Life Pause | Andalusia — A Pilates Retreat in Casares, Spain

Last week I swapped my studio for sunshine and spent an unforgettable few days in Casares, Andalusia, working as the content creator, photographer, reel-maker and front of house for my best friend Jenny, founder of Core Pilates Oban.

Together with Jenny, Fiona (our brilliant fitness instructor) and Lesley, Jenny’s sister and our driver for the week, we welcomed a wonderful group of women to Life Pause | Andalusia. What a week it was.

We arrived at the most beautiful villa tucked into the valley, surrounded by olive trees and mountain views. Guests were greeted with a glass of fizz and relaxed introductions before settling into a week filled with movement, laughter, great food, and connection.

Each day found its own rhythm. Mornings began with a Pilates sessions led by Jenny or Fiona (our fitness instructor), followed by nourishing breakfasts prepared by our private chef Judy. Her food was nothing short of incredible, fresh, colourful and perfectly balanced after each class.

Some mornings started early with runs or walks along the seafront in Manilva, watching the sunrise over the Mediterranean before dipping in the sea. Salty, refreshing, and the most peaceful way to start the day.

Afternoons were slower, time to rest in the sun, chat, swim, or sneak in a sauna or plunge before another class later in the day. The warm weather meant everything ran to a flexible, easy flow, which suited everyone perfectly.

One of the real highlights was our trip to Manilva, where we visited a local vineyard and enjoyed a wine tasting of three delicious selections. It was such a lovely, relaxed outing, sunshine, laughter, and the chance to see more of the region, with a bottle or two coming home, of course.

We also celebrated two birthdays during the week, both evenings filled with a special dessert, laughter, and that lovely sense of community that retreats naturally bring.

As the retreat photographer and content creator, my days were busy capturing all of it, the flow of the classes, the laughter at the table, the stillness after movement, and the little in-between moments that tell the story of the week.

We even took a morning to wander through the whitewashed village of Casares, exploring its narrow streets and soaking up the views. When the retreat came to an end, Jenny Fiona, Myself and Lesley (our driver) took a scenic route from Estepona through Marbella before heading back to Malaga for our flight home, the perfect end to a full, beautiful week.

It wasn’t restful in the traditional sense, there was always something to film, photograph, or create - but it was deeply fulfilling. To work alongside my best friend, document her passion, and see how much the guests gained from the experience was honestly a privilege.

Did you know that Jenny is one of only three instructors in Scotland qualified to teach Hypopressives? It’s a method focused on core and pelvic floor strength, posture, and recovery. Her work is empowering and transformative, and this retreat reflected that perfectly.

During the retreat each guest had a one to one session with Jenny, where she looked closely at posture, breathing and body movement. After spending 13 years as a physio technician, she brings a deep understanding of how muscles, breath and movement connect. She’s also trained in Swedish massage, which adds another layer of care and calm to her approach. Jenny’s knowledge, warmth and attention to detail made every class feel supportive, empowering and completely personal. The whole week reflected her dedication to helping women feel strong, confident and comfortable in their own bodies.

Between classes and one to ones there was still plenty of time to rest, relax and soak up the sunshine. Some mornings began with quiet coffee moments on the terrace, others with laughter around the breakfast table. The pool, the gardens and the gentle hum of conversation became part of the rhythm of the week. It was the perfect balance of movement, stillness, good food and good company, with every detail carefully thought through to help everyone truly pause.

We’re already planning our next return to Casares. The same villa, same sunshine and the same beautiful energy.

Dates will be announced soon, so if you’d like to receive the retreat brochure, you can message us directly to register your interest.

I can’t wait to go back — Spain, sunshine, Pilates, friendship, food, and the chance to capture it all again 💛