My Secret Auckland: Mibella Villafana shares her favourite spots in the city

Mibella Villafana is the founder of Auckland's newest wellness studio, Cora, a design-led reformer Pilates and wellness studio created exclusively for women and the LGBTQ+ community.

In this Herald on Sunday series, we ask well-known Aucklanders for their favourite spots in the city. This week, California-born and Auckland-based wellness studio owner Mibella Villafana takes us on a tour of her top places.

Favourite beach?

My son is in my ear about Piha, and I do have to agree, it’s majestic and stunning and the drive out reminds me of some of the drives in Oahu.

Favourite brunch spot?

I mean, Mother. The name, and also, Wow. I love having it as our local – sure to be another gem for the community.

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Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?

I don’t venture far, Lilian does beautiful food. But if I do, it is definitely Tempero on K Rd.

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Favourite place to take a visitor to?

Waiheke and Opito Bay.

Favourite spot to finish a night out?

Home with friends. I am a homebody and love hosting – it’s the perfect way to end an evening.

Favourite place to get coffee?

Aside from in bed, Tom from Blackbird in Ponsonby Central.

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Favourite fish-and-chip shop?

Takapuna Beach Cafe.

Favourite trail for a hike?

I used to love the Le Roys bush walk in Birkenhead before the cyclones.

Favourite venue for a gig?

Town Hall, the architecture is beautiful and inspiring.

Favourite place to find a bargain?

The second-hand boots at Ponsonby Rugby Club.

Mibella Villafana is the founder of Auckland’s newest wellness studio, Cora, a design-led reformer Pilates and wellness studio created exclusively for women and the LGBTQ+ community.