Meet the team

Architect by training, wellness studio owner for 12 years.
Founder of XIL, Mafalda has a thing for building ideas into something real.

Previous owner of Hotpod Yoga Lisboa, she’s now the mind behind the magic at XIL, turning bold concepts into projects in motion.
She loves a clear plan, a creative twist, and the quiet satisfaction of seeing it all come together.

Victoria moved to Lisbon from Brooklyn over five years ago, but her journey with movement started way earlier — she’s been dancing since she was three. She discovered hot yoga in San Francisco more than a decade ago and instantly fell in love with the heat and the calm it brought to her life.

Anna moved to Lisbon recently. Passionated about yoga, Anna loves to be around the practice on daily bases keeping a consistent routine.

She loves arts, crafts, books, languages, sports and nature. Favourite styles of yoga are all hot classes and Jivamukti.

Gabi is a holistic therapist from Brazil with a love for movement and self-growth. She moved to Lisbon 2 years ago after living in Asia—Vietnam, Thailand, and India. When she's not on the mat, Gabi's off-roading on dirt bikes, camping under the stars, or whipping up delicious meals for friends.

Originally from Poland, Kasia spent 9 years in London before swapping the grey skies for Lisbon’s sunshine. After escaping the high-stress world of advertising, she’s now on a mission to help other busy professionals find balance—preferably somewhere between a deep breath and a downward dog!

Anja recently came to Lisbon after living Copenhagen for the past 5 years. Off the mat you find her in nature, checking out new coffee spots in town and working with sustainability.

Born and raised in Portugal, Luna loves welcoming everyone with a warm smile and making them feel at home. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the arts and deepening her yoga practice. You’ll find her at the front desk, ready to support you on your journey at XIL.

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Bibi splits her time between Toronto and Lisbon. A wellness enthusiast who embraced a healthy lifestyle after healing her autoimmune, she believes movement is one of the greatest forms of healing. A longtime XIL fan, Bibi loves the community and the power of Pilates, especially those micro-movements that bring the shakes and the real progress! When she’s in town, expect some extra Hot Pilates magic!

With a lifelong background in dance, movement has always been Sassi’s language — the path that first led her to yoga in Germany years ago. After completing her teacher training earlier this year, she now shares her love for Vinyasa, blending creativity, strength, and flow in every class. When she’s not teaching Yoga, Pilates, or Barre, she’s by the ocean or out in nature, moving to the rhythm of everyday life.

Meet Dagmara, or Dag, for short. Originally from Poland and raised in the U.S., she’s spent the past 20 years teaching and inspiring students in sunny South Florida. Now based in Portugal, Dag brings her vibrant energy and rich teaching experience to our community.

Rafa is from Brazil and currently studying Psychology, always curious about what shapes the way we think and feel. When she’s not studying, you’ll probably find her reading or crocheting something special for friends and family. You can catch her at the XIL reception, always with a smile and good vibes.

Clara is from Rio de Janeiro and holds a Dance degree from Faculdade Angel Vianna. She’s also a professional actress, so in Lisbon you’ll find her dancing, acting, or teaching both.

When she’s off work, she’s at home with a good movie, a homemade meal, a board game, a book, or an arts & crafts project.

Katerina is originally from Greece and now calls Lisbon home after years of travelling. She’s a ballroom dance teacher and currently training as a Pilates and Barre instructor. Passionate about movement, wellness and life by the ocean, you’ll find her at reception, always welcoming you with great energy and a warm smile.

Maria is half Venezuelan and half Canarian and has lived in several cities along the way. She discovered yoga in Madrid and later deepened her practice in Berlin. Practicing since 2019, she did her teacher training in Kerala, India. Now based in Lisbon, she sees movement as a way to explore strength, mobility, and self-awareness.

Originally from Brazil, Thiago is a Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor whose life revolves around movement. From capoeira to skateboarding and samba, he brings rhythm, strength, and flow into every class.

With a background in finance, he teaches with structure and intention. Inspired by philosophy, jazz, and coffee culture, you’ll likely find him training, digging through vinyl, or in a cozy café.

Agata was born in Poland, having lived in Italy, and based in Lisbon since 2022. Her teaching is shaped by a background as a two-time marathon runner, multiple half-marathon finisher, and former hip-hop dancer. 

Bella is originally from Germany and now calls Portugal home. Through yoga, she found deep freedom and healing, which inspires the way she teaches and holds space for others.

She leads dynamic Vinyasa flows and structured practices like Ashtanga and Bikram-inspired 26:2.

Outside the studio, you’ll find her reading in a café, surfing, at the beach, or cooking with friends.

Originally from Brazil, Thiago is a Personal Trainer and Pilates instructor whose life revolves around movement. From capoeira to skateboarding and samba, he brings rhythm, strength, and flow into every class.

With a background in finance, he teaches with structure and intention. When he’s not training, you’ll likely find him at a café or browsing vinyl.

Marina comes from Aotearoa, New Zealand and is currently training to become an art therapist. Curious about the connection between creative expression, the mind, and the body, she loves being part of spaces that support wellbeing and presence. At reception, she enjoys welcoming people into the studio and helping them feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.

Selim moved to Lisbon almost five years ago and has fully embraced the lifestyle here: the ocean, the outdoor energy, and the vibrant sports community, all of which bring him balance and motivation.

Whether you’re an experienced runner or just getting started, Selim loves bringing people together to run. His approach focuses on improving technique, building endurance, and most importantly enjoying the process.