Italian Native Brings Passion for Yoga to Westfield

Westfield, NJ -- Traveling thousands of miles from Italy, Bella Bettulia is bringing her passion for yoga to Westfield.

Bettulia has opened Bella Vida Yoga Studio and hosting a ribbon cutting on Saturday, March 19 with Westfield Mayor Andy Skibitsky and town officials making an appearance.

Bettulia was born in Italy and would travel back and forth from the United States to her home country each summer. There she would practice yoga in her aunt’s three studios or along the coast in Italy.

She eventually moved to Staten Island, N.Y. but would travel frequently to Westfield to visit a friend. She thought it was the perfect location to start her own yoga studio.

“Westfield is a lovely community-based place,” Bettulia told Patch. “I thought it would work very well with my vision and my hopes.”

Dabbling in yoga here and there as a kid, Bettulia really got involved in the practice four years ago.

“I almost feel like yoga found me,” Bettulia said. “ Right after Hurricane Sandy, I was at a very low point in my life and yoga put things in perspective for me. I was able to relax and stay calm and really have space within my heart to be able to really center myself. I am very passionate about yoga now.”

Bettulia's vision for Bella Vida is to be more in touch with the community by offering classes for everyone of all ages and levels.

“I am bringing yoga to a wonderful community, not only for adults but for children and teens,” Bettulia said. “I really, firmly and passionately believe they will all benefit from this…. If you have two arms and two legs you are welcome.”

Bettulia is offering two free classes on March 24 at 10 a.m. and March 31 at 7 p.m. to give locals a try.

Along with classes, Bella Vida offers a more spa-like retreat for locals with a place to practice yoga but also a lounge area in the back. The lounge offers juice from Fresh Press Juice in Cranford, coconut water, tea and books as well.

“There is a whole different element from what people think a yoga studio is here,” Bettulia said of her studio. “I call it a slice of heaven. You come in all stressed and walk out feeling pampered.”

Bella Vida Yoga Studio is located at 401 W. Broad Street in Westfield. For more information call 908-731-1336 or visit www.bellavidayogastudio.com or Facebook or Instagram.

(Photos, Bella Vida Yoga Studio Facebook)