Course itinerary
Spend 4 days in the Lot and Dordogne region of France for a de-stressing and refreshing Pilates break surrounded by landscapes of lush green forests, plum purple vines and dramatic cliffs and rivers.
Relax and re-charge with daily Pilates sessions, delicious regional cooking, local wines and good company. Intensive daily Pilates sessions in the beautiful fully equipped sunbathed studio will leave you with a great sense of wellbeing. Pilates sessions (a combination of reformer equipment and mat) are taken in groups of two to ensure personal attention, although there could be up to 8 people on the holiday at one time.
Great food and wine is integral to this wonderful Pilates holiday and all meals are included. You will enjoy delicious regional specialities made using fresh and healthy local produce so you can taste the area’s gastronomic delights; from goats cheese to walnuts to duck all accompanied with fine local wines.
Accommodation is set in the renovated 17th century country house where each spacious en-suite twin/double room has its own unique charm and style. The grounds offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and also a swimming pool with 1.5 acres of land where you are free to relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Enjoy fabulous Pilates sessions, fine food, good wine and great company and return home feeling refreshed, relaxed and revived.
Suitability
- Pilates holidays are suitable for all levels from beginners seeking an introduction to the joys of Pilates through to advanced practitioners
- Minimum age 16
Travelling Solo?
- This Pilates holiday makes a great singles holiday as it is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people
- You can book your own private double/twin room for a single supplement, click on the 'costing and extras' tab to check the single supplement prices
Pilates Retreat Start Days
- Dates are flexible and you can start any day throughout the year
- Pilates holidays are for 3 nights/4 days
- If you wish to stay for extra nights please email to check availability for your preferred duration and we will do our best to accommodate you (extra night prices can be seen by clicking on the 'costings and extras' tab)
- If dates appear ‘on request’ please email us and we’ll check availability for your preferred day of arrival as quickly as possible
Pilates Holiday Itinerary
The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the guests' needs and wishes but is typically as follows:
Day 1
- Arrival at the country house where you’ll you can check into your room anytime after 3pm, take your time to explore the country-house retreat, enjoy a cup of coffee in the welcoming kitchen or even take a swim in the lovely swimming pool
- Around 7pm you will join your host Melanie and fellow guests for pre-dinner drinks followed by a healthy and delicious 3 course welcome meal, a few glasses of wine and some good company
Day 2
- Enjoy a leisurely French breakfast of fresh croissants and pastries, organic muesli, fruit and yoghurts all enjoyed in the sun-lit courtyard or the warm and welcoming kitchen
- Your Pilates tutor Melanie will take you for a private Pilates session today in order to assess your level, discuss your goals and aims for the week and tailor the Pilates sessions to your personal needs
- Please note that the exact time of your lesson will be arranged with you on arrival
- You will enjoy a lunch at the house in the welcoming kitchen or on the sunlit terrace or under the shade of the beautiful linden tree, depending on the weather
- You can take the afternoon to relax, take a swim or explore the magnificent surroundings
- At around 7pm, you will join fellow guests for pre-dinner drinks and a 3 course dinner with wine, a great chance to relax and enjoy the delicious regional food whilst getting to know your fellow guests
Day 3
- Enjoy a laid-back French breakfast in the morning
- You’ll have around 1.25 hours of semi-private Pilates tuition in groups of no more than 2 people, although there may be up to 8 people at a time on the holiday
- The maximum number of guests that the house can accommodate is 8 so there could be several sessions per day, the exact time of your session for each day will be arranged with Melanie
- The afternoon is free to explore the local towns, visit the vibrant markets, the fantastic flea markets or even try a spot of wine tasting in the charming local vineyards
- As little as ten minutes drive from the house there are picture-perfect villages with restaurants and shops ideal for exploring in the afternoon
- At around 7pm all guests will get together to enjoy drinks followed by another delicious meal prepared by Melanie
Day 4
- Today is departure day and you’ll start the morning with breakfast
- You will enjoy your final semi private Pilates lesson before lunch and departure
- Please note that if your flights leave very early on day 4 Melanie will try and accommodate your lesson on another day of the holiday but this cannot always be guaranteed
-Check out returning feeling relaxed, restored and revived with new skills and knowledge along with new friends and inspiration to continue your Pilates practice at home
Your Pilates Tutor
- Your friendly and expert tutor Melanie has been a Pilates practitioner for 9 years, qualifying with distinction through the Pilates Foundation
- She has an excellent warm and accommodating approach to teaching focusing on each guest's individual requirements
- Originally running her own studio in London, Melanie moved to the South West of France to run her holidays from her dream location
- With a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw upon you will find her friendly and professional approach will inspire your Pilates practice
What Will I Learn?
