Physio-Led Pilates & Yoga Retreat in Portugal's Algarve

Days here follow a loose but reliable rhythm. A morning mobility class runs at around 8am before brunch, then there's free time until a yoga or Pilates session later in the day. After that you can swim, walk, read or book a massage before an early dinner at about 6pm, cooked by the estate's private chef. Most evenings close with a relax-and-restore class around 9:30pm to help you sleep. One full day is set aside for a beach excursion so you see more of the local coastline.

What makes this different from a typical yoga retreat is the physiotherapy element. Both leaders are fully qualified physios, and every participant gets a short one-to-one assessment or check-in to talk through any injuries, ongoing conditions, or specific Pilates and yoga postures they struggle with. During classes, both instructors are present so there's always someone available to offer an adaptation or a hands-on correction, whether you're a complete beginner or you've been practising for years. There are also physio-led workshops where you go deeper into how your own body works.

The instructors are Julie Bruton and Bex McLean, who met in the Swiss Alps and have worked together for five years delivering physiotherapy, massage and Pilates in the mountains. Julie graduated in Physiotherapy from Bournemouth University in 2010 and has worked in sports injury clinics in London, surf retreats in Indonesia and ski resorts in Switzerland; she completed her APPI Pilates Matwork training and a therapeutic yoga course, plus a mindfulness-based stress reduction diploma. Bex graduated as a physiotherapist in 2009 and has worked with football, rugby and Scottish hockey teams, at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, in Swiss ski resorts and with the military in Germany and England; she trained as an APPI Pilates teacher in 2014 and completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training in Nepal.

The setting is rural Tavira, close to the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve, a lagoon system that forms a barrier of sandbanks and long beaches along the coast. Inland, the Barrocal scrubland links the coast to the hills, dotted with orange, almond, olive and carob trees. It's quiet, green and genuinely removed from the resort strips.

Altanure is set up specifically for this kind of trip. The yoga shala, called Dojo, is fully equipped with 20 yoga mats, 16 zafu meditation pillows, 16 bolsters, 22 cork blocks and 16 yoga straps, all free to use during your stay. You also get exclusive use of both swimming pools, the natural swimming pond, and the surrounding gardens.

What's included

- 5 nights accommodation in a private or shared room with ensuite bathroom - Water, tea and coffee available throughout the day - Welcome drink - Daily meditation classes - Daily yoga classes - Daily Pilates classes - Morning mobility classes - Physio-led workshops - Short one-to-one physiotherapy assessment/check-in - Transportation during the retreat - Brunch and dinner provided (except one dinner out) - Free parking - Wifi connection - Use of two swimming pools and a natural swimming pond - Use of the fully equipped yoga shala (Dojo) - Exclusive use of the gardens and estate facilities

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional treatments (such as massages) - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - One evening meal out at a local restaurant - Personal expenses