francesco making homemade vegetarian pasta at Floripa Surf and Yoga Retreat in Sicily, showcasing authentic Italian slow food and in-house cuisine

Francesco, the heart and soul of our kitchen here at Floripa.
An Italian native with a lifelong love of fresh, local ingredients, he crafts nourishing meals that fuel your morning surf and soothe your post-yoga stretch.
Francesco brings warmth, creativity, and that unmistakable Mediterranean spirit to every dish. His cooking isn’t just about food—it’s about gathering our global community around the table, sharing stories, and celebrating life’s simple pleasures.

We're Animal Lovers

At Floripa, our love extends beyond people to our furry friends. Meet the cats and dogs we’ve welcomed into our home—rescued, cherished, and now part of our family.
They thrive on gentle pats, playful cuddles, and the warm company of every guest.