Transform your shape and free your mind at
these pilates and yoga destinations
Seaside Pilates
·
The Retreat
Chiva-Som, Thailand, a luxe-meets holistic-detox resort.
Chiva-Som,
Thailand, a luxe-meets holistic-detox resort.
·
What’s Involved
Everything, from the minibar to the pillows, is tailored to you. The
meals are low-cal but delicious, or you can follow a juice detox or nutrition
plan. There’s a ‘m, personal trainers and a focus on yoga and pilates.
·
What To Wear
Light yoga gear (it’s rarely below 30°C), flip-flops and a Missoni
kaftan will take you from pool to dinner.
·
My Timetable
A mix of private and “group” — there were never more than three of
us – hour-long reformer pilates classes (using a resistance machine).
·
The Result
As a reformer pilates devotee, my expectations were surpassed with
new equipment and moves — I came out with a more toned body than usual.
·
Would I Do It Again?
In a heartbeat, I came home a few pounds lighter, with gleaming skin
and the start of a six pack (really).
·
The Crowd
Solo women, plus yummy mummies and couples.
·
What Else To Do
The spa treatments are world-class and there’s a huge range of
therapies. I personally found inner peace lying by the pool sipping a coconut
mocktail…
·
Don’t Miss
The health and wellness consultation: an analysis by doctors,
naturopaths and physios, who found an explanation for the indigestion I’ve had
for years. By Sarah Statman
Paradise Pilates
·
The Retreat
Como Shambhala
Estate, Bali, a deluxe holistic spa in a jungle setting.
Como
Shambhala Estate, Bali, a deluxe holistic spa in a jungle setting.
·
What’s Involved
An ayurvedic
consultation, five varied 60-minute activities a day, plus a buggy-driving
personal assistant.
·
What To Wear
Nuala by Christy
Turlington for day; Matthew Williamson for evening.
·
My Timetable
A perfect
balance of activity and rest. My one-to-one class using pilates machines was
the hardest/best I’ve ever done.
·
The Result
Four days and
three hardcore massages in, my spine felt much more flexible and core strength
dramatically improved.
·
Would I Do It Again?
I’m already
saving for the next trip.
·
The Crowd
Blissful, thanks
to the super-attentive staff and lush rainforest environs.
·
What Else To Do
Go active, from
white-water rafting to volcano-biking, orbe spiritual and visit the local
temples and healers.
·
Don’t Miss
The sunset over
the jungle canopy: extraordinary. By Louise Sugrue
Country Pilates
·
The Retreat
Grayshott Spa
Hotel, Surrey: think country house hotel, but with pilates (rather than pastry)
on the menu.
Grayshott
Spa Hotel
·
What’s Involved
Fitness classes
— including power walks, yoga and t’ai chi — plus a spa and a yummy,
low-calorie menu.
·
My Timetable
Three hour-long
group classes and a one-to-one session over two days.
·
What To Wear
Adidas by Stella
McCartney for classes and Isabel Marant jersey for dinner.
·
The Crowd
Low-key and
pressure-free; no one will judge you for loafing around in your dressing gown
all day.
·
The Result
A lot of ground
was covered, from the basic principles of pilates and posture to some hardcore
poses. I discovered muscles I never knew existed.
·
Would I Do T Again?
Like a shot. The
result was immediate and the instruction was inspiring.
·
What Else To Do
Relax in the hydra-therapy
pool, play tennis on one of the outside courts, or go for a ramble in the
countryside. Plus there are daily film screenings.
·
Don’t Miss
Mocktail hour.
My tipple was delicious and virtuous. By Lucy Pavia
City Yoga
- The Retreat
Canyon Ranch
Hotel & Spa, Miami Beach, a luxe, health-focused resort.
Canyon
Ranch Hotel & Spa
·
What’s Involved
A pre-trip
consultation and a full timetable of yoga classes, from Basic Hatha to Power,
plus stretch classes, beach walks, meditation, breathing sessions and health
lectures.
·
My Timetable
Daily Advanced
Power Yoga with a variety of teachers (each class is 75 minutes). Some indoors,
others in the Ocean Studio with its Atlantic views.
·
What To Wear
Jeans and a
smart top wouldn’t feel out of place. In classes, it’s yoga pants, vest tops
and bare feet.
·
The Crowd
Wealthy; mostly
older. Everyone was very friendly to a lone Englishwoman.
·
The Result
The yoga is
efficient rather than spiritual. Still, all this exercise, plus delicious
low-fat food, can’t help but be beneficial. And the spa is even better for
one’s state of mind.
·
Would I Do It Again?
Hell, yes. The
combo of space, sun, exercise on tap and freedom to do your own thing would
make it the perfect place to write my second book.
·
What Else To Do
Shop in Bal harbour
or head into Miami for not-so-low-fat Cuban food.
·
Don’t Miss
Energy Healing
at the spa — it really was life-enhancing. And I’m a cynic. Or it least. J
was…
Rustic Yoga
- The Retreat
Monte Velho Eco
Resort, Portugal, a 13-room retreat in a nature reserve.
Monte
Velho Eco Resort
- What’s
Involved
Lots of yoga,
for beginners and long time yogis, plus delicious communal meals (salads, fish,
no meat).
- My Timetable
Two classes a
day. Our instructor Jean Hall charmingly tweaked me into poses I didn’t think I
could manage.
- What To Wear
The usual.
Outside the yoga room, jeans if it’s chilly, shorts if it’s warm.
- The Crowd
Fairly young
(the oldest were early forties), friendly and dedicated.
- The Result
I can now go
from a wide-leg stretch straight into a headstand. I know yogas not about the
clever moves, but…
- Would I Do It
Again?
Absolutely. I
came back fitter, with new friends, plus I’d been free from meat, alcohol and
caffeine.
- What Else To
Do
The village is a
45-minute walk away — its café has good gluten-free cakes.
- Don’t Miss
An ayurvedic
massage (bring cash). The room is basic, but the treatment is fantastic. By
Nina Caplan