Holiday itinerary
Take time out of the daily grind to enjoy this holiday with a difference. Combine guided walks with relaxing Pilates mat sessions, whilst staying in a stunning Finca near the popular resort of Javea.
Gary, co-owner of the Finca, will take you on daily guided walks in the surrounding countryside. These will last for around an hour per day, and typically be a low or medium level of intensity. If you would like to attempt longer, more strenuous routes, this can be arranged too – perhaps even a summit of Montgo!
Walks will typically take place in the morning or evening when the weather tends to be cooler. With over 6 years of experience hiking and guiding in the area, Gary will show you around some of the local trails surrounding the Finca.
Walking is proven to improve your cardio-respiratory and muscular fitness, and lower your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. It has also been proven to result in lower stress levels and a better night’s sleep - the ideal way to relax on holiday!
There is no place more perfect to hike than the Jávean countryside. With breathtaking views of the horizon from the hilltop and the unusual shape of the Montgó, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the natural world.
A perfect compliment to the strength and fitness that you will acquire whilst hiking, Pilates lessons will improve your tone, flexibility and relieve stress and tension. Your daily 60 minute mat lesson will help you achieve this, and loosen any aching limbs.
You will take the class with other guests, but rest assured you will receive high-quality personal attention and individual guidance. Each 60-minute mat lesson will take place outside in the grounds of the Finca where possible. If you would like to book any extra private classes, these are available to book directly with your instructor.
During the break, you will become familiar with the Pilates Classical Repertoire, as well as learn movements and routines that you can take home to help to ensure your physical and spiritual wellbeing in your everyday life.
Suitability
- This Pilates and walking holiday is suitable for all levels from complete novices to the more advanced
- Minimum age 16
- All classes are taught in English, although the instructors also speak Spanish
- Runs for a minimum of 2 people (If you are a solo traveller please check at if others are booked on)
Travelling Solo?
- All tuition in both Pilates and walking activities is held in groups
- The Finca is set in a relaxing but relatively remote location, so there are few easily accessible places to spend the evening without hiring a car or getting taxis
- A solo supplement applies for single occupancy of the room
Pilates and Walking Holiday Start Days
- This holiday can begin on any date of the year
- Pilates and walking holidays are for 5 nights/ 6 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
- If dates appear ‘on request’ please email us at [email protected] and we’ll check availability for your preferred day of arrival as quickly as possible
Pilates And Walking Holiday Itinerary
The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and wishes but is typically as follows:
Day 1 - Arrival day- Activities depending on arrival time
- Check into your room at the Finca and spend the rest of your day settling into your accommodation and exploring the local area
- If you haven't done so already, you will complete a Pilates Assessment Questionnaire to give the instructor an indication of your ability and any problems or conditions you may suffer from
- You'll take a gentle walk depending on time of arrival
- Free time in the evening can be spent cooking up dinner on the outdoor BBQ, or exploring the lively town of Jávea!
Days 2-5 – Hike and Pilates classes
- Take breakfast alfresco on the Finca terrace overlooking dramatic scenery
- Your 1 hour walk will normally be in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler
- Each day you will receive a 60-minute Pilates mat session on-site at the Finca – times will be advised on arrival
- You can spend your spare time relaxing by the pool at the Finca, or exploring the local area
- Other activities, such as water sports, horse-riding, and golf, can be arranged at an additional cost
- Spend the evening at your leisure
Day 6 – Departure day
- After breakfast, spend a leisurely morning and then check out of your room by midday
- If your flight is not until the afternoon, you may like to arrange another Pilates class or hike for an additional cost
About Your Instructors
- Your Pilates instructor will be renowned teacher Graciela Kaplan
- Originally from Argentina, Graciela lived in the UK for many years before relocating to Dénia, in Spain
- Graciela has over 13 years’ experience of teaching Pilates and is the founder of this lovely Pilates retreat
- She has a fascinating and varied background and used to be principal ballerina at the UK’s Northern Ballet, before pursuing her Pilates instructor dream
- Graciela has helped many clients to achieve their physical and well-being goals through her Pilates classes and she specialises in post-op recovery
- She is also fully accredited and an active member of the Pilates Foundation, and provides some of the highest standards in her field
- Graciela will aim to help clients not only increase their strength and flexibility but also to alleviate a variety of problems and injuries, including back, neck and shoulder pain
- She welcomes guests of all levels and physical abilities and will tailor make her courses to ensure you get as much out of your time with her as possible and leave feeling enthused and excited about your Pilates future
-Your walking instructor, Gary, has over 6 years of experience hiking and guiding in the local area
- He and wife Jacki run the Finca together
Who Are Our Guests?
- Holidays are typically made up of international travellers looking to get more from their holiday
- Ages vary, but the typical customer falls in to the 30-60 age bracket and the majority of guests are female, though males are welcome- 80% of our guests travel solo
- The majority of our guests are beginners or those with limited experience
- Of course, everyone shares a passion or interest in discovering a new skill or continuing a hobby
What Will I Learn?
- Pilates is an approach to exercise and body-conditioning named after Joseph Pilates, which aims to develop a more supple, lean, toned body along with a more relaxed mind
- Here are a few benefits of Pilates that you will gain from regular practice:
- Improved posture
- Improved muscle tone and flexibility
- Increased stability for the shoulders and pelvis
- Better balance and coordination
- Help to maintain and improve bone density
- Makes you look and feel better
- Stronger back and a flatter stomach
- Less stress and tension, and an increased sense of wellbeing
Accommodation at the Finca
- The Finca has three accommodation options; two apartments and one guestroom:
- The Finca has earned an Excellence Award on trip advisor based on the reviews of previous guests, you can view these reviews here.
- Prices are based on two people sharing the Los Establos guest room, which has a spacious bedroom (king size or twin beds) and a shower room. It also has a private outside chill area and stunning views over the vineyards. This room also has air conditioning, a ceiling fan and central heating available. Great for couples, singles or friends
- Please note that there are no food preparation facilities in the Los Establos guest room
- The Finca apartment has one bedroom (super king or twin beds), fully fitted kitchen, a bathroom, dining area, sitting room and private outside area, with stunning views across the countryside. Perfect for a couple, singles or friends
- The Los Establos apartment boasts an air-conditioned one bedroom apartment (king size bed), with a fully fitted kitchen, shower room, sitting area and external private dining area and terrace. Ideal for singles or a couple
- It is possible to book both the Los Establos apartment and guest room and have sole use of the Los Establos building, for those who would like more privacy.
- Facilities at the Finca include a swimming pool, Pétanque and Cabana bar and BBQ. It is also possible to arrange tennis at a local Tennis Club at 5 euro per hour, which is located within a few minutes’ walk of the Finca
- Breakfast is included each morning, and consists of a continental buffet including freshly squeezed orange juice, tea & coffee, pastries, bread, jams and marmalades, fresh fruit, cheese, ham, yoghurt and local eggs
- Take a taxi to a local traditional Spanish restaurant for dinner, or feel free to use the outdoor BBQ or the kitchen facilities in your apartment
Free Time in Jávea
- Visit the quaint seaside resort and market town
- Jávea is separated into three districts, each with their own distinct character: the Old Town, port and beach
- Take time out to visit the shops, bars and restaurants in the sunshine
- Visit the pristine Arenal beach
- Explore the Montgó National Park, home to a spectacular lime stone massif, croplands, pine forest and over 600 different species of flora
- If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also arrange horse riding, golf, tennis, scuba diving and cycling lessons during your stay for an extra cost