A pilates retreat for couples, even when one of you does not do pilates
27 October 2026 · 2 min read · Isla Pilates Samui
The most common message we get about the retreat is some version of: I would love to come, but my partner does not do pilates. Which is fine. The retreat was built so that it does not have to be a problem.
One retreat, one room, two holidays
The room is booked for two. The classes are booked for whoever wants them. A partner who does not practise gets the villa, the beach, the transfers and a morning to themselves while the other one is at the studio; a partner who wants to try gets a beginner-friendly class with a teacher who is used to first-timers. Nobody is made to sit on a reformer against their will, and nobody pays for classes they will not take.
What the mornings look like
Class is early. The ride collects you from the room, and an hour and a bit later you are back with coffee and the whole day ahead. On a couples' retreat that rhythm is the point: the practising half gets their hour, and the day is still shared. Add-ons — a massage, a sound bath, lunch at the café — are per person, so you can book one for each of you or one for one.
If the other half wants in
Some do, by day three, once they have watched someone come back from class looking that pleased with themselves. A first class is easy to add to the retreat, and a private session is the gentlest way in for anybody nervous about a group. The teacher sets every spring for their body and nobody else is watching.
Rooms that suit two
The seaview villa studio and the beachfront suites are the ones couples pick; the studio apartment works for a pair who like a kitchen and a short walk. All three are on the Isla retreat with what each includes, and the price is per night for the room, not per person for the retreat.
Do it somewhere warm, for as long as you like
the Isla retreat is a reformer class every day on Koh Samui, on the dates you choose — from three nights, with your ride to the studio and back included and a room you pick. Nothing is charged until a person has confirmed your room. If you would rather start with one class, the timetable is the place.