Pilates & Wellness Escape in Marbella, Spain

The retreat is led by a small team of instructors, with Audrey and Rocio getting specific praise in guest reviews for making yoga classes feel welcoming and inclusive. The Pilates instructors are internationally certified, and the whole programme is built around precision, alignment, and mindful movement rather than pushing to exhaustion. Whether you're recovering from an injury or an advanced practitioner, sessions are adapted to your level — beginners learn the basics of breathing, pelvic alignment, and core engagement, while more experienced guests work on advanced sequences and equipment variations.

A typical day starts with a 90-minute mat Pilates class focused on core strength and alignment. After a plant-forward breakfast, you'll have your personalised spa treatment or free time by the pool. The afternoon brings a lighter session using props — resistance bands, Pilates rings, stability balls, or reformer-style exercises. Pre-dinner, there's an optional sunset yoga class, and the evening ends with a three-course Mediterranean dinner. The schedule is flexible; you're not forced into every class, and guests have added hikes on their own.

What really sets this retreat apart is the all-inclusive, boutique nature of Shanti-Som. With only 15 rooms, you're never part of a big crowd, and the staff get to know you. The property opened in 2011, before 'wellness' became a trend, and it's inspired by Bali — the owner took ideas from Indonesian architecture and the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. It's set in lush gardens with panoramic mountain views, and the Mediterranean climate means you can do yoga outside most of the year.

The food is a big part of the experience, with guests commenting on how consistently healthy, delicious, and filling it is. Meals are a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, with a breakfast buffet, a la carte lunch, and a changing set dinner menu. The retreat includes one 60-minute spa treatment, a private reformer session, and daily group classes, all bundled into one price with no hidden extras. You also get a take-home practice plan so you can keep the benefits going after you leave.

Location-wise, you're 45 minutes from Málaga airport, in the Sierra de las Nieves foothills. It's a peaceful, quiet spot — guests describe feeling relaxed from day two. The hotel offers private transfers at an extra cost, or you can hire a car. The retreat runs all year, but spring and autumn are ideal for outdoor yoga and hikes, while summer is perfect for the pool. The minimum stay is 3 nights, so you can do 4, 5, or 7 nights total, with the same inclusions repeated for each additional 4 nights you book.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in a private room - Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - beverages excluded - Daily group mat Pilates sessions - Daily group meditation - Daily group yoga sessions (2 classes per day) - 1 x 60-minute spa treatment - 1 private reformer session - Gift from us - Full access to pool, sauna, and relaxation areas - Take-home practice plan - Free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional treatments - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Beverages during meals