Reformer Pilates Retreat — Full Details
Everything you need to know before booking your retreat in Ibiza
What Is Reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates is a form of Pilates performed on a spring-loaded sliding machine called a Reformer. The springs provide adjustable resistance, allowing you to strengthen and lengthen muscles with controlled, low-impact movement. Unlike mat Pilates, the Reformer supports your body throughout each exercise, making it easier on the joints while offering greater variety and challenge. It targets deep stabilising muscles that traditional workouts often miss, improving posture, core strength, muscular balance, and body awareness.
The Reformer machine consists of a sliding carriage, adjustable springs, a foot bar, and straps. You can work lying down, seated, kneeling, or standing, which means hundreds of exercise variations are possible on a single machine. The spring resistance can be increased or decreased in seconds, making it suitable for complete beginners and advanced practitioners in the same session.
Reformer Pilates is widely used in rehabilitation, injury prevention, pre- and post-natal training, and athletic performance. It is one of the most effective and safest ways to build functional strength, improve flexibility, and correct postural imbalances without placing stress on the joints.
How Is Reformer Pilates Different from Mat Pilates?
Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates share the same foundational principles — control, precision, breath, and core engagement — but they differ in execution and range.
EQUIPMENT
RESISTANCE
SUPPORT
EXERCISE VARIETY
JOINT IMPACT
MUSCLE TARGETING
SUITABLE FOR INJURIES
FEEDBACK
Mat Pilates
Floor mat only
Bodyweight only
None
Limited to floor-based positions
Low impact but unsupported
General core and full body
Depends on the exercise
Minimal
Reformer Pilates
Spring-loaded machine with carriage, straps, and foot bar
Adjustable spring resistance
The machine supports and guides your movement
Lying, seated, kneeling, and standing positions
Low impact and fully supported
Precise targeting of specific muscle groups
Highly adaptable — springs can assist or challenge
The machine gives constant feedback through resistance
Both methods are valuable.
Mat Pilates builds independent body control and is accessible anywhere.
Reformer Pilates offers greater precision, more variety, and the ability to adjust intensity instantly, which is why it is the primary training method used during this retreat.
A group mat session is also included to give you the tools to continue your practice at home without equipment.
A Typical Day at the Retreat
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08:00 - Breakfast at the villa
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09:00 - 9:45 - Morning Reformer Pilates session (Group 1- max 2 per class)
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10:00 – 10:45 - Morning Reformer Pilates session (Group 2- max 2 per class)
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11:00 – 12:30 - Brunch at the villa
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12:30 – 14:00 - Free time — pool, relax, explore
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14:00 – 16:00 - Costal hikes, swimming at local beaches (optional)
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16:30 – 16:45 - Afternoon Reformer session (Group 2- max 2 per class)
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17:00 – 17:45 - Afternoon Reformer session (Group 1- max 2 per class)
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18:00 – 19:00 - Free time — local beach, reading, rest
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19:30 – 21:00 - Dinner at the villa or at a recommended restaurant
Day 1 (Arrival Day)
Check-in is from 16:00. In the evening, each group will enjoy a Reformer Pilates session, followed by a relaxed dinner together at the villa.
Day 4 (Departure Day)
The day begins with a group Mat Pilates session and breakfast, before check-out at 10:00.
Flexibility throughout your stay
The schedule is designed to support you, not restrict you. All free time is truly yours, with no expectation to attend every session. Thanks to the small group size, the experience remains flexible and can naturally adapt to your pace and preferences.
The Training Programme
Over 4 days you will complete 5 semi-private Reformer Pilates sessions and 1 group mat Pilates session on the last day.
Semi-Private Reformer Sessions
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Maximum 2 participants per session
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Marie-Laure programmes each session based on what she observes in your body — posture, movement patterns, strengths, limitations
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Springs are adjusted individually so two people at different levels can train side by side
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Hands-on corrections are given throughout every session
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Sessions progress across the 4 days, building on what was introduced the day before
Group Mat Pilates Session
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All 4 guests train together
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No equipment required — everything is bodyweight
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Designed to teach you a sequence you can repeat at home after the retreat
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Focus on core activation, spinal mobility, and breath control
What should I bring?
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comfortable workout clothes (2–3 sets recommended)
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a light jacket or layer for evenings
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swimwear
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sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
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grippy Pilates socks (recommended but not essential)
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any personal supplements or medications
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a good book or journal if you enjoy downtime.
All training equipment, towels, and yoga mats are provided at the villa.
