Welcome to The Joyful Escape with Real Retreats
Real Retreats offers you exercise, relaxation, delicious food and moments of reflection. We balance this with a little bit of less healthy food, wine and laughter.
Our Pilates programme is taught by highly qualified and experienced Physiotherapists who are used to adapting classes to suit all levels from complete beginner to super advanced.
We want you to slow down and take time for yourself
Close your eyes and think of those moments when you’ve felt truly relaxed and alive.
- When it’s first warm enough for a coffee on your back step.
- Taking in the view on top of a hill whilst catching your breath.
- A few important words shared around the kitchen table.
Amongst all the doing and the busy-ness, it’s often these moments that feel like truly living and we think you deserve more of them.
With our restorative wellness breaks you can take what you need and leave what you don’t. We offer Pilates and mindfulness sessions, woodland walking, wild swimming and a trip to the beautiful, historic town of Assisi. But you can also just sit in a quiet corner of the garden reading a book, rest by the pool or while away the hours in a hammock.
Come on your own, with friends or a partner. We’ll make sure everyone gets what they need from the retreat.
Why choose our retreats?
Rest from the noise of everyday life
Reinvigorate your mind and body
Explore new landscapes & make new friends
Stay with us at Casa Rosa
Casa Rosa stands on a spur above a small river in a national park, with breath-taking views over the Tescio Valley and across the wooded hills to Mount Subasio. It’s a place of imagination and calm.
In the 1960s, the derelict farmhouse was lovingly transformed into a family home and eventually a retreat by Ella’s English mother and artist Jennifer Holmes. Her influence is ever present in pictures, murals and painted furniture, but also in the beautifully landscaped gardens.
Imagine sitting, overlooking the valley in the late afternoon. Peace is broken by the madness of a small herd of wild boar returning to the forest. As dusk settles, fireflies dance in the meadow below you. Just enough wildness and magic to make you feel you’ve been spirited away to another world.
What is The Joyful Escape package?
Dates
15th – 21st June 2025
14th – 20th September 2025
Prices
£1,400 – £1,850
Single or shared occupancy options
Price excludes flights & UK transfers
Reflections from our guests
Answering your questions
We recommend the following British Airways flights. Transport to and from the airport in Italy will be arranged in line with these flights only.
Outward flight on Sunday
BA0616 – 16:05 London Heathrow – Perugia
Return flight on Saturday.
BA0617 – 11:40 Perugia – London Heathrow
Yes, you are welcome to extend your stay either at Casa Rosa, or elsewhere and arrange your own transport to and from the venue.
To fully enjoy our retreat, we recommend a moderate level of fitness. Ideally, you should be comfortable participating in a one-hour Pilates class and able to navigate sloping and uneven terrain without assistance.
We understand that everyone’s abilities differ, and we’ve designed our programme with flexibility in mind. The longer walks and waterfall swim are optional activities, so please don’t worry if you feel these might be too challenging.
To ensure we can cater to your individual needs and provide the best possible experience, we’ll send you a comprehensive health questionnaire before your arrival. This allows us to understand your capabilities and make any necessary adjustments to your programme.
Our aim is to create an inclusive and enjoyable environment for all our guests, regardless of fitness level. If you have any concerns about the physical aspects of the retreat, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help and can discuss how best to tailor the activities to suit you.
Yes, many people choose to come on our retreats as a perfect option for solo travellers. You will be able to meet new friends, enjoy communal meals and activities, but there is also plenty of time and space to enjoy your own company.
Don’t worry, we totally get this one. To be honest, we wouldn’t call ourselves group people, this is why we are so flexible with our timetable. We understand that people have vastly different needs in terms of time spent in a group, on their own or with a partner and you’ll find there is ample space and opportunity to accommodate whatever you want to do at any given time. What tends to happen is that the group gathers its own pace. There are many situations when you can make friends, share stories, and for many this is a big part of the retreat. There is also lots of time for peace and quiet and doing you own thing.
Temperatures in June and September are very pleasant, mostly in the range of 20-25 degrees Celsius, warm enough to swim and to exercise outside. If it is very warm, we will alter the timetable and make sure Pilates classes and walks are taken in the cooler mornings and late afternoon/evening. It can also occasionally rain, so we have undercover options for activities.