What is it to ‘Retreat Yourself’?
Retreat Yourself trips are more than a Pilates lovers holiday. Zoe and Nicola have been friends since they gained their initial teacher training qualifications in 2010. Nicola began organising retreats in the UK in 2017 whilst Zoe gained her retreat experience abroad. After the Covid pandemic they spent many hours communicating back and forth and discussing future plans. They shared a real desire to disconnect from technology, lockdown routines and all that had come with it, and soon retreat plans were back on the table. However this time there was going to be more emphasis on how to best care for guests feeling sensitive and vulnerable post Covid. Retreat Yourself became more personal for the two of them and this is reflected in the way they care for the people who come on their trips. The first tentative retreats to Cornwall and Greece in 2022 sold out quickly and since then we have enjoyed selling out retreats consistently. A return to Cornwall in 2023 and a new venue in the Medina of Marrakech in 2023 were incredible. A the beginning of 2024 retreats to Marrakech, Ibiza and Greece have all sold out. Don’t worry! There is another Greece retreat planned for 2025 and other venues are being considered. For more information please use the contact form and subscribe to the mailing list. Once venues are released, friendly payment plans are put in place and spaces are booked up very very quickly. Below are some of the words which have been used to describe a Retreat Yourself experience:
(RE)CONNECTION
“The energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship” - Brene Brown
On a retreat connections happen externally and internally. There is an instant buzz the moment you book. You have made a choice that will be good for you in one way or another. This resonates when you arrive and are greeted by us, and then when you meet others who just like you, have chosen to put themselves first for the next few days. It’s a gratifying feeling to make new friends, be heard, listen and remember how great you are! Equally its wonderful to be in the moment, doing what you feel as the day unfolds so in that is a re-connection to the essence of who you are.
“The retreat held in Santorini was my first experience and to be honest I decided to go for it with more then a little trepidation. The usual concerns for a newbie which, as it turned out were unnecessary. The setting was sublime, the company delightful and our three Pilates Gurus were attentive, expert and great fun. I returned home after five days feeling in the best possible health - positively glowing, according to friends and family”
RELAXATION
“Take a rest. A field that has rested yields beautiful crops” - Ovid
A retreat with me is time for you to take time to BE YOU, FOR YOU. It is time to make the tough decision to put yourself, your health and your well-being first. The scheduling is full but never pushed or rushed. Accommodation always comfortable and with areas for privacy if that is what you need. Read a book, take a little walk, have a nap. No amount of chilling out is too much. How can you give more to those you love and important work projects or financial decisions, if you have gradually found less and less time to take care of yourself? By finding some space and time on a Retreat Yourself retreat, guests can leave the stress of a daily routine behind, look at their lives from another perspective and with all of this comes many sighs of relief.
“We stayed in the MOST fabulous rustic finca (Ibiza) situated in an idyllic part of the island, away from the crowds and surrounded by beautiful gardens. There were lemon trees for miles. Food was both ultra healthy and delicious thanks to our very own personal chef who i wanted to take home with me. We were able to bask in the sun and swim in the pool between energetic Pilates sessions. The time passed all too quickly”
RE-JUVENATION
“Change happens through movement and movement heals” - Joseph Pilates
Take deep breaths, find your own rhythm and then move. Pilates helps the body move with a beautiful balance of freedom and strength. Get out of your head and into your body and then do it again and again. Mindful Movement, Pilates, Yoga, Tai-Chi, Dance…all of these disciplines are for you to use…they are not meant to use you up. With Zoe’s 12 years of teaching experience, you’ll find an understanding and re-education of where your inner strength lies and re-learn how to move from a strong base of support. Sessions are challenging but gentle in equal measure. Make of that what you will!
NOURISH
Being fed is a very special and wonderful thing. Knowing that the food you are being served has been made by someone who has a passion for their craft and is proud to serve up their creation brings a glow to the soul. All dietary requirements are catered for and in the lead up to your stay, guests are sent a form on which individual requirements can be stated. A vegan and gluten free diet for the the UK weekend retreats will be supplied and for those abroad, there will be ample opportunity for guests to go off site and explore if hankering after something different. I would personally add that having adopted a vegan(ish) diet this year but also being a massive foodie, it is of huge importance to me that the food is eyebrow-raisingly delicious! Yes, i made that word up.