An amazing voyage awaits
on Lambay Island, Ireland
Nourish, Ease & Align: A Pilates Retreat for Your Head, Neck and Shoulders
Come whisk yourself away to Lambay Island for 4 days and 3 nights, the break you need to kick off a fantastic reset for your mind and body, and more specifically, for rejuvenating your head, neck and shoulders.
Jessy and Nina are planning two spectacular spring long weekends filled with Pilates and so much more! On offer: world-class Pilates mat work with a small ball (a fabulous accessory to accentuate any level of Pilates practice); premium accommodation on a breathtaking private island off the coast of Dublin; individual Craniosacral therapy sessions for each participant; a unique gastronomic experience; extras that include massage therapy; and lots of down time to make the most of your extraordinary visit to this picturesque location in all its natural simplicity.
Jessy Babin (Pilates)
Nina Paavola (Pilates and Craniosacral Therapy)
Dee Mellon (Massage Therapy)
Retreat Rates between 1397€ & 1647€
Includes Lambay boat transfers, accommodation, all meals, regular refreshments, all Pilates sessions, individual Craniosacral session, and so much more! Details below
A non-refundable 30% deposit is required to secure your space. The balance is due 6 weeks prior to the retreat.
Please use the “Book Now” form at the bottom of the page to get in touch and for any further details.
Nourish, Ease & Align
A PILATES RETREAT FOR YOUR HEAD, NECK AND SHOULDERS
This Pilates retreat is designed to align, ease, and nourish the head, neck, and shoulders.We offer a comprehensive wellness experience that focuses on rejuvenating and strengthening these specific areas of the body.
During four days and three nights, participants will exercise, relax, and receive holistic treatments and nourishment in order to address any tension in these areas and and leave feeling rejuvenated and balanced.
All of this is provided in a serene and immersive environment, perfect for participants to unwind, connect with their bodies, and release tension in the head, neck, and shoulder region.
The Craniosacral session is tailored to each individual, enabling the participant to better understand the structure of their head and neck. We use the Craniosacral system to gently puzzle out the root causes of any discomfort or alignment issues – and almost as if by surprise, the underlying tensions are able to resolve. Nina brings a special intuitive, almost psychic ability to her interpretation of the work which is truly profound. A Craniosacral session with Nina was the most requested therapy after our 2023 Lambay retreat!
During the retreat, you can expect
Location and Setting:
- The retreat is typically held in a tranquil and picturesque location, such as a wellness resort, beachfront property, or a serene mountain retreat. The natural surroundings create a calming atmosphere conducive to relaxation and healing.
Daily Pilates Classes:
- The core of this retreat is a series of daily Pilates classes led by experienced instructors. These classes are specially curated to target the head, neck, and shoulders. Participants will practice exercises that improve posture, flexibility, and strength, promoting better alignment and reduced tension.
Mindful Movement Workshops:
- In addition to Pilates, participants can attend workshops on mindful movement practices like yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation. These practices enhance body awareness, reduce stress, and promote better body-mind connection.
Individualized Attention:
- The retreat is designed for a small group of participants to ensure that everyone receives individualized attention and adjustments during classes. This allows for a personalized experience tailored to each participant’s needs and fitness level.
Massage and Bodywork:
- To further alleviate tension and promote relaxation, participants can enjoy therapeutic massages and bodywork sessions. Specialized treatments for the head, neck, and shoulders, such as craniosacral therapy or neck and shoulder massages, are on offer.
Nutrient-Rich Cuisine:
- Nourishing the body is an integral part of the retreat. Healthy and delicious meals are typically provided, using fresh, local, and organic ingredients. Menus include foods rich in nutrients that support muscle health and overall wellness.
Workshops on Self-Care:
- Participants can attend workshops on self-care techniques, such as self-massage, stretching routines, and ergonomic tips for maintaining a healthy posture in daily life.
Nature Walks and Outdoor Activities:
- Time spent in nature is essential for relaxation and rejuvenation. Participants can explore the area on guided nature walks, outdoor movement sessions, swimming, or other activities that connect them with the natural environment.
Rest and Reflection:
- Adequate time is allocated for relaxation, reflection, and personal rejuvenation. This includes opportunities for journaling, meditation, swimming, or simply unwinding in a peaceful environment.
Community and Support:
- The retreat fosters a sense of community and support, allowing participants to connect with like-minded individuals who share their wellness goals. Group discussions and social activities allow time to connect with the group.
Take-Home Practices:
- Participants are encouraged to integrate what they’ve learned into their daily lives. They receive guidance on how to continue practicing Pilates and other wellness techniques to maintain head, neck, and shoulder health beyond the retreat.
