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.
You’re stepping into an experience with you at the centre of it
This isn’t a retreat where everything is prescribed. There’s a shape to the days, but it’s loose enough that you can follow your own pace.
We’ve created a space that’s here for you. Not the version of you that juggles everything.
The one who might just need a bit of quiet, and some space to think.
All Retreats for 2026 are Sold Out
Slow Down and Take Time
Close your eyes and think of those moments when you’ve felt truly relaxed and alive.
- Early spring 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 after a climb.
- Those 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 daily Pilates and guided meditation and conversation, woodland walking, wild swimming and trips 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.
What to expect
Our program is based around the 3 elements of guided walks, movement classes and bodywork treatments. Add to that, wonderful meals, impromptu conversation and time to rest, read and swim. Our itineraries are always flexible depending on mood, weather and whims.
Ian will guide you through hills and woodlands around Casa Rosa, sharing his knowledge of plants, trees, history, and land. Some walks lead to a hidden waterfall and natural pool, a wild place to swim or just be.
We’ll also take two trips into Assisi:
Hill Walk & Hermitage – A guided walk above Assisi, visiting the Mortari sink-holes and ending at the enchanting Hermitage of St Francis.
Town & Table – A slower day in Assisi itself, exploring churches and historic sites, and lunch at a beautiful restaurant with views across the valley to Perugia.
Our classes are rooted in Pilates, but often we take them somewhere else. We move with our breath, with music, and with stories. Stretching and strength meet rhythm and reflection. Some sessions will challenge you. Others will soothe.
We’re not here to push. We’re here to help you reconnect to your body, your rhythm.
In a yurt among the trees, Giulia offers restorative bodywork. Slow, intuitive, grounding. These aren’t treatments off a menu. They’re thoughtful, hands-on moments of reconnection.
You’ll be surprised how much your body wants that.
Take a breath
We don’t often get time to stop.
To think about where we are.
What’s working.
What isn’t.
What we might like to change, and how we’d even begin.
This retreat gives you that time.
Five nights away from the noise of work, of home, of being needed.
Time to rest, reflect, and reimagine what’s next.
Time to plot a quiet path through whatever transition you might be in.
You don’t need a big reason to come.
Just the sense that it’s time.
Come with questions. Leave with a little more space for the answers.
Who are we?
Jo
Coach, Physiotherapist and Pilates teacher. I help people navigate change, gently and with care.
Giulia
Massage therapist with a holistic, intuitive approach. I help people soften, physically and emotionally.
Ange
Physiotherapist and Pilates teacher. I’ll challenge you, but with a little humour goes a long way.
Ian
Tree consultant, guide to the natural world, lover of the land.
Stay with us at Casa Rosa
Casa Rosa sits on a ridge in the Umbrian hills just outside Assisi surrounded by meadows, forests and wide-open views.
You might hear wild boar at night. You might see fireflies at dusk. It’s peaceful, but alive.
What you’ll take away with you
You won’t be handed a certificate. There’s no syllabus. No test.
But you might leave with:
– A body that feels more like yours again
– A mind that’s a little quieter
– A sense of direction that feels right and real
– A handful of moments you’ll carry with you for year
What is The Joyful Escape package?
Dates
All retreats for 2026 are sold out
Prices
From £1900
Single or shared occupancy options
Price excludes flights & UK transfers
Reflections from our guests
Answering your questions
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.