- Pilates is an approach to exercise and body-conditioning, which aims to develop a leaner, suppler more toned body along with a calmer and more relaxed mind
- It is ideal for rehabilitation of sports specific injuries, health problems or for those seeking a stronger back, flatter stomach and better posture
- You will have a chance to discuss your short and long term goals with your tutor to ensure you gain the utmost from your stay
- Here are just a few benefits that you will gain from regular sessions of Pilates:
- A toned, more mobile and flexible body
- A flatter stomach
- A stronger back
- Improved posture
- A straighter spine
- Improved co-ordination
- Greater body awareness
- Injury prevention and rehabilitation
- Stress relief
- Pilates sessions are suitable for all levels from complete beginners to those who regularly practise and sessions will be tailored to suit your individual requirements and ability
What To Bring
- Please bring comfortable clothing you can move in easily for your Pilates practice
- It can be very warm in the summer months so please bring clothing that will be suitable for practicing in hot weather and warmer clothes for cooler nights
- Pilates mats and equipment are provided but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer
Treatments / Massages
- Therapeutic massage, reflexology and Reiki are available to book at the Pilates retreat
- Treat yourself with an indulging massage treatment from the soothing hands of your experienced therapist Julie
- Julie has a 2 Reiki degrees and has worked as a tutor with the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine
- Studying Reflexology she has been living in France working as a Complementary Health Therapist for 9 years
- She tailors each treatment to your individual needs and preference
- Please note that any treatments must be booked in advance of arrival, Melanie will contact you after booking to ask if you'd like to pre-book any treatments
The Accommodation
- The stunning 17th Century French country house boasts 4 beautifully furnished twin/double bedrooms
- The accommodation where you’ll stay is a unique blend of traditional country house complete with beamed ceilings, combined with the comfort of modern private bathrooms
- Set in the heart of the striking French countryside the retreat boasts 1.5 acres of land and exceptional views, the perfect setting for your Pilates holiday
- The warm and welcoming kitchen leads onto a south-west facing terrace, which is perfect for al fresco dining in the warm French sunshine
- The rooms are luxurious and decorated to high standards with crisp white Egyptian cotton bed linen
- If you are travelling solo, you can reserve your own private room for a single supplement
- The country house offers a beautiful swimming pool for all guests (pool open May-October)
- A beautiful drawing room and a well-stocked library offer the perfect place to relax
- Accommodation is included for 3 nights / 4 days
- Check in anytime after 3pm on day 1 and check out after lunch on day 4
- Note: check-in and check-out times can be flexible to fit in with your travel plans if prior arrangement is made
- The Pilates studio itself is bright and fully-equipped with Pilates reformers (Balanced Body Reformer and Box), Cadillac, mats, stability balls, Magic Circles and weights
Meals
- Your host Melanie is also an excellent cook and the wonderful dishes she prepares will be an added highlight to your holiday, ensuring you are well fuelled for your Pilates sessions
- Delicious meals are prepared from fresh local produce and include French classics and regional specialities all matched with delicious local wines
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included in the price along with unlimited wines, aperitifs, soft drinks, teas and coffee
- If you have dietary requests these must be communicated to us at the time of booking
Free Time In The Dordogne And The Lot
- There is so much to do in this charming area
- If you have hired a car and enjoy sight-seeing, then there are many fascinating towns and areas steeped in history and culture to be explored
- If you enjoy wine there are local vineyards that welcome visitors
- Throughout June, July and August you can visit to the nearby lavender farm where you can try the hand-made products and lavender cream teas
- Most days of there is a vibrant market to visit and throughout the year there are many flea markets to explore
- On Sundays a visit to the market in the Bastide town of Cazals is a definite recommendation
- World famous medieval towns and villages steeped in history are all within driving distance of the country House
- Sarlat’s maze of winding medieval streets, Cahors’ fairytale châteaux and vineyards and Lascaux’s world heritage cave paintings are all nearby to name but a few
Take time out and indulge yourself on this wonderful Pilates holiday, enjoy great food, wine and company on this Pilates retreat with a difference.