Franco Rebagliati

About Franco

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Franco discovered surfing as a child—an encounter that would shape his life in profound ways. Not long after, he was introduced to Californian massage, a form of bodywork that blends rhythm, expression, and sensitivity. It felt like discovering a new artistic language—one that wove together everything he loved.

He pursued formal training, became a professional therapist, and spent years honing his unique style through practice and travel around the world.

Since 2012, Franco has been based between South India and Sri Lanka, where the natural environment and cultural rhythm deepened his connection to the craft. For him, touch became not just a technique, but a way of living.

In 2016, You Are The Sea was born—out of an epiphany after years of practice in the water and on the table. “It felt like a relief,” he says, “to finally find the words for all those feelings.”

You Are The Sea is more than a name—it’s a sensation. A space between thought and action. A gentle call to return to the body, to presence, and to our place within something much larger.

Emilie de la Chapelle

Growing up in Finland, Emilie’s childhood was largely spent in the forest and near the sea, places that continue to inspire her.

In 2016 she was introduced to bodywork therapy, beginning an exciting journey of exploring various styles of manual therapies and healing modalities. In 2021 she discovered and fell in love with aquatic bodywork, combining her passion for the water and massage therapy.

A year later, inspired by the concept of YOU ARE THE SEA, Emilie came to Sri Lanka to train and work with YAS. Emilie understands movement and bodywork as a form of art, an expression of the self.

Her curiosity for the human existence continues to inspire her exploration of the world and her work. 

Anthony Dimaggio

Having been fortunate to grow up on the west coast of the United States, surrounded by open nature and expansive ocean. Anthony was drawn to action sports at a young age. At the time, never quite understanding how the embodied essence of these sports would impact his career later on.

First being exposed to the power of touch almost 10 years ago. Anthony immediately uprooted his life and found himself studying bodywork at Esalen Institute. Now being a multidisciplinary practitioner who shares half his time between the south of Sri Lanka and Esalen Institute. He shares his practice and love for the body on a daily basis.

“Finding touchbased therapies and movement has not only changed my personal relationship with myself and the world around me. It also gives me a platform in which I can express and share the beauty of life I perceive” - Anthony