Betty Beard shares her review of Yatta Retreats and reveals why a wellness break should be on your list for 2026…
Yatta is a top-tier Pilates studio based in Amersham, Beaconsfield and Berkhamsted in Buckinghamshire, known for its skilled instructors, state-of-the-art equipment and fiercely loyal clientele.
Over the past two years, the brand has expanded into Yatta Retreats, offering a chance to step away from everyday life and deepen your practice. The retreat is tucked away on the stunning island of Ibiza, and hosted in a beautiful villa with a full reformer studio.
Yatta Retreats: our honest review
In great need of some R&R (and a self-confessed reformer Pilates addict) I was thrilled to step out of my comfort zone, develop my practice and carve out some much-needed ‘me time’ by joining the retreat.
Having never been on a retreat before, the idea of spending four days with eight strangers felt a little intimidating. Thankfully, any anxiety was short-lived.
I was the first to arrive at the villa, and after an airline hiccup involving my suitcase, I was feeling more than a little frazzled. Luckily, the retreat team instantly put me at ease. Greeting me with fiery ginger shots and an array of healthy snacks, it was the perfect welcome.
Once everyone else had arrived, it was time to say hello. The group was diverse, supportive and fabulous, all united by a shared love of reformer Pilates. There was a palpable sense of empowerment that we’d all opted for a holiday that put ourselves first (for a change!).
“As with everything we create at Yatta, we began by designing the kind of retreat we ourselves would want to attend,” says co-founder Inka. “A high-quality, thoughtfully curated trip that balances movement, nourishment and rest. We envisioned the perfect blend of reformer sessions, beautiful and nutritious food, meaningful activities, stunning natural scenery, and moments of true mindfulness,”
Feeling the burn
Once we’d settled in, we kicked things off with our first reformer session. This was held in a warm, wooden studio overlooking lush foliage. Bliss!
While a class straight after a flight might not sound appealing, it turned out to be exactly what my body needed. Stretching out, getting moving and reactivating muscles after travel felt deeply restorative.
From the outset, I was impressed by instructors Michelle and Alice’s attention to detail. They corrected aspects of my form I hadn’t previously noticed. Additionally, each move was tailored to individual ability, ensuring everyone felt supported while still being challenged. Each session pushed my practice to the next level, delivering a deeply satisfying post-workout burn.
Even after over a year of regular Pilates classes, I was amazed by the new movements and variations introduced — proof that there’s always more to explore.
Everything on the retreat is optional, creating a relaxed, no-pressure environment. Personally, I chose to dive into everything on offer: five reformer classes across four days, alongside three sunrise yoga sessions hosted by Nikki (a truly beautiful way to begin each morning). I left feeling stronger, more grounded and far more connected to my body.
Beyond the classes, we enjoyed a gentle hike and clifftop yoga overlooking the sea, as well as a fabulous local wine tasting — because life is all about balance!
Time for some R&R
Between sessions, there was ample downtime to enjoy the villa itself. Here, a large pool made the perfect spot for relaxing with a book. In the evenings, a gorgeous alfresco dining table set the stage for our group dinners.
An optional massage was also available. I booked mine towards the end of the trip and found it the perfect way to ease tired, hardworking muscles.
A standout moment during the retreat was a breathwork session. This was a deeply moving experience that brought the group even closer together, and one that everyone treasured.
“Watching the bonds that form over the course of each retreat is incredibly special,” shares Inka. “It’s an experience that goes far beyond words — a sense of connection, growth and rejuvenation that you really have to feel to understand.”
And last, but absolutely not least: the food. A true highlight, the chef created delicious, nourishing, locally-sourced meals designed to leave us feeling satisfied rather than deprived — a philosophy I wholeheartedly support. Each dish was fresh and nutritionally balanced.
My standout favourite? It had to be the beautifully colour-coordinated brunches that set us up perfectly each day.
Back to reality
All in all, it was a trip to remember and a much-needed reset from everyday life. I returned home feeling calmer, re-energised and stronger — and now show up to my weekly Pilates classes with renewed motivation. I’m already counting down to the next retreat.
The next Yatta Retreat will take place from 20–23 June 2026 in Ibiza, with more details coming soon. Follow @yatta_pilates to find out more.
Can’t wait until the summer? Yatta’s studios in Amersham, Beaconsfield and Berkhamsted offer brilliant sessions year-round in state-of-the-art spaces, suitable for all fitness levels.
