- Insiders Profile -

Niccolò Bagarotto

◆ What inspired you to create aimara, and how did your personal story shape its philosophy?

aimara studio is the realization of a life lived in pursuit of connection — with nature, with movement, and with self-enquiry. I grew up in outdoor sports, competed in skiing, chased surf across the world, worked as a chef, and ran a juice brand. The respect I developed for ingredients, for nature, and for the act of serving others became central to pursuing my purpose. But the pivotal moment came after a knee injury. The fear of not returning to the ocean forced me to ask: am I doing everything I can to still ride a wave at eighty? That fear became my fuel. aimara was born from that question. A space designed to restore, inspire, and reconnect. It reflects the values we live in nature — intention, simplicity, and transformation through discipline. It’s a safe home for the like-minded.

◆ If you had to describe aimara in just three words, what would they be?

Rooted. Purposeful. Transformative.

◆ aimara is built around five pillars, from nourishment to nature immersion. Which of them came first for you, and why?

Nature immersion came first. It’s where I feel most at home, most myself. Nourishment followed naturally. Years working as a chef shaped my identity and deepened my respect for what we put into our bodies. Movement then became the strongest tool to support the search for more time outdoors. Over time, this ecosystem of elements—nature, nourishment, movement—created a grounded space where social connection could grow. A place to feel safe, and to return to.

◆ You’ve created a space that’s both deeply physical and deeply mindful. How do you balance those two energies in your daily practice?

Balancing these two energies is one of my biggest personal challenges. I have a naturally hyperactive personality, so slowing down doesn’t come easily. For a long time, I associated rest with lost time—until I started tracking recovery with wearables and realized that deep sleep or taking a slower day can actually be a form of progress.

My daily sauna ritual became a way to pause, reset, and come back to myself. Even surfing small, slow waves helps me quiet the drive and just be present. I don’t think I’ve mastered the balance—but creating aimara was also a way to design a space that could teach me how. It’s both a practice and a reminder.

◆ What’s one of the most powerful transformations you’ve witnessed through consistent practice?

The first real transformation I witnessed was my own. Then I had the chance to share surfing with some of my closest friends while also training them on land. It showed me how quickly we can change, how fast the body and mind respond when there's consistency. Learning a new movement pattern doesn’t just stay on the mat. It shifts how you show up in life. I believe we are the sum of our choices. What we do daily shapes who we become. A consistent, conscious practice builds resilience, patience, and the inner stability needed to navigate life.

◆ Could you walk us through your ideal day in Lisbon, from a nourishing breakfast to a sunset moment in nature?

A perfect winter Saturday. I wake up early and walk to my van, surfboard and wetsuit in hand. The streets are still quiet, no one is around. I stop at Dede's for a quick breakfast and pick up a surf-buddy. We check the webcams, make the call, and head out. We get surfed out. Sharing waves, meeting some old salty legends at the spot, appreciating the power of Winter. There’s something grounding in that rawness. If we’re lucky, we end the day with a moment of stillness, watching the sun disappear into the ocean. That’s a good day.

◆ How does Lisbon’s rhythm, weather, and lifestyle influence the design of your experiences?

Lisbon’s rhythm, weather, and access to nature have shaped everything we do. The proximity to waves, trails, climbing spots, and endless ways to explore outdoors made it essential for the studio to stay connected to nature. What happens inside aimara is preparation—physical, mental, and emotional—for what we meet outdoors. The studio is not just a training space. It’s a social meeting point where our members connect, reset, and then ride out together into nature.

◆ What’s a practice, tool, or ritual you personally rely on to reset or stay grounded?

In the past few years, I’ve had the privilege to enquire, observe, share, and test what truly works for my body. Injuries along the way gave me a deeper awareness and a sense of responsibility to commit to a daily practice that keeps me well. Consistency has become essential. But there’s one thing I’ve learned—if I spend too long away from nature, something core feels out of balance. No practice inside a closed space can fully replace that. Maybe the real answer is simple. Surfing.

For dinner, it’s off to Lupita for a fantastic pizza, followed by drinks at A Tabacaria, conveniently just across the street. I would be in bed before midnight, so I’m ready to do it all over again the next day.

◆ Where do you see the future of wellness and longevity heading — and what role do you hope aimara plays in it?

We’re entering a powerful era where people can take real ownership of their health. There’s no single answer for everyone. The real key is learning to understand your own body. But the foundations haven’t changed. Consistent movement, quality sleep, and good nutrition remain the most reliable tools. The more I explored longevity, the more I returned to the basics. After a year of using a wearable, the most important insight was also the most obvious. I needed more sleep.

At aimara, we use technology as support, not as the main driver. Data helps connect missing pieces, but real transformation happens through presence, consistency, and intention. Our goal is not to create dependency, but autonomy. Everything we offer is designed to be carried into real life. Longevity is not something we chase. It’s something we build, one clear choice at a time.

◆ Can you share with us your hidden gem or local hangout?

Sit at the counter at Gambrinus.

Tiger shrimp and sapateira at Ramiro.

Aregos for the best Tasca.

Lunch at Bar do Fundo, or a proper carbonara at Fiammetta.

An epic day around Arrábida? Cycling around with the view, have lunch at Casa das Tortas, and if you feel like it, discover the wine production at Bacalhoa with a proper tour! Pick up rare organic goods at Consigo, Calçada da Estrela.

Don’t miss Alta Loja, a beautiful new record and book shop near Praça das Flores — a lifetime of music curation in one small space. And on Sunday mornings, head to the Berardo Collection — one of Portugal’s true art treasures, free for residents.

Fiametta’s Carbonara and Gambrinus’ sapateira