Cover A glimpse of the home gym in Monique Borja-Gonzalez’s home, which infuses both body and mind with a sense of deep wellness
A glimpse of the home gym in Monique Borja-Gonzalez’s home, which infuses both body and mind with a sense of deep wellness
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In Monique Borja-Gonzalez’s home, equilibrium is not designed but cultivated. Each space reflects prana, the quiet flow of energy that steadies both body and mind for increased wellness
Entering the domestic environment of Monique Borja-Gonzalez is akin to crossing into a sensorial enclave, an atmosphere deliberately attuned to quietude. The scent of the surrounding grounds fuses seamlessly with the subtle aromatic notes of her YogaLove formulations, producing a kind of olfactory threshold. Here, air is not inert: it is calibrated, held in a state of composure. The effect is cocoon-like, enveloping the visitor in a rarefied field of stillness.
“I’ve always loved quiet,” she pauses. “When people come here, they say they feel calm. That makes me happy because it means the energy is doing its work.” She adds: “I think of this element as something you don’t own, you just hold space for it.”
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Above Monique Borja-Gonzalez mindfully arranges a colourful stool at her home gym
Monique Borja-Gonzalez mindfully arranges a colourful stool at her home gym
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The wellness studio and gym
The studio’s main architectural feature is defined by an exposed truss-vaulted ceiling that immediately draws the eye upward, emphasising verticality and openness. The pitched roofline mirrors the cathedral ceiling form. There is a sense of articulating the rhythm of the roof beams while imbuing the interior with a warm, tactile materiality. “I like to keep things simple because simplicity lets life flow,” she continues. “If you fill a place with too much, you lose your breath.”
Natural light floods in through the windows that are on every wall, illuminating the clean white walls and the pale timber flooring, enhancing the interplay between raw structure and refined simplicity. The industrial loft sensibility is tempered by the organic texture of the wood and cream-painted walls, achieving a balance between austerity and softness. The open plan, uncluttered surfaces and honest material palette give a contemplative atmosphere that feels both architecturally legible and sensuously grounded. The simplicity is deliberate, devoid of ornamentation and distraction. “This is where I go when I need to realign,” Borja-Gonzalez comments. “It’s serene and consistent. Everything here has a place and a purpose.”
She shares that she and her husband are wellness and longevity enthusiasts. They are voracious readers of all things related to the topic and often exchange notes on books they read together. It is indicative of a happy life and shared passion for health beyond the aesthetic benefits of exercise.
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Above An idyllic setting for serenity, enhanced by the science of infrared light and mystic crystals in Monique Borja-Gonzalez’s home
An idyllic setting for serenity, enhanced by the science of infrared light and mystic crystals in Monique Borja-Gonzalez’s home
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In consequence, one can find reminders of this peppered all around; for instance the rarely seen aged red Wing Chung wooden man. This training tool that builds precision, structure and flow in martial arts practice was used by the legendary Bruce Lee. Today Borja-Gonzalez’s husband uses it “to develop muscle memory for techniques, and sharpening precision”, his wife shares.
A Clearlight Sauna sits beside a red light therapy device. These devices are said to aid in ease of movement, releasing muscle tension, and improved circulation. Rejuvenating LED light therapy has also been used to help ease temporary pain, ranging from joint or back discomfort to muscle strain, sprains, and even the aftereffects of surgery. Beyond relief, it supports the body’s natural process of repair, soothing scars, burns, and wounds. She places candles next to it as a meditative ritual, a reminder that slow means steady and safe. Across, is a row of weights, neatly arranged, reflecting the work being done in the room. This sends the message that strength strength is at the core of what she does. And that there is strength in the power of the pause.
On one corner, is a trampoline called a Bellicon rebounder which she uses to “start my day on it or an afternoon pick-me-up”. She continues, it “helps in the detoxification process and improves lymphatic flow, also very good for balancing the nervous system.”
The veranda deck
Above The veranda deck, cooled by steady rain and softened light, where Monique Borja-Gonzalez brings her meditation into the open air
The veranda deck, cooled by steady rain and softened light, where Monique Borja-Gonzalez brings her meditation into the open air
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The veranda departs from the restraint of the gym. Here, saturated tones, saffron, cobalt animate the furniture and atmosphere. It is layered with pieces collected from local makers and abroad, creating a colourfully grounding threshold between indoors and outdoors. “I love being here in the afternoon,” Borja-Gonzalez notes. “It’s where the garden breathes.” It’s also a place of meditation for her, where she reflects and pauses.
Decorated with orchids and books, the coffee table acts as a central anchor in the room. Supplements are an essential part of the couple’s day to day and they are centrally placed in one of the coffee tables outside. Nature is key in the way the area is composed, the wooden floor boards are echoed in the panelling of the ceiling, emphasising the importance of natural materials in narrating a visual language. The garden is lush and hums with the vigor of growth and longevity, echoing Borja- Gonzalez’s own ethos in life. Rain falls on a variety of tropical foliage, from philodendrons to staghorns hung from large trees that surround the property.
In balance
Above Ponce Veridiano designed Monique Borja Gonzalez's garden, featuring a corner layered with staghorns, ferns and a potted anahaw palm
Ponce Veridiano designed Monique Borja Gonzalez's garden, featuring a corner layered with staghorns, ferns and a potted anahaw palm
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At its best, a dwelling does not shout its philosophy; it murmurs it with conviction. Borja-Gonzalez’s style does precisely that. “You don’t need a big house for that,” she continues. “You just need to be clear about what the room is for.” Every surface, every shaft of light, is evidence of a mind attuned to both discipline and grace. It is not a stage set for superficial admiration but holds its own pulse, assured and generous.
This is a sanctuary that knows what it’s about: energy as atmosphere, serenity as structure. The abode has an incredible ability to steady the breath, “I’ve learnt to protect my peace,” she adds. Her considerate nature is encapsulated by her own words: “The home isn’t about me. It’s about what happens when you enter it.” A kind soul that cares for things beyond the self, being around Borja-Gonzalez feels like pure love, and these special areas reflect just that.
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