A Vision Realized

Inspired to do things differently, Libre is taking aerial fitness and infrared yoga to new heights. Meet Stephanie Tishe, who is delivering big on a new idea in wellness.

 

Written by: Stephanie Davis Smith

 

Cradled in an interior courtyard surrounded by gumbo limbo trees, Libre offers a private and serene retreat from bustling city life. The studio’s mesmerizing aesthetic is scrumptiously edited to prioritize member well-being, with no unnecessary logos or retail distractions. It’s a space where wellness and design converge.

Tisch’s background includes two decades spent in branding and creative collateral for luxury clients with her agency Seraph. It’s no wonder she meticulously planned Libre’s design with the help of some of the most creative minds in the business. She brought in Landowska, a New York-based architecture studio in part responsible for Mr. C Residences, Brickell City Centre and The Ritz-Carlton amongst others.

Natalia Landowska created a hand-sculpted undulating wall in the space that looks like rippled fabric and creates a gentle vibe. Other carefully chosen materials include paper cloud lights to a durable material they use on yacht exteriors to Dolomite marble columns to tons of natural stone to an incredible terrazzo on every floor surface. It all works together to enhance the space’s aesthetic and functional appeal.

“Particularly for Miami, which is so fitness-minded, this is for people who like luxury and originality and want to be challenged,” says Tisch. “This is the kind of fitness playground they didn’t know they were longing for.”

There are two vibes in this workout studio. First, for aerial classes it’s about raising the vibe, and the space is flooded with loads of natural light. Secondly, for yoga guests it’s about peaceful quiet and inward focus. The space for those on silks is built with aerial fitness in mind, featuring specialized ceilings and bracking rigging provided by Quixotic, an imaginative experience company known for its flying pole and sexy aerial performances. “Safety and functionality were paramount in every decision [of these studios],” says Tisch. Unlike traditional heated yoga, infrared yoga at Libre utilizes ceiling-mounted infrared lights resembling white ceiling tiles. “It’s incredibly detoxifying and rejuvenating,” explains Tisch. “The benefits extend to the skin and muscles, making it an ideal practice for those seeking deep, detoxifying stretches.”

The star of the show at Libre is yogi April Gardner (aprilmayyoga.com), who has a background in ballet. Gardner has an incredible following and is responsible for regularly getting around 500 yoga enthusiasts up and on a beach by 6:30 am. Gardner or any instructor can black out the room or drop the LEDs down to 50 percent and make it dreamy, quiet and dark. “The instructor has complete control of the aesthetic of the room,” explains Tisch.

In the yoga space, Landowska incorporated acoustic wall panels and performance vegan leather into the design. Underneath is a layer of acoustic foam. “It dampens sound,” shares Tisch. “The effect is guests feeling calm and cocooned in the space and they don’t quite know why.”

With a focus on quality over quantity, class capacities are capped, but memberships won’t be. The yoga studio offers 42 spots per class. There are only 17 spots for aerial yoga classes and 11 rigging points for acro-style aerials, providing more than ample radial space for each practitioner.

The word is out of Tisch’s commitment to creating a space where “members leave feeling 10% happier.” The confidence boost and sense of accomplishment are palpable, making fitness at Libre more than simply a physical activity; it’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

 

 

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