Once again, I have gathered a fabulous team of experts and will be running my first Pilates Health Retreat in 2021 (Dates TBC)
4 Nights
Pilates Health Retreat 2021
Rejuvenate your Mind, Body & Soul
Learn how to protect your body and improve your core strength and fitness. Beginners will be guided step by step, whilst those with more experience will have an opportunity to focus on technique; perfecting and learning new skills.
Join me for a 4-night Pilates Health Retreat in the Loire Valley, France
2020 Pilates Health Retreat
Sunday 10th May – Thursday 14th May 2020
2021 Dates to be rescheduled ASAP
Book your spot
About the Pilates Instructor – Jo Luckman
ABody Control Pilates trained instructor since 2002, Jo Luckman has many years of teaching experience. Her impressive client list includes Olympic athletes and international equestrians as well as real men and women of all ages! She believes Pilates is for everyone, no matter what level of fitness or ability and that classes should be about having fun. As she says “I see Pilates as an investment in my future. I don’t want to look like one of those people in the ‘elderly crossing’ road signs!”
This retreat will kick start a regular pilates routine and you will leave with a personalised routine from Jo to help you build on the progress you’ll make over the 4 days.
This retreat is based at Chateau de la Vigne, a holiday property I have owned and run for the past 18 years, where we’ve also been running retreats since 2014.
I’ve put together a fantastic schedule, based very closely on previous years’ highly successful retreats with my expert team and I’m absolutely thrilled to be sharing this dream break with you all.
We’ll practice pilates twice daily, walk or cycle in the peaceful and tranquil French countryside, cook some fabulous recipes together and enjoy delicious healthy meals.
With a relaxed programme of discussions, activities, massage treatments and lots of friendly advice, we will explore, over the 4 days, what it really means to “eat well” and how to go about doing so in our busy lives.
We’ll also get out and about and you’ll have an opportunity to visit the beautiful nearby town of Saumur, the local vineyards and even enjoy a private wine-tasting session with a top local sommelier.
You’ll leave at the end of the retreat with plenty of empowering knowledge, tasty recipe ideas, a personalised routine from Jo, as well as a goodie bag and a clear idea of how to embark on and sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Spring is a beautiful time of year here at Chateau de la Vigne. With the weather warming up and the spring plants in full bloom, May is a wonderful month to visit this beautiful region.
“Thanks May for such a wonderful retreat recently at your special château in the Loire. You thoroughly spoiled us all with delicious, healthy food, useful recipe demonstrations and trips to the local area.”
What’s Included in your pilates health retreat
· Pre-Retreat Guidance
· Daily Morning & Evening Pilates Sessions
· Daily Exercise Activity Sessions
· Therapeutic Massage
· Cookery/Nutrition/Personal Development Workshops
· Delicious Healthy Meals/Snacks/Juices/Smoothies
· 4 Nights Luxury “Rustic Chic” Accommodation with Ensuite
· Local Wine Appreciation Tasting Evening
· Post Retreat Follow Up
· Transfers from Nantes Airport (T&Cs apply – see below)
What’s Not Included
• Flights & Travel insurance
“I have just come back from a 4-day retreat lead by May which was both relaxing, informative and fun. May knows everything you might want to learn about nutrition and manages to convey it in a relaxed and fun manner along with lots of ideas for simple, time-efficient recipes. She is brilliant at inspiring others to try and eat and cook in a more healthy way. Thank you.”
September 2019
Your Pilates Health Retreat Accommodation
It’s a beautiful and tranquil setting and a lovely group of like-minded people. I love running them, along with my team who are all experts in their field.

Remember, this is an intimate retreat in a historic home! The Chateau is large and luxurious with a rustic chic feel. It has 5 bedrooms- 3 double, 1 twin and 1 four-bedded room – all ensuite. The top floor has a very large king bedroom with ensuite bathroom/separate shower, plus a four-bedded room, with ensuite shower room. On the middle floor, there is a double room with ensuite bathroom. There is also another double room, with ensuite shower and a twin room with ensuite. The reception rooms downstairs are very spacious and well furnished; perfect for large groups! All the rooms are beautiful and well furnished and accommodation will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Health Retreat Sample Daily Schedule
Friday | ||
Time | Activity | Where |
08:00 – 08:30 | Morning Smoothie | Chateau |
08:30 – 09:45 | Energising Pilates | Studio |
09:45 – 10:15 | Revitalising Breakfast | Chateau |
10:15 – 11:00 | Personal Time | |
11:00 – 12:30 | Cooking Workshop | Kitchen |
12:30 – 13:00 | Power Walk | |
13:00 – 13:45 | Energising Lunch | Chateau |
14:00 – 16:00 | Vineyard Visit/Visit to a local town | Courtyard |
14:00 – 17:00 | OR Personal Time | |
17:00 – 17:30 | Afternoon tea | Salon |
17:30 – 19:00 | Restorative Pilates | Poolside |
19:00 – 20:00 | Personal Time | |
20:00 – 21:30 | Dinner | Chateau |
21:30 – 22:00 | Evening Discussions | Library/Salon |
Health Retreat Sample Menu
Pre-Pilates ENERGISER
Energy Booster Smoothie
Revitalising BREAKFAST
Cleansing Juice
*****
Bircher Muesli served with a selection of toppings including Fresh fruits, Cacao nibs, coconut
*****
Selection of Teas & Coffee
Energising LUNCH
Shakshuka with Homemade Seeded Bread
Afternoon Tea
Apricot & Coconut Slice
Gourmet DINNER
Prawns with Mango, Avocado & Red Onion Salsa
***
Cauliflower and Lentil Masala with Brown Rice
***
Spiced Apricot Compote with Crispy Granola Topping
Before Bed
Selection of Sleep Enhancing Teas
How to Get there?
The easiest way? Fly into Nantes airport from London Gatwick and we’ll pick you up.
Flight Details (TBC)
The car option? Of course, you can always drive; it takes 5 hours from Calais and it’s an easy run all the way through.
Join Us
Sunday 10th – Thursday 14th May 2020
Rescheduled: Wednesday 16th September – Sunday 20th September 2020
only 4 spots left!
The 4-night Pilates Health Retreat costs £1200pp – all-inclusive
£995pp for sharers or £895pp for a group of 4 sharing
These retreats offer exceptional value and have extremely limited spots – it is likely to sell out quickly!
A £250 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot and payment plans are available
Full payment will be required 8 weeks prior to arrival
You’re welcome to email me at may@simpkin.com with any questions or concerns whether this is the right retreat for you. I can’t wait to welcome you to this special experience!!
If you’re struggling to motivate yourself or your health regime is a little haphazard, a health retreat is a perfect opportunity to kick start a healthy lifestyle!
Still undecided?
- Have a read of this review that was written by one of our previous guests: “The yoga retreat is more than just relaxing“
- Magpie Anthology review
- Here’s one of our retreats in pictures
- 5 reasons why you should invest in yourself and prioritise a health retreat short break.