Working out doesn’t have to mean being confined in a gym all week. As our article on Pilates Glossy shows, there are countless Pilates parties you can join; but that’s not all either. Around the world, there are numerous facilities and venues that let you see the world while giving your body and mind a break. For this reason, fitness retreats have become all the range — and it’s not just reserved for yogis. If you’re looking to travel while maintaining your Pilates practice, consider these retreats with a side of cultural activities.

Baobab Suites, Spain

For something on the more traditional side, why not escape to Baobab Suites in Tenerife? Their program offers a choice between three private Pilates sessions (mat, reformer, or chair), muscle evaluations, and postural analyses for you to fully understand and reap the benefits of the activity. Plus, the package comes with one free smoothie a day. On your off days, feel free to visit some of Tenerife’s local attractions such as the cliffs along Los Gigantes or the small town of Garachico.
Pilates isn’t the only thing good about this place, but it is a worthy attraction of its own.

Canyon Ranch, United States

Tucked in a secluded corner of Arizona is a luxury spa complex with some of the country’s best saunas, gyms, and fitness instructors. Here, you’ll find coaches who specialise in a lot of non-traditional Pilates poses and exercises, like those that involve fabric hammocks suspended from the ceiling. Canyon Ranch fully supports all fitness endeavours, of course, as seen in their in-depth menus and the occasional motivational seminar. It’s truly a place that caters to holistic wellness. And once you’ve gotten your fill of R&R, you can take a drive to see the stunning landscapes of Arizona. After all, it’s the heart of the American Southwest, and home to scenes such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Hoover Dam, and Havasu Falls.

Absolute Sanctuary, Thailand

Besides the usual abs-arms-thighs Pilates programme, Absolute Sanctuary in Thailand offers its students unique Thai massages to help them rejuvenate at the end of their stay. Massage therapy is something that the country is known for, so you can expect to be treated to the massage of a lifetime. If you’re looking for something more dynamic to balance it out, you can always check out the markets scattered around town. Moreover, you can also scope out the local gaming scene. According to a gaming guide to Thailand on Expat Bets, the country is fast becoming a global hub for gaming enthusiasts despite their strict laws. As such, it’s not uncommon to see its citizens letting loose over a deck of cards.

Azulfit Santorini, Greece

If the ancient structures and deep history of Greece have captured your interest, you might as well take it all in while completing a few rounds of Pilates. Greece is one of five “Blue Zones” on the planet, or locations where people statistically live the longest. For Greece, it’s largely due to three things: plant-based diets, tea, and plenty of walking, so expect all three in Azulift. Additionally, since the whole country has more than 250 days of sun on average, the instructors conduct most of their classes in the great outdoors. Thankfully, you won’t run out of activities on the island — whether you’d like to try your hand at fishing or boating.

Turks and Caicos Islands, British Overseas Territory

While not a retreat house by itself, Turks and Caicos Islands is an extremely popular location for fitness instructors looking for a place to privately teach their Pilates classes outside of a studio. You can expect to see a lot of other people doing their rounds along its white, sandy beaches. It’s practically a resort, so there are a lot of other fun activities to do such as windsurfing, paddle boarding, and mountain biking. Like we said, working out is meant to be fun — and it can be a refreshing, rejuvenating experience too. Thankfully, Pilates can be done almost anywhere. So take the opportunity to get out of your studio’s four walls and reconnect with yourself (and the world) through fitness.

Marjolein van Sonsbeek

I love Pilates! It brought my health back. I have been practising Pilates for more than 17 years now and have been a certified Peak Pilates trainer for the past 11 years.
I have never felt so fit, vibrant, energetic, supple and strong in my whole life. And I have no more pain. I do a Pilates workout 5 times per week on mat and apparatus. Every week I attend the classes (private and group) from my mentor and my trainer, Javier Velazquez. He is the best Pilates trainer in the world. Yes, I am very blessed that this extremely talented and experienced teacher is my trainer. Although I am Peak Pilates educated, I adore his very pure, original Joe sessions.
I have an open mind and I give a platform to Pilates trainers from all backgrounds, because we all do a great job! I do this for free in my spare time (which I hardly have).
I run a busy, fully equipped Pilates Studio Pilates Studio van Sonsbeek in the Netherlands in the middle of the historic center of the town Zoetermeer. I love my work, my lovely clients and my beautiful studio. So much fun and positive energy. I teach 6 days a week an average of 30 sessions; privates, duo’s, trio’s and groups.
You would do me a great favor if you like my page on Facebook! Thank you very much!
I am the owner of the Magazines Pilatesglossy Nederlands and Pilatesglossy International. Please join us on Pilatesglossy and on PilatesWordWide.