Meet the Team at The Joyful Escape

Jo

Retreat Host, Movement Guide, Coach

Jo leads our retreat team, bringing 30 years of healthcare and business experience to the table. As a Physiotherapist, Pilates teacher, Life Coach, and owner of Courtyard Clinic in Gloucestershire, she infuses our retreats with joy and transformation. Jo’s free spirit shines through in creating experiences that are both impactful and fun-filled

I’ve spent many years teaching movement through Pilates, working as a physiotherapist and as a coach. I’m interested in what happens when we stop rushing and tune into our bodies.

On our retreats, I guide movement sessions that are part Pilates, part story, part something else entirely and I’m always available for conversations about what’s shifting and where you might want to go next.

Mostly, I try to create the kind of space I would want for myself: thoughtful, spacious, gently inspiring.

Giulia

Massage Therapist, Intuitive Bodyworker

Giulia is our intuitive therapist, skilled in Holistic, Shiatsu, Sports, and Thai Massage. Her treatments are as diverse and enchanting as her playlists. Think of her as the Hogwarts Professor of Massage!

My background is in holistic massage, energy work, and traditional healing therapies.
I offer treatments in a yurt at the edge of the forest – tailored to what you need that day. It might be physical release, emotional reset, or just a deep rest you haven’t had in a long time.

People often say they feel lighter afterwards, not just in their body, but in their mind too.

Ange: The Pilates pro

The Pilates Pro

Ange is a highly experienced Physiotherapist. Her classes are energising and creative.

With over 17 years as a Physiotherapist and 14 years as a Pilates instructor, I am the proud owner of my own physio and reformer studio in Gretton, Gloucestershire.

In more recent years, I’ve loved co-hosting retreats. I really value the holistic approach that blends physical with emotional wellbeing and I’m passionate about helping people feel strong, supported, and more at home in their bodies.

Ian: The nature guru

Nature Guide, Tree Consultant, Quiet Companion to the Land

Ian, originally a tree surgeon, now arboriculture consultant foe The Tree Council is our go-to expert for all things outdoors on the retreats.

I’ve worked with trees and landscapes for most of my life. I’m fascinated by the way geology, ecology and human history all weave together, especially in this part of Umbria, which I’ve been exploring for years.

On retreat, I’ll take you walking. Not extreme. Just enough for you to start to understand the landscape on a deeper level. Sometimes I share stories, sometimes facts, sometimes silence. The aim is to help you feel connected to where you are, and to yourself.