Why Taking Time for Yourself Isn’t Selfish: The Benefits of a Wellness Retreat

Thinking about your next getaway? If you're looking to return home feeling refreshed, recharged and stronger, a Pilates retreat could be exactly what you need.

Here are five reasons our guests choose a Core Connexion Pilates Retreat over a traditional holiday.

1. Smaller Groups, More Space

With a maximum of just 14 guests, our Pilates retreats are designed to feel relaxed and personal.

There's no rushing for sun loungers, queuing for breakfast or dressing up for dinner. Instead, you'll enjoy luxurious accommodation, peaceful surroundings and plenty of space to truly unwind.

And if your wardrobe consists mainly of activewear and pyjamas for the weekend? We completely support that.

2. Daily Pilates with Expert Guidance

Enjoy a variety of Pilates classes each day, from strength-focused sessions and Pilates X Barre to creative classes using props to recreate the Reformer experience.

With small group sizes, Greta can offer personalised guidance and individual adjustments, helping you get even more from every class.

3. Incredible Food

Good food is a huge part of every Core Connexion Retreat.

Forget restrictive wellness menus or juice cleanses. Instead, expect delicious, nourishing meals served family-style, giving you plenty of choice and the chance to enjoy every meal with your fellow guests.

4. Genuine Connection

Whether you're travelling solo or with friends, our retreats create space to connect with like-minded people.

From shared meals and countryside walks to creative workshops and Pilates classes, friendships naturally grow throughout the weekend.

5. Time to Focus on You

Perhaps the biggest benefit of a wellness retreat is simply having time for yourself.

Read, swim, sleep, move, explore or simply do nothing at all. However self-care looks to you, our Pilates retreats give you the time and space to enjoy it.

If you're looking for a Pilates retreat that combines movement, relaxation, great food and meaningful connection, we'd love to welcome you on a future Core Connexion Retreat.

The short answer? Pretty much anyone!

Whether you're travelling solo, booking with friends, or simply looking for a chance to reset, our Pilates retreats are designed to help you feel welcome from the moment you arrive.

Many guests come on their own, and that's one of the things we love most about our retreats. Through shared Pilates classes, family-style meals and relaxed activities, you'll naturally get to know the rest of the group. By the end of the retreat, you'll have made new connections that often continue long after you've returned home through our retreat WhatsApp group.

What If I'm New to Pilates?

That's absolutely fine.

Our Pilates retreats are suitable for a range of experience levels, including complete beginners. Greta is experienced in adapting every Pilates class to suit your body, helping you build confidence and move at your own pace.

Before every retreat, we'll send you a short questionnaire so you can tell us about any injuries, movement restrictions or goals. This allows us to tailor classes and make sure you get the most from your Pilates retreat experience.

What About Dietary Requirements?

Great food is a huge part of every Core Connexion Retreat, and we're happy to cater for most dietary requirements.

We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian and gluten-free diets, provided they don't require completely separate food preparation. As all meals are prepared in the same kitchen and served family-style, we aren't able to guarantee a completely allergen-free environment.

Your pre-retreat questionnaire also gives you the opportunity to let us know about any allergies or dietary requirements, helping our chef prepare everything before you arrive.

Is a Core Connexion Retreat Right for You?

If you're looking for a Pilates retreat that combines movement, relaxation, great food and genuine connection, we'd love to welcome you.

Whether you're joining us for your first wellness retreat or returning for another adventure, you'll leave feeling stronger, refreshed and part of the Core Connexion community.

We can show you the beautiful locations, Pilates classes and incredible food, but what does a Core Connexion Pilates Retreat actually look like across the weekend?

Whether you're considering a UK wellness retreat or one of our European Pilates retreats, here's a closer look at what you can expect from your time away with us.

At the heart of every retreat is the same philosophy: movement, rest, connection, great food and the chance to properly switch off from everyday life.

Our UK Pilates Retreat

Our popular three-night countryside retreat combines luxurious accommodation, expert Pilates instruction and exceptional food created in partnership with the team at Hamlet Wokingham.

Day 1: Arrive & Settle In

Arrive from 4pm and take time to settle into your room before joining your first group Pilates class. This gentle session is designed to help you stretch, unwind from your journey and get to know your host and instructor, Greta.

Dinner is served family-style, followed by a relaxed discovery session over dessert where you'll get to know your fellow guests and hosts.

Day 2: Movement, Rest & Connection

Start your day with an optional sunrise Pilates class before enjoying a leisurely breakfast.

The morning is yours to spend however you choose: swimming, reading, napping or simply enjoying some uninterrupted quiet time.

After lunch, you'll enjoy another Pilates session. Depending on the retreat, this could be Pilates for Strength, Pilates X Barre or a more traditional Pilates class.

The afternoon also includes one of our guest-favourite experiences: a guided breathwork session led by Katie.

Dinner is served family-style once again, with the option to join a cosy movie night afterwards.

Day 3: Creativity & Reflection

Enjoy a slower start to the day before another energising Pilates class.

After lunch, it's time for one of our creative workshops. Activities vary from retreat to retreat and may include vision boarding, candle painting or tote bag decorating.

As the day draws to a close, we'll come together for a final group Pilates class and guided reflection session, giving you space to appreciate everything you've experienced over the weekend.

Our final dinner is always inspired by a traditional Sunday roast — because no countryside retreat feels complete without one.

Day 4: Journey Home

Enjoy breakfast, collect a few snacks for your journey and take your time easing back into reality before heading home feeling refreshed and restored.

Our European Pilates Retreats

Our European wellness retreats include an extra night, giving you even more time to enjoy movement, relaxation and cultural experiences.

Day 1: Welcome

Settle into your accommodation, join your first Pilates class and enjoy a relaxed family-style dinner with your fellow guests.

Day 2: Wellness & Exploration

Start the day with an optional sunrise Pilates class before breakfast.

You'll then enjoy free time to relax and enjoy the retreat venue - swim, read, explore.

After lunch, you'll take part in a wellness experience such as hot and cold therapy before your afternoon Pilates class.

The day finishes with another shared dinner and relaxed evening together.

Day 3: Culture & Connection

After breakfast, you'll head out for a cultural experience unique to the destination. Previous retreats have included exploring Moroccan souks, kayaking and visiting traditional local villages.

Back at the retreat venue, you'll have time to swim, read, relax or simply enjoy the surroundings before your afternoon Pilates class and evening meal.

Day 4: Reflection & Creativity

The fourth day mirrors our UK retreats, combining movement, creativity and reflection.

Enjoy another Pilates class, a creative workshop and a final opportunity to connect with the group before your farewell dinner.

Day 5: Homeward Bound

After breakfast, it's time to head home feeling stronger, rested and inspired.

More Than a Pilates Retreat

While Pilates is at the heart of every Core Connexion Retreat, the experience is about so much more than exercise.

It's a chance to slow down, connect with like-minded people, enjoy incredible food, explore beautiful locations and return home feeling refreshed in both body and mind.

Ready to join us? Discover our upcoming Pilates retreats and wellness holidays today.