Pilates meets Yin yoga: A retreat for strength, stillness & space
There’s a certain alchemy that happens when Pilates and Yin come together, particularly on a yoga & Pilates retreat. Pilates brings clarity – focused alignment, mindful sequencing, thoughtful muscle engagement. Yin invites spaciousness – a slow softening around edges. Together they create a balanced rhythm of effort and ease: the perfect pairing for anyone looking to build strength followed by the deep Yin stretches.
Why combine Pilates and Yin?
Pilates trains the body’s core, alignment and muscular awareness. Yin yoga complements that by working connective tissues, improving joint mobility and inviting deep nervous-system down-regulation. When you bring them together in a retreat setting, you create space for embodiment – learning how to move skillfully, and how to rest fully.
What’s the difference between Pilates and Yin yoga?
- Focus & method: Pilates is a movement system built around core stability, alignment, breath and dynamic control. It uses precise sequencing to strengthen muscle support and improve functional movement. Yin yoga is slow, passive and restorative; poses are held for several minutes to target connective tissue (fascia, ligaments) and encourage nervous-system down-regulation.
- Felt effect: Pilates tends to energise, lengthen and organise the body for movement. Yin invites release, stillness and flexibility at a deeper, quieter level.
- When they work together: Pilates builds the supportive structure (strength, posture, motor control). Yin softens tightness and improves joint mobility. Together they create balanced resilience – strength held in ease.
Why not check out our previous blog to find out more: Yoga vs Pilates: Which one’s right for you?
Who is a Yoga & Pilates retreat for?
- Movement lovers who want to focus on gently building strength and good posture.
- Busy people seeking long, restorative periods of rest and recalibration.
- Anyone recovering from repetitive-strain patterns who needs an approach that blends strength with gentle release.
- Beginners and experienced movers: sessions are accessible, progressive and adaptable. Partners are also welcome who don’t wish to participate in Pilates or yoga but just want to be together in a beautiful setting.
Do I need experience with Pilates or yoga to attend a retreat?
No – the retreat is designed for all levels.
- Beginners: You’ll receive clear, step-by-step instruction, simpler progressions and plenty of cues to help you build safe foundations. Props and hands-on adjustments (with permission) make poses accessible.
- Experienced students: You’ll find layered options and technical cues to deepen embodiment and refine movement patterns.
- Practical note: Tell the teacher about any injuries, surgeries or pregnancy before arrival so classes can be tailored. If you have complex medical concerns, check with your healthcare provider first and share details with the teacher.
A typical day on our Yin & Pilates retreat
- Morning: A grounding Pilates session focused on breath, core connection and mindful sequencing. Expect precise cues and playful progressions that leave you stronger and more coordinated.
- Late morning: Brunch.
- Afternoon: Free time to walk, journal, nap or explore. The day is intentionally spacious but there will be optional excursions.
- Late afternoon/early evening: Yin yoga – long-held poses, supported variations, guided breathwork and guided relaxation. This is restorative, meditative and sometimes surprisingly emotional.
- Evening: Supper.
Top benefits of a Yin & Pilates retreat
- Improved posture and functional strength from targeted Pilates work.
- Greater joint mobility and connective tissue resilience through Yin.
- Better sleep and lower stress via deliberate slowing and parasympathetic activation.
- Renewed body awareness and practical tools you can take home for daily life.
- Space to shift habitual patterns – movement, breath and thought.
A beautiful collaboration between Dee & Emilia
There’s a lovely story behind our upcoming RESTORE retreat in Greece, born from a genuine connection between two passionate teachers – Dee and Emilia.
It all started in 2024, when Emilia was gifted a spot on the retreat for her 21st birthday. We bonded over morning coffees, sharing stories and dreams. At that time, Emilia was a social media manager, encouraging me to boost my visibility online and share more of my journey in yoga. Her words made me reflect on my hesitations about being in front of the camera and putting myself out there.
Fast forward six months, and I discovered that Emilia was inspired by my stories – so much so that she decided to train as a Pilates teacher herself! Around the same time, I found myself filming more in the studio, motivated by her encouragement. Our connection deepened, and I was touched by her desire to pursue “something more meaningful”, along with her support to embrace vulnerability and share more of myself.
From that heartfelt conversation, I invited Emilia to collaborate on a retreat in Greece in 2026. The idea of a Pilates x Yin retreat was born from that spark of inspiration. Since then, we’ve teamed up for pop-up Pilates events at the SPACE studio, bringing our passions together.
Although Emilia currently resides in Manchester and visits her family on the Isle of Man, we’re excited to bring this retreat to Greece – a true celebration of connection, growth and holistic wellness.
Join us on retreat in Greece
If you’re ready to move with clarity, rest with intention, and cultivate more space in your body and life, join us on our RESTORE Retreat where Yin yoga and Pilates are woven into one gentle, powerful experience. Spaces are limited to keep the group intimate – reserve your place today.
This blend of Pilates and Yin feels like learning to breathe again. It’s a practice of returning to the body, to the breath, to the kind attention that changes how we live our days. It truly is a beautiful blend of mindful movement.
See you in Greece!
