About Cara Mia May
The Brand
Cara Mia May (in Italian, it means Dear Beloved May) is conceptualised and inspired by my farm stay in Puglia. It's a design-led brand that is focused on vintage-theme designs from inspirations drawn on my love for travel and handicrafts. So rare are antique pieces and so priceless, they are created with attention to fine details and is a thing of beauty to be enjoyed.
My first collection is inspired by vintage pigiamino (pyjamas) laid out on our bed at Masseria Potenti, each time we visited. These pyjamas are unique and timeless collections from the 70s. They are made in true Italian craftsmanship, with exquisite embroidery on delicate and luxe fabric. So beautiful indeed, these are not just sleepwear but can be worn all day long whether lounging around, to breakfast or even a cocktail party.
Working with local artisans, Cara Mia May is delighted to bring these heritage wear to the world. Each piece is made ethically with care by artisans themselves. Do take time to read about them and their story. It's a celebration of creativity and appreciation for old things and giving them a spark of life in the modern world.
If we don't start appreciating our artisans' work, they will become extinct in future generations. It's our way to help keep traditions alive.
Meet May - The Heart Behind Cara Mia May
May is a yoga teacher, mover, and retreat curator with a deep-rooted love for rhythm, ritual, and renewal. Her journey began in classical ballet studios and continued through the vibrant stages of Malaysian folk dance, where she proudly represented Malaysia at international dance festivals across the world.
Guided by a lifelong connection to the body and breath, May now shares her passion through yoga - particularly vinyasa flow - inviting others to move with intention, presence, and a touch of poetry. Her classes are known for their softness and strength, blending structure with soul.
Today, May leads intimate retreats across Puglia, Italy, in three magical settings: a historic farmhouse surrounded by vineyards at Masseria Potenti, a breezy seaside beach house in San Pietro Bevagna, and a newly restored 16th-century monastery in Nardò. Each retreat is thoughtfully designed to align with the changing seasons of spring and fall, offering a slower pace of life, rich in southern Italian traditions.
Whether sharing a communal table under the olive trees, making herbal teas with local elders, or simply watching the light shift across the garden, May’s retreats are a gentle return to what matters - creativity, connection, and the joy of living well.
Find her retreats at bookretreats.