I’m not saying taking up Pilates or going on pilates retreats will change your life, but hear me out… I am constantly striving for better balance and sustainability — in what I eat, how I move, how I dress, how I work, and how I socialize. Because the reality is I tend to overdo things a little bit.
Mindful yoga retreats are great for a reset when things have gone out of whack, but Pilates is all about building strength, stability, and better and healthier movement patterns in the body. So Retreat + Pilates = perfect mind and body reset.
Why Go on a Pilates Retreat?
The short version, look and feel better.
The long version: Pilates focuses on toning and elongating muscle groups, think off-duty ballerina. But it’s not just about how your muscles look; it’s about how they move.
Pilates is a functional practice that can help with retraining imbalanced movement patterns and improving posture. It’s also a good one for injury rehab and chronic pain conditions (hello, my poor aching body from working at a desk all day). In a recent review paper looking at different types of exercises for managing chronic lower back pain, Pilates was found to be ‘more effective than all other exercise types’ for improving the condition. As I said, look and feel better.
These are the best pilates retreats in the world right now. Whether you are looking for a week-long or weekend pilates retreat, a hybrid of movement practices or a reformer pilates retreat, I got you covered. Fun fact — did you know pilates got its name from its inventor, Joseph Pilates? I didn’t 😉
Best Pilates Retreats in Europe
8 Day Yoga and Reformer Pilates Retreat in Fuerteventura, Spain
If you are like me, deciding exactly what you want out of a holiday is a challenge: rustic European villa or tropical island escape? Activities or spa break? And most recently, yoga or Pilates? Well, thankfully, this wellness retreat is this perfect blend of everything. And no need to have years of experience either.
You will stay in a rustic Spanish villa on Fuerteventura, the second largest of the Canary Islands, located off the coast of Northern Africa. There is a flexible daily program of movement, meditation, and pilates classes led by experienced pilates teachers. The classes are designed to be accessible and challenging for everybody, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. Also included in the retreat are two reformer classes, one private and one in a small group, which is the perfect opportunity to fine-tune your technique.
If you are just looking to chill, then spend your days lounging by the pool, in the hot tub, or in a hammock in a shady garden nook. One massage is included in the retreat package, but you can have a wellness consultation and pay for extra. If you fancy a bit more of an adventure, then I recommend renting a car and heading off to explore the island’s national parks and world-renowned beaches. Gorgeous white sand at any time of year, but perfect if you are looking for a winter wellness European escape.
Duration: 8 days
Price: From €1,010
Closest Airport: Fuerteventura Airport (20 km)
Airport pick-up included? No, but can be arranged for an extra €40
Skill Level: All levels
Languages: English
Vegan Friendly?: Yes
4 Day Yoga and Pilates Retreat in the Swiss Alps
There is nothing quite like a deep breath of clean mountain air to give you a mind, body, soul reset. On this retreat, you will stay in a gorgeous boutique alpine lodge and start your day with a pilates or yoga session followed by a nourishing brunch. The early afternoons are yours to explore the local village of Lenk, take an alpine guided hike, or sweat things out in the sauna made from a converted ski lift gondola! You will regroup in the late afternoon for a grounding yoga practice, meditation and pranayama with a wonderful retreat leader. In the evenings, you will enjoy a delicious Ayurvedic-inspired supper before slowly unwinding for the evening. Snacks, herbal teas, and a cable car ticket to explore the surrounding mountains are all included.
There is a train station in the village, so either making your way overland if you are in mainland Europe or catching the train from Geneva Airport is the most environmentally friendly way to reach the retreat.
Duration: 4 days (perfect for shorter trips)
Price: From €933
Closest Airport: Geneva Airport (104 km)
Airport pick-up included? No
Skill Level: All levels
Languages: English
Vegan Friendly?: Contact the organizers
6 Day Pilates Retreat in Málaga, Spain
Shanti Som, located in a national park and just a stone’s throw from Marbella, is one of Europe’s premier retreat centres offering exceptional facilities, carefully curated retreats, and delicious food.
Shanti Som’s pilates retreat includes three mat pilates classes, one reformer Pilates session, meditation and yoga sessions, a group hike, and two spa treatments led by an experienced pilates instructor and practitioners. You can also take full advantage of the center’s facilities, which include a spa with sauna and steam room, fitness suite, and swimming pool.
You will stay in a Balinese-inspired beautiful room and enjoy three delicious, well-balanced meals a day. This luxury retreat is the perfect choice if you are looking for a complete physical reset.
Duration: 6 days
Price: From € 2,193
Closest Airport: Málaga Airport (32 km)
Airport pick-up included? You can be arranged a personal driver for an extra €70
Skill Level: All levels
Languages: English
Vegan Friendly?: Yes
Top Pilates Retreat in the Americas
3 Day Farm-to-Table Pilates Core Fusion Retreat in Vacaville, California
If you can only spare a weekend for a pilates retreat, it has to be this one. Set on an organic farm in Northern Claifornia 400 miles from Los Angeles that has a stellar reputation for its farm-to-table cooking, not only will you move well, you will eat very, very well.
Every day kicks off with a core strength pilates practice and is rounded out with a softer movement practice to make sure you really reap the full benefits of pilates. In between, you can soak up farm life by exploring the grounds on foot or on a bike and even partake in a sourdough baking workshop. If you need some more traditional R+R, then relax by the pool and schedule a massage. To complete the rural retreat experience, you will stay in gorgeous luxe farmhouse accommodation, ranging from bell tents to tiny houses to the main farmhouse. All based on your individual needs.
