Michelle Bartolo Yoga

Michelle Bartolo teaches yoga from a base on Gozo, the quieter sister island that most UK visitors reach by a short ferry from the main island. Her practice, which she calls Michelle Bartolo Yoga or MBY, centres on KriyaAsana: classes that combine chanting, breathwork, cleansing practices called kriyas, flowing movement and meditation. It suits anyone who wants yoga to be more than a workout, and all levels are welcome.

Michelle grew up in Toronto and has been practising and teaching for 19 years, and yoga is her only profession. Her own path ran from a busy, high-energy life to a steadier one, with the breath as the main tool. That personal approach runs through everything she offers, from a single drop-in class to a full teacher training. You can browse other studios in our directory of yoga studios in Malta if you want to compare.

Drop-in classes in San Lawrenz

Her regular KriyaAsana drop-in classes are held at SheSha Veda in San Lawrenz, on the west side of Gozo. The timetable is Mondays at 8am, Tuesdays at 8am and 8pm, and Wednesdays at 8am. Most sessions last 75 minutes, while the Tuesday morning class runs for an hour. Every class includes chanting, pranayama (breath control), kriyas, vinyasa flow and meditation.

A single class costs €20, and that includes a fresh juice, a dip in the pool and 10% off any treatment at the venue. All prices include VAT. Mats and blocks are provided if you need them, although bringing your own is better for hygiene. The address is shared once you reserve your place, and a 24 hour cancellation policy applies, after which the class fee is charged.

San Lawrenz is a good base for a few days in the island's west, close to the cliffs and quiet lanes. Our Gozo guide explains how to get around, and if you are still choosing where to sleep, the hotels in Gozo page lists the options across the island. An early class leaves the rest of the day free for swimming, walking or a boat trip.

Private sessions, online or in person

Private one to one sessions are designed around you. Before you begin, you can arrange a call to talk through what you want, and Michelle then asks you to write down what you would like to work on mentally, emotionally and physically. She builds your classes from that. Each private lasts 75 minutes, and sessions are live rather than recorded, so they cannot be played back later.

The prices printed are €85 for a single private session, €750 for a block of 10 and €1400 for a block of 20. A single session is paid when you book, and the blocks are paid in full once your dates and times are fixed. The same 24 hour cancellation rule applies. Online privates are handy for UK readers who want to start before travelling, or to carry on a practice once they are home. Our things to do in Malta guide has ideas for the days beyond the mat.

Retreats and teacher training on Gozo

Michelle runs week-long KriyaAsana retreats in Gozo in spring and autumn, and a 200 hour yoga teacher training, also on Gozo in spring and autumn. The 200 hour training can alternatively be taken privately online, where you agree a schedule with Michelle and the course is shaped around what you want to work on. Full details and the cost of the training are held on her own training page.

She also offers a free monthly soundbath and meditation evening, a free full-length KriyaAsana class to try, and mentor memberships for people who want ongoing guidance. Gozo's calm suits this kind of week. Spring and autumn bring mild days, which our Malta weather guide covers month by month, and the island's best beaches are within reach on free afternoons.

Planning a trip around your practice

Most visitors fly to the main island and cross to Gozo by ferry, so check flights to Malta and allow time for the crossing. If you are staying a while, the where to stay in Malta guide helps you compare areas, and our Blue Lagoon guide is worth reading for a day trip to Comino.

Another Gozo business in our directory, Apnea Total Malta, teaches freediving nearby, which pairs well with a yoga week built around breath. For capturing the trip, Anaca Photography works on both islands.

How to get in touch

Michelle does not list opening hours, because her offering follows the class timetable, retreat dates and private bookings. If you are interested in a class, a private block, a retreat or the teacher training, tell us what you would like to know. Use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to Michelle Bartolo Yoga, who will reply to you directly.