Best Pilates Retreats: Discover What to Look For & Why It Matters
In a world overflowing with wellness weekends, digital detoxes and fitness boot camps, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when searching for the best Pilates retreats. What does “best” really mean? Is it the view? The food? The depth of the teaching?
At Reformer Retreats, we believe the best retreats aren’t just beautiful — they are intentional. They offer more than just movement or rest. They hold space for you to reconnect: to your body, to your breath and to yourself. They are thoughtful, elevated and rooted in integrity.
Here, we explore what defines the best Pilates retreats — and why our guests return time and again.
What Makes a Pilates Retreat One of the Best?
Not all Pilates retreats are created equal. And not every Pilates experience will meet the needs of women seeking true depth, personal care and intelligent movement. So, what should you be looking for when choosing a retreat?
1. Expert Teaching and Classical Roots
At the heart of every meaningful retreat is the method. The best Pilates retreats are taught by experienced teachers who truly understand the Classical system — not watered-down versions or fitness trends. You deserve a retreat where the work is intelligent, progressive and purposeful, with space to move slowly and well.
At Reformer Retreats, all of our retreats are led by teachers trained in the Classical method, offering a practice that is rooted in strength, control and deep awareness.
2. Luxury Without the Noise
Luxury today doesn’t mean excess — it means space, quality and calm. The best retreats are held in design-led environments where every detail has been considered: from the softness of your sheets to the simplicity of the dining table. At Reformer Retreats, we choose our venues for their architecture, serenity and sense of place.
From the Lake District to northern Spain, our retreats take place in homes you’ll never want to leave — places that invite you to slow down, breathe deeper and feel held.
3. A Truly Personal Experience
Mass-market retreats often feel impersonal or overwhelming. The best Pilates retreats are intimate. Small groups, like-minded guests and experienced hosts create a sense of safety and ease. Our retreats are carefully designed, and every guest is known and supported. Whether you arrive solo or with a friend, you’ll feel welcomed and cared for.
4. Wellness with Integrity
Pilates is just the beginning. The best retreats recognise that real wellbeing is multi-layered. That’s why we offer breathwork, Yoga Nidra, holistic treatments, plant-based fine dining and the space to do nothing at all.
This isn’t a performance or a cleanse. It’s about tuning in, resting deeply and leaving stronger than when you arrived.
Why Reformer Retreats Is Considered Among the Best Pilates Retreats
Founded in 2021, Reformer Retreats is the UK’s most established Reformer Pilates retreat business. We created these retreats because we couldn’t find what we were looking for — somewhere that honoured the depth of the Pilates method, celebrated thoughtful design and allowed for real rest.
Over the years, we’ve welcomed hundreds of guests — many of whom return again and again. Here’s what makes Reformer Retreats different:
• Rooted in the Classical Method: All of our movement is designed around Joseph Pilates’ original system — intelligent, layered and focused on control, strength and breath.
• Beautiful, Architectural Spaces: We work only with private venues chosen for their aesthetic quality, light and calm.
• Personal Attention: We limit numbers on every retreat to keep the experience intimate and deeply personal.
• Complete Experience: From movement to meals, every element is thoughtfully considered to support your wellbeing.
When guests describe their experience, they often say "It was exactly what I didn’t know I needed."
Where Do the Best Pilates Retreats Take Place?
In 2026, Reformer Retreats will return to two extraordinary destinations:
🏔️ Lake District | January 2026
A peaceful retreat to begin the new year with intention. Set in a beautifully restored private home, this long-awaited retreat offers wild views, calming interiors and the space to rest and reconnect. Expect fires, movement, nourishment and clarity.
☀️ Northern Spain | April and September 2026
We’re in Catalonia, close to the wild beauty of the Costa Brava.
A sun-drenched escape framed by cypress trees and terracotta tones.
Think rolling hills, quiet courtyards and long, plant-based lunches beneath the Catalan sun.
Light, stillness and space to move, breathe and simply be.
In 2027, we’ll expand to new destinations with our pilates retreats 2027. Each one selected with care and intention.
Who Are These Retreats For?
The best Pilates retreats are designed for those who value quality, authenticity and depth — and that’s exactly who we welcome.
Our guests are women from all walks of life: creatives, founders, mothers, executives, lecturers. What they share is a desire to slow down, reconnect and move in a way that feels grounded and purposeful.
You do not need to be an advanced Pilates practitioner — only curious, open and willing to meet yourself where you are.
What’s Included in a Reformer Retreat?
Each Reformer Retreat includes:
• 3-4 nights / 4-5 days in a private, design-led venue
• 4-5 Reformer duet sessions with experienced Classical teachers
• Daily Classical mat Pilates
• Guided breathwork and Yoga Nidra
• Seasonal, plant-based meals by private chefs
• Optional holistic treatments with trusted therapists
• Time for rest, reflection and quiet
Every detail is considered — from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
Planning Your Pilates Retreat for 2026 or 2027
If you're searching for the best Pilates retreats for 2026 or planning ahead for 2027, we recommend securing your space early. Our retreats are intentionally intimate, and places are limited.
We release dates and locations first to our mailing list, giving you early access and exclusive offers.
Whether you’re new to Reformer Retreats or returning for your second, third, or fourth time, we would love to welcome you.
Join Us
If you’ve been searching for the best Pilates retreat. One rooted in substance, style and sincerity. This is your invitation.
Step away from the noise. Move with intention. Rest with purpose.
We’ll meet you there. View our retreats at the links below.
