softground: portugal (REFORMER)
Sesimbra, Portugal
4th-8th September 2027
REFORMER PILATES RETREAT
Set within the peaceful Portuguese countryside, just south of Lisbon, this retreat offers a peaceful escape, surrounded by cork oak forests and pine trees. With luxurious accommodation and nature all around, it’s the perfect place to slow down and switch off.
Mornings begin with Reformer Pilates, designed to help you energise and reconnect into your mind and body. Evening classes are softer, with stretch-based sessions to help you release tension and relax.
In between, the time is yours. Wander along countryside trails, unwind in the infrared sauna, sail along the stunning Sesimbra coast on our boat trip, or simply relax in the comfort of the casa with a good book. Move, rest, explore - you're free to choose whatever feels right for you.
Your meals are thoughtfully prepared, with three nourishing vegetarian meals each day, bringing everyone together for good food and great chats.
This retreat is an invitation to step away from the pace of everyday life. To reconnect with yourself and return home feeling rested, recharged and inspired.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
4 nights accommodation in a beautifully restored traditional Portuguese farmhouse
Daily Reformer Pilates and restorative mat / stretch classes
Infrared sauna and cold plunge
Group boat trip along the Sesimbra coast
Fully vegetarian nourishing breakfast, lunch & dinner made by our private chef
Non-alcoholic drinks and wine with dinner
Yoga mats and props
Daily housekeeping
A welcome gift
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Flights to Lisbon airport
Transfers
Travel insurance
Extra alcoholic drinks (excl. wine at dinner)
Optional extras: massage, wine tour, Lisbon historical walking tour, bike rental and more
A SOFTGROUND RETREAT
01 / moving with intention
Each class is thoughtfully programmed to help you find the purpose and intention behind your practice. Our classes aren’t just about learning exercises, but how they make you feel.
This intentional movement will help build connections within your body, that stay with you on and off the mat.
02 / A SPACE TO STEP AWAY
Our retreats give you the time, space and fewer distractions to really focus on yourself.
Beyond the mat, our retreats are an opportunity for you to step away from the everyday and fully immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
03 / THE MOMENTS IN-BETWEEN
Some of the best moments on retreat happen between classes - over dinner, in conversation, and through discovering shared experiences. Whether you come with a friend or solo, softground is a place to come as you are, enjoy your own company, and connect with others.
I’ve been to two of Ellie's retreats and I honestly can’t recommend them enough! I usually go solo, and it’s the perfect way to reset and do something for myself. It’s actually helped boost my confidence too! I’ve also met lots of lovely people on the retreats and had so many amazing conversations. I think everyone should experience one of Ellie’s retreats - you’ll love it. Plus, she’s such a kind soul and makes everyone feel like part of a community!
Sarah - regular attendee of Ell’s classes + retreat guest
MEET YOUR HOST
Ellie is the creator of SoftGround Retreats. She will lead your retreat and teach all of your classes. With over 5 years of teaching experience across group classes, privates, workshops and retreats - Ellie aims to create an unforgettable experience for you.
Ellie’s dance background and stretch therapy knowledge inform her teaching, creating creative flows that support and challenge you, to nourishing stretch sequences that leave you feeling calm and restored. You can expect a reflection of her creativity and various trainings through the Pilates classes, with the perfect balance between classical Pilates and contemporary influence.
Ellie is based in South West London and teaches in-person group classes and privates, as well as online privates.
Find her on instagram at @movewellwithell / @softgroundretreats
A DAY ON RETREAT
Morning Pilates
8:00am
Nourishing breakfast
9:30am
Boat tour*, beach trip or other optional extra
11am
Lunch
1pm
Massage, hike*, or other optional extra
2pm
Evening Pilates / Stretch class
5:30pm
Dinner
7:30pm
Activities with (*) are included in your retreat schedule at no extra cost
rooms
A calm, considered space to unwind and recharge.
Designed for two people sharing, with a friend or fellow retreat guest.
£1900 pp (£1800 pp)
6 month payment plan available
*Early bird offer (until 31/12) - £100 off
Twin room
Your own inviting retreat, with space to fully unwind.
Designed for solo guests who want extra privacy.
£2600 pp (£2500 pp)
6 month payment plan available
*Early bird offer (until 31/12) - £100 off
PRIVATE ROOM
Your Next Steps
-
This retreat is a Reformer Pilates retreat. We also have a Mat Pilates retreat at the same venue, just a couple of weeks after this one from 15-20th September. Details coming soon!
-
Firstly, please email us with your room preference (sharing or private).
To reserve your place, a £400 non-refundable deposit is required.
Following your deposit, you’re welcome to pay the remaining balance either upfront or through a flexible payment plan. We simply ask that all balances are settled 12 weeks before the retreat begins.
-
After booking, we'll send you a welcome pack with everything you need to know: a schedule guideline (subject to small changes), flight and transfer info, add-ons to consider and more.
-
We recommend flying into Lisbon airport, which is the nearest airport to the venue (approx. 45min drive away).
We will share recommended flight options and arrival details in your welcome pack.
-
Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for retreat!
JOIN THE MAILING LIST
Sign up with your email address to be the first to know of any future softground retreats, and get early bird discounts!