Duration: 3 days
Price: From € 1,121
Closest Airport: Sacramento International Airport (50 km)
Airport pick-up included? No
Skill Level: All levels
Languages: English
Vegan Friendly?: Mainly vegetarian, check with the organizer for vegan options.
7 Day Soul Journey Movement Retreat with Energy Healing Hypnotherapy in Mexico
Pilates is excellent for keeping you physically balanced and aligned, but what if you are looking for something a little more holistic? This gorgeous retreat promises to give you that full mind, body, and soul treatment with daily pilates or pilates-yoga fusion sessions, meditation and breathwork, energy healing practices, and a deep dive into hypnotherapy to help give your unconscious mind a reset.
The retreat center is nestled in tropical surrounds right on the coast, so even when you are enjoying downtime, you are in a deeply nourishing environment. Not only do you get to enjoy a week soaking up the Mexican sun and culture, but the retreat also includes pre and post-coaching sessions.
Duration: 7 days
Price: From € 2,702
Closest Airport: Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (74 km)
Airport pick-up included? Yes
Skill Level: All levels
Languages: English
Vegan Friendly?: Yes
Best Pilates Retreats in Asia
7 Day Luxury Pilates Retreat in Canggu, Bali
Although this mat, barre, and reformer pilates retreat sounds pretty full-on physically, it also includes unlimited spa treatments. Yes, you read that right, UNLIMITED. SPA. TREATMENTS. So when you’re not working on your core stability, why not get a full body massage, or a facial, or work your way through their specialized ayurvedic menu?
This retreat really doesn’t scrimp on the luxury; expect gorgeous airy rooms, three healthy food gourmet meals a day, plus unlimited snacks and detox juices; there is even a chauffeur service if you want to go out and about. If you are looking to intensify things a little, then make full use of the fitness suite and if you are after some mental wellbeing, make sure to check out the twice-daily meditation sessions.
Wondering where to go on your next retreats? Nowhere does it quite like Bali.
Duration: 7 days
Price: From € 3,182
Closest Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport (12 km)
Airport pick-up included? Yes
Skill Level: All levels
Languages: English
Vegan Friendly?: Yes
7 Day Fitness, Meditation, and Reformer Pilates Retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand
If you are looking for a pilates retreat that will give you a complete fitness overhaul, this is the one. The Absolute Sanctuary retreat center not only has an extensive fitness suite, they also have a reformer pilates studio (the first in Thailand, in fact!).
As part of this retreat package, you have unlimited access to all the group fitness classes, as well as four personalized personal training sessions. To keep things balanced, you also have access to the steam room of the spa center, and one massage is included in the price (although, feel free to indulge yourself in their spa menu, which includes everything from infrared saunas to Thai full body massages). There’s also a pool where you can spend your afternoons unwinding with a good holiday read, or you can relax in the privacy of your suite. Or hop on a scooter and explore the island!
All meals are included and are designed to support your wellness journey, and the retreat center also has a juice bar where you can keep yourself topped up throughout the day.
Duration: 7 days
Price: From € 2,027
Closest Airport: Samui Airport (1 km)
Airport pick-up included? Yes
Skill Level: All levels
Languages: English
Vegan Friendly?: Yes
Pilates Retreats in Africa & Middle-East
5 Days Energizing Pilates Holiday in Dalyan, Turkey
If you are looking for an affordable pilates retreat, this is the pick of the bunch. This retreat includes three-morning pilates fusion sessions, all meals, a traditional Turkish Hammam, and a boat trip along the Dalyan River to visit the famed Turtle Beach, mud baths, and Kaunos Tombs.
This retreat is a real find. You will stay in a lovely, comfortable family-owned retreat center, with a large swimming pool and beautiful gardens with a citrus grove. This is a great place to go and relax whilst getting to experience some of the local highlights and still get your pilates hit.
Duration: 5 days
Price: From € 595
Closest Airport: Dalaman Airport (17 km)
Airport pick-up included? Yes
Skill Level: All levels
Languages: English, Turkish
Vegan Friendly?: Yes
8 Days New Energy Ashtanga and Pilates Retreat at an Eco-lodge in Essaouira, Morocco
It’s no secret that I’m a little in love with Morocco. And Ashtanga. And Pilates. So what better option than this sustainability-conscious retreat which includes three hours of movement and fitness activities a day, daily Pilates and/or Ashtanga classes, general mobility practices and walks. This is all kept in balance by the modern and tasteful eco-lodge accommodation, set in a grove of olive, almond, and citrus trees, complete with a swimming pool, hammam, and sauna, and three delicious and nourishing meals a day.
Your schedule will be pretty full on, but there will also be opportunities to explore the town and medina of Essaouira, located 14 km away. If surfing is your thing, make sure you carve out some time to catch a wave on one of the nearby coast’s renowned surf beaches.
Check out more retreats in Morocco and the best riads in Marrakech.
Duration: 8 days
Price: From €1,440
Closest Airport: Essaouira-Mogador Airport (2 km)
Airport pick-up included? Yes
Skill Level: All levels
Languages: English
Vegan Friendly?: Yes, but let them know in advance