People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Romana Testasecca
Romana Testasecca grew up in Rome before moving to Bristol.
During her time in Bristol, she has taught yoga at a number of different wellness locations, and trained clients one-to-one in fitness and strength training.
These are Romana’s top-five Bristol favourites:
The Wild Box
Classes at the Wild Box include different styles of yoga, fitness and holistic wellness practices – photo: The Wild Box
“I might be biased because I also work here but I started at the Wild Box in Bedminster as a student attending classes. I adore the high ceiling and welcoming space that instantly calms the body and mind. It’s such a beautiful community and they offer a wide array of classes: barre, yoga, pilates, and even parent and baby options. Everyone is welcome there, no matter your level. Plus, it smells divine!”
Nightingale Valley
Nightingale Valley and St Anne’s Wood are an important habitat for wildlife and offer a natural sanctuary in the heart of Brislington – photo: Friends of Brislington Brook
“Nightingale Valley feels like being in the middle of nowhere and it’s so perfect on a hot day with the refreshing shade of the forest. It’s a hidden gem and I’ve often walked through there without bumping into anyone. I love quiet time as my job is so social, so places like these feel sacred and special.”
Flour House
Flour House relocated from Park Row to North Street in March – photo: Zoe Lambe
“I only recently discovered this new coffee shop on North Street in Bedminster. I adore the sunshine and they’ve got a hidden sun trap in the back. I am a big believer in being kind and I have felt cared for every single time I’ve been to Flour House. Plus, they do an amazing matcha! Next time I go, I’ll be trying their amazing cakes which my friend has been raving about. I brought my laptop there once too and got some work done, sat at the window and people watched when I got distracted. I’ve recently started a relaxation challenge video series around Bristol and this place is on the list to visit next.”
Carouse Wines
There are more than 200 wines to choose from at Carouse – photo: Zoe Lambe
“I absolutely love Carouse Wines. The founder, Faye, is a real connoisseur. She is knowledgeable and friendly and I always take my guests who are visiting Bristol there to impress them. Every wine I try is outstanding and carefully selected. Carouse, on Oxford Street in Totterdown, is such a great place and they’ve been organising so many fun events there too! From pottery to music nights, from wine tastings to drawing, there’s something for everyone at here. And even if you don’t like alcohol, there are lots of non alcoholic options.”
Sweat Box Gym
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“Sweat Box on Princess Street in Bedminster is my favourite gym in Bristol and is another wonderful space I work at! I am a personal trainer as well as yogi and barre teacher, and I also create interviews for our socials. Every single person is unanimous in their answers – they adore Sweat Box and the friendly vibes! If you feel you want to take your training to the next level, come and join. You won’t regret it. You might find yourself impressed by the incredible skills in all departments: strength training, calisthenics, mixed martial arts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu , boxing and more! Sweat Box is the coolest space, and there so many options for classes and coaches. The personal trainers and instructors are some of the best in the bizz! No ego, just passion and good energy. Check out my website if you’d like to work with me and find out a bit more about what I do.”
Main photo: Watermelon Fitness
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