County Mayo · 4 days
The retreat runs over four days, Thursday to Sunday, and is built around three things: walking, Pilates, and eating well. Mornings and afternoons include a two-hour walk or hike suited to the group's ability — the peninsula has coastline on both sides, so routes are coastal. Waterproofs are essential; the page calls th…
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County Mayo · 4 days
The retreat runs over four days, Thursday to Sunday, and is built around three things: walking, Pilates, and eating well. Mornings and afternoons include a two-hour walk or hike suited to the group's ability — the peninsula has coastline on both sides, so routes are coastal. Waterproofs are essential; the page calls these walks 'Wild Atlantic facials' and means it.
Pilates sessions are taught by Christina Reilly, a qualified physiotherapist and APPI Pilates instructor. Her classes are pitched at all shapes and sizes and all fitness levels, with modifications offered so beginners and experienced practitioners can work side by side. Evenings include Epsom salt baths to help with recovery and sleep.
The food is vegetarian and designed by award-winning chef Brydie alongside nutritionist Siobhán Hennelly. The menu keeps allergens to a minimum and is put together to give the gut a rest after the Christmas period. It is not a fasting or calorie-restricted programme — the page is explicit that you won't go hungry.
The coaching team extends beyond Pilates and nutrition. Siobhán Hennelly has over 10 years in the health industry and holds an MSc in Psychology plus a specialist diploma in Eating Disorders; she works with women on their relationship with food. Marie Khalifa is an internationally accredited mindset coach who works with athletes and high performers on mental resilience. Chloe O'Connor is a reflexologist with a physiotherapy background, specialising in African Reflexology. Dan Keegan teaches progressive vinyasa yoga, with classes using functional movement, breathwork and mindfulness. Private sessions with team members are available for an extra boost.
What separates this from a generic spa weekend is the setting and the logistics. Belmullet is in the northernmost Gaeltacht of Mayo — remote, exposed, and genuinely quiet in January. The train from Heuston to Ballina costs €16.99 to €18.99 each way, and the team recommends it both for the environmental reasons and because the journey itself is part of the wind-down. The hotel, the Broadhaven Bay, is family-owned and known for its outdoor tidal pool and nature walks.
- 4-day guided retreat programme - 3 nights accommodation at the Broadhaven Bay Hotel - Single occupancy rooms as standard (shared on request) - All meals, vegetarian, designed by chef Brydie with nutritionist Siobhán Hennelly - Packed lunch for the train home on Sunday - Daily two-hour guided coastal walk or hike - Pilates sessions with Christina Reilly - Epsom salt baths - Access to the coaching team for optional private sessions - Bus transfer from Ballina to Belmullet and back
- Train travel from Heuston Station to Ballina (€16.99–€18.99 each way) - Private sessions with the coaching team - Personal expenses - Travel insurance