Are you a reformer Pilates lover, or perhaps looking to try something new to stay active on holiday?
Incorporating some reformer session into your holiday can work out perfectly. There are fewer everyday distractions, and for beginners, it offers the opportunity to learn from an experienced instructor without rushing back to work afterwards.
Here is what to expect from your first Reformer Pilates holiday, from choosing between private and group classes to deciding how many sessions to book, starting with the basics…
Reformer Pilates is performed using a specialist machine with a sliding carriage, springs, straps and a footbar. The springs create adjustable resistance, while the carriage allows you to perform a wide range of controlled movements lying down, seated, kneeling or standing. It is always led by an experienced instructor, not something to attempt solo!
The equipment can make exercises more challenging, but it can also provide valuable support. This is one reason Reformer Pilates can work so well for beginners: the instructor can adjust the machine and every movement to suit your strength, mobility and experience.
No. Many Reformer Pilates retreats and hotel classes welcome complete beginners.
You do not need to understand the equipment or arrive with a strong core. A good instructor will explain how the carriage, springs and straps work before guiding you through the basic movements.
What matters is choosing the right format. If you have never used a Reformer before, a private session or small beginner-friendly class will give you more time to become comfortable with the machine.
We can advise which hotels provide private tuition, which offer small-group classes and which programmes are suitable for mixed abilities.
Private Reformer Pilates may be the best place to start if you’re a beginner as the session/s will be completely tailored to you with plenty of time to ask questions and get used to the equipment.
The instructor can adjust the machine specifically for you, explain each exercise carefully and pay close attention to your alignment. A private class is also easier to tailor around an injury, restricted movement or a particular goal.
If you’ve already attended some classes then you may prefer a group class. They can be more energetic and sociable, but the experience varies considerably between hotels. Some have large, dedicated studios, while others have only a small number of machines and offer semi-private tuition. We can advise you on which may be your best option for your preferences and experience.
If you are nervous about your first class, starting privately before joining a group session can work particularly well.
Your instructor will usually begin by asking about your experience, fitness level, injuries and any relevant health concerns. They may then explain the equipment and show you how the springs alter the resistance. This will likely still be the case if even if you’ve done a class or classes before as machines can vary.
Although many exercises look gentle, Reformer Pilates can be surprisingly challenging. Precise movement, adaptable resistance and sustained muscle engagement mean that you may feel muscles working that you do not usually notice.
For a first Reformer Pilates holiday, two or three sessions during a week can provide a good introduction without dominating your time away.
If Pilates is the main reason for travelling, a structured programme will offer a more immersive experience. Specialist retreats may include regular group classes, private tuition, postural analysis and complementary activities such as mat Pilates, yoga or personal training.
There is no ideal number for everyone. It depends on your current fitness, how intensively you want to train and whether you would prefer a dedicated retreat or a more relaxed holiday with some Pilates added.
We’ll be sure to tailor your stay around exactly how much you want to do.
You may experience some muscle soreness, particularly after your first class or if you are using muscles in unfamiliar ways.
This does not mean that every session needs to be extremely demanding. The springs can be adjusted and exercises modified, so tell your instructor if something feels too difficult or uncomfortable.
Leaving time between your first few sessions can help. It also gives you the perfect excuse to make use of the hotel spa, pool or beach.
Wear comfortable, relatively close-fitting exercise clothing that allows you to move freely. Very loose clothing can catch around the carriage or make it harder for the instructor to see your alignment.
Many studios require grip socks, so it is worth packing a pair. Some hotels provide them or sell them onsite, but it may be best to pack a couple of pairs just in case. And don’t forget to keep hydrated!
You will not need trainers for a Reformer class.
Absolutely, and this is one of the reasons we love adding some session onto a holiday!
Depending on the destination, you can combine your sessions with yoga, hiking, personal training, tennis, padel, watersports or spa treatments. Alternatively, you can do very little else beyond relaxing beside the pool with a good book and a cocktail if you choose.
Reformer Pilates also works well when travelling with a partner, friends or family members who have different interests. You can book individual sessions without everyone having to follow the same programme.
A dedicated Reformer Pilates retreat is the better choice if you want regular sessions, structured support and a real sense of progression.
Absolute Sanctuary in Koh Samui is one of our strongest recommendations for this style of trip, with dedicated studios and a specialist Reformer Pilates Bootcamp combining group and private tuition.
If Pilates is only one part of your holiday, choose a luxury hotel where sessions can be arranged separately. Hotels such as Pine Cliffs, Puente Romano, F Zeen and Angsana Corfu allow you to combine Reformer Pilates with a more traditional luxury beach or activity holiday. We are seeing more and more hotels adding reformer machines so this list is ever-growing.
For a shorter wellness break, Palácio Estoril offers a four-night programme with two private Reformer classes, mat Pilates and a spa treatment.
A hotel mentioning Pilates does not necessarily mean that it offers Reformer Pilates. It may provide only mat-based classes.
Even when a hotel owns Reformer equipment, instructors may be available only at particular times or sessions may need to be booked privately. Studios also vary from a single machine to larger spaces designed for group classes.
Before booking, check:
✧ Whether the hotel offers mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates or both
✧ Whether tuition is private, semi-private or group-based
✧ How many Reformer sessions are included (if part of a set programme)
✧ Whether classes need to be reserved before arrival
✧ Whether the programme is suitable for beginners (if applicable)
✧ Whether grip socks or any other equipment are required
✧ Whether the instructor can accommodate injuries or restricted movement (if applicable)
If booking with us we can confirm these details directly and can arrange classes as part of your holiday arrangements. Let us take the organisational stress off your shoulders.
A Reformer Pilates holiday is a great option if you want to try something new, improve your existing practice or make movement a more meaningful part of your time away.
You can choose a specialist retreat where Pilates shapes the entire stay, or simply add a few private sessions to a relaxing holiday. There is no expectation that you must already be strong, flexible or familiar with the equipment.
Tell us what you would like from the experience and we will recommend a hotel, programme and level of tuition that suits you.
Call us on 020 8968 0501 or send us an enquiry to start planning your Reformer Pilates holiday.
A Koh Samui retreat with dedicated studios, twice-daily group Reformer classes, private tuition and comprehensive wellness programmes available....
An Algarve all-rounder offering private Reformer Pilates alongside superb family facilities, tennis, golf and a beautiful beach setting....
A destination spa beneath Mystras offering private Reformer Pilates within highly personalised programmes inspired by Greek healing traditions....
A refined Portuguese Riviera hotel offering a four-night break with private Reformer classes and Banyan Tree spa treatments....
Mediterranean wellness combining personalised machine Pilates with established thalassotherapy, hydrotherapy and restorative treatments beside Benicàssim’s coastline....
Please provide us with some basic contact details and your message. We will be glad to help. If you would prefer to call us, we’re on 020 8968 0501 or, for international callers: 00 44 20 8968 0501
