Meet Me
My mission is to ensure that all guests leave thinking their time with us exceeded expectations.
'Business' has always been a word that opposes the ideology of a true retreat so we aim to uphold an ethical business approach. All of our exceptional external staff who conduct our yoga and personal training sessions and guided walks are paid directly and in full. We do not take any commission whatsoever.
Whilst developing our programme here we know that the highest standards can be achieved without the need for extra costs so here at Alegria, our pricing structures are focused on value for money.
Nicola, Founder and Host
I discovered my love for tennis at a young age, and by 12, I attended the renowned Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida, training alongside some of the world's top players and coaches. Over time, my passion evolved from playing this dynamic sport to teaching it. My coaching journey has taken me to some remarkable places: I spent several summers as the resident coach at Quinta do Lago in Portugal, served as the Tennis Director at the Four Seasons in Hampshire, and was the head tennis professional at the Four Seasons in Nevis.
I also spent a few years working in the Maldives at some of the world's top resorts, including Soneva Jani and Fairmont Maldives, coaching high net worth individuals. During this time, I collaborated with top tennis management companies such as LUX Tennis and Peter Burwash International, further enhancing my coaching skills and experience.
Recently, I completed an exciting residency on a private island in the British Virgin Islands, where I had the privilege of being the head tennis pro and personal coach to Sir Richard Branson.
When I'm not on the tennis court, I channel my creativity and skills into the culinary arts. As a fully qualified chef, I hold a Cordon-Bleu diploma from London and have trained at the Ballymalloe Cookery School in Ireland.
Currently, I run Alegria Retreat, where I continue to offer private tennis coaching and culinary services to my clients across England, Portugal, the United States, and the Caribbean. My goal is to share my dual passions for tennis and cooking with others, providing a unique and enriching experience for all my clients.