Lambay Island
Ireland
6 to 9 June 2024 & 4 to 7 July 2024
Pilates Workshop
Your Teachers
Jessy Babin & Nina Paavola
What's included:
- Luxurious island accommodation for 3 nights / 4 days on Lambay
- All locally sourced, seasonal meals prepared by your private island chef and hospitality assistant : 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
All Pilates classes and breakout themed workshops
- 1 private Craniosacral session
- Free Pilates ball, the accessory we’ll be using during the workshop
- Saturday night bonfire with wine and s’mores
- Access to the island with walking tour to see wallabies and puffins
- Guided tour of the Lambay Castle
- Morning and afternoon refreshments (tea, coffee, homemade healthy cakes, fresh fruit) Use of island wi-fi, sitting rooms, library, gardens, and local know-how
- Tea/coffee, herbal infusions and soft drinks available all day (self-serve)
- Lambay boat transfers at beginning and end of your retreat
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights, transfers to / from the airport
Travel to Malahide Marina from where the Lambay boat departs (boat transfers are included)
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended as there will be no refunds for travel changes)
- Extras or mainland expenses
- Massage sessions
Pricing
per person
Location
The private isle of Lambay is an extraordinary place. The island came into the hands of a newly-wed couple in 1904, Cecil and Maude Baring. Together with the visionary architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, they embarked on a project that would immortalise their love story and survive for generations after they were gone.
They turned Lambay into a beautiful home and destination for creative and bold minds: the 15th Century fort became a Romantic Castle with plumbing and open fires in every room; the Coastguard Cottages were renovated for residents, a working farm was built and the stunning 14th Century Chapel brought back to life.
Lambay became their secret haven; a paradise of birds, wildlife and stunning architecture where they could immerse themselves and their friends in creativity and pursuit of a life less ordinary.
On the wilder parts of the island seals, puffins, cormorants, kittiwakes, shags and gulls mingle with deer, wallabies and free roaming cattle and sheep. In spring the island is covered in a rich, purple haze of bluebells; in summer the bright yellow gorse flowers pepper the hillside.
The entire island is off-grid, powered by wind and solar energy for all its electricity and supplied by its own fresh spring water source, Trinity Well.
YOUR STAY
We will be staying in Lambay’s accommodations, and both single- and double-occupancy rooms are available.
You’ll have the option of booking a variety of different kinds of rooms: master super-king rooms with luxury en suite bathroom and sea views ; super-king bedrooms with private en suite bathroom ; and super-king bedroom with shared en suite shower room.
If you’re down for sharing, your options include shared super-king or twin bedrooms with private en suite bathroom.
PILATES SESSIONS
Once you arrive and settle in, you’ll be gearing up for your first of many Pilates sessions. On offer: classes and break-out themed workshops proposed each day, all geared to Nourish, Ease & Align your head, neck & shoulders.
Jessy and Nina are both teachers and teacher-trainers with almost 20 years of Pilates teaching experience. Both of them have widened their field of expertise to include other fascinating movement techniques that add to the richness of their teaching approaches.
Proposed Schedule
THURSDAY
Boat departs Malahide Marina (25 min transfer)
Island Welcome on the Pier
Time to settle in, tea/cake/fruit
Short coastal walk
Pilates class
Welcome drinks and dinner
FRIDAY
Breakfast in the Whitehouse
Pilates Class
Tour of Lambay Castle & Gardens
Lunch
Pilates Class
Afternoon Tea & Cake
Personal Time
Dinner
Fireside Chats & Lambay Whiskey
SATURDAY
Breakfast
Pilates Class
Island Nature Walk
Lunch
Pilates Class
Afternoon Tea & Cake
Personal Time
Dinner
Bonfire with Wine & Treats
SUNDAY
Optional early morning coastal walk for seal spotting
Late Breakfast
Pilates Class
Sunday Lunch
Facial Self-Massage Class with Dee
Departure from Lambay
Extras
Massage Therapy
Dee Mellon runs Holistic Hands Dublin. She is an experienced, highly trained holistic therapist and tutor working in this industry for almost 20 years.
She offers treatments that help soothe (or invigorate) mind, body and soul, a holistic experience catered to individual wants and needs, provided in a safe, cosy & confidential environment.
More recently, she has expanded her focus on staying well through the aging process. She uses massage, reflexology and natural approaches to maintain a young,
fresh-faced appearance with facial massage techniques and exercises.
80€ – 85€ per hour
Choice of Holistic Massage, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology & Bespoke Visible Difference Face Lifting Facials
Meals
Your retreat includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners, along with snacks and tea.
