So you want to run a Pilates Retreat

Have you been considering running a Pilates retreat but you feel unsure of how to organise one? If you’ve been pondering running a Pilates retreat, now is the right time as the need is there from my experience.

I love a retreat. What’s not to love? There is movement to nourish your body, delicious food to scintillate the taste buds, a beautiful setting to escape from daily life and time to rest or read that book you’ve been meaning to. Having been on many yoga retreats, every time I attended one I’d visualise where and how I would run a Pilates retreat. I noted what worked and what didn’t from the venue, organisation, schedule and food served. I had been to retreats with teachers who took the time to get to know their guests and those who didn’t interact and distanced themselves. I stayed in places that were immersed in nature and others where the accommodation was substandard. It was at this time that a plan began to formulate in my mind, especially with the lack of Pilates retreats around the Sydney metropolitan area.

Running Pilates retreats didn’t just happen overnight. First, I needed a database. Not owning a studio with a database, I had a different approach. I’d been offering workshops and masterclasses at studios around Sydney and began to create a database gradually. I’ve been very fortunate to have very supportive work environments that allowed me to advertise at their studios. Never underestimate word of mouth as this has been the most effective. Eventually, I felt the time was ready to run my first Pilates Retreat and I haven’t looked back.

After six years of running retreats, the most important lesson I’ve learned is to be organised. People liked to feel looked after. All the attendees need to do is turn up on time to class and mealtimes. They don’t need to do anything else. Think of your clientele and match their needs. If you can be organised and customer service oriented then 90 percent of the job is done for you as the teaching is the part you know best. Just know, that however organised you are there will ALWAYS be a hiccup even with all the planning. Take a breath, own up to it if needed, sort it out and move forward.

If you’re interested in running a retreat, here’s a list of things to consider when planning it:

1.     If you’ve never been on a retreat, I suggest booking one to experience being the client first.

2.     Run a poll to see if there is enough interest in attending a Pilates Retreat

3.     Choose a venue that suits the price point of your clientele.

4.     Does the venue charge per person or do you rent the whole venue?

5.     Does the venue have a caterer or do you need to hire a caterer? Food is of utmost importance to the success of your retreat. Do your research with caterers and ensure you taste their food first if possible.

6.     What type of food will you serve? I opt for vegetarian and gluten free with options for those with allergies or special diets.

7.     Ensure you make a profit. It is a lot of work running a retreat. Factor in the cost of venue + catering + price per class + admin/advertising + the cost for you as well into the price.

8.     Will the venue promote the retreat on its website or social media?

9.     Does the venue have all the equipment or will you need to bring your own?

10.  What is the layout of the rooms? Personally, I now choose venues that have ensuite bathrooms.

11.  Is there a big enough space for Pilates classes especially now as we are more conscious about social distancing?

12.  Is there a room for a massage therapist or is there spa? This is a great add-on to maximise relaxation for your clients.

13.  Have terms and conditions to ensure you are covered for costs due to last-minute cancellations.

I personally design the weekend around a central theme. Themes I’ve used from past retreats include ‘From the ground up’ and ‘Reconnecting to your core for inner postural ease and body-wide dynamic stability’. Planning and designing the classes are incredibly useful especially if there are clients you don’t know attending. Aim to be as inclusive as possible regarding people’s different abilities.

It’s also important to consider other elements outside of Pilates to create a well-rounded weekend such as a bushwalk, workshop, meditation, surfing and the list goes on.

Most of the clients will know you and are there because they love your teaching and other skills that you have.

At the end of the retreat, I always get people to fill out a feedback form on the day to hand back to me. This is INVALUABLE! The key to a successful retreat is being able to take the feedback given, especially the feedback on what needs improving and adapt your future retreats. It shows what works and what doesn’t.

Good luck planning your Pilates retreat. Make the retreat your own. After all the attendees are there because of your skilled teachings and who you are as a person.

Paola is an experienced Pilates and Slings Myofascial Training teacher as well as an educator for art of motion in Sydney who has been running Pilates retreats for many years.

Paola’s next retreat is in the Blue Mountains from 15-17 September 2023 at Brightlands Retreat. Find more details at her website.