The Pilates Escape Retreat
Ready to escape to your next Pilates Retreat?
Join us in the Hunter Valley at the beautiful Willow Tree Estate, overlooking Brokenback Mountain Range.
Step away from the rush of everyday life and spend a few restorative days with like-minded people, enjoying nourishing yet energising Pilates sessions in a warm and inviting country home. Surrounded by sweeping vineyard views and peaceful countryside, it’s the perfect setting to move, unwind and recharge.
Retreat Highlights
Three nights in luxurious accommodation with spacious ensuite rooms perfect for friends, couples or solo guests
Six Pilates classes with Carrie and Shira, held on the Reformer and Mat, in small groups, with plenty of individual attention
Classes suitable for all abilities, focused on supporting healthy movement. Each session blends strength and mobility to help guests feel both nourished and energised
Mindfulness sessions to support rest and clarity
Pilates based workshops by Carrie exploring the principles of specific movement
Mindset workshops with Lauren, our Life Coach, designed to inspire reflection and a fresh perspective
Delicious, nourishing meals prepared by Chef Matt, with all dietary requirements catered for.Click here for a sample menu
Official welcome afternoon tea
Generous downtime to relax, unwind and simply be in cosy spaces throughout the home
Beautiful grounds to enjoy, play a game of bocce, take a swim in the pool, or relax on the expansive outdoor deck overlooking the vineyards and mountains.
Your Escape Team
Carrie Guest
Founder and owner of The Pilates Nook Studio, Carrie has 20 years experience as an Instructor. She holds a Diploma in Professional Pilates with Polestar, is a Polestar Senior Educator, qualified Sports Massage Therapist and has a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science and Biology.
Carrie has a special interest in injury rehabilitation and improving performance at sport. She thrives on the energy of a group class and brings a mix of creativity and warmth to her teaching, with an eagle eye for technical precision in each movement.
Shira Rosenburg
After completing her degree in Sport and Exercise Science, Shira was drawn to the world of movement and physical rehabilitation. In 2013, she completed her Diploma in Professional Pilates with Polestar and later became a Mentor for Polestar students in training.
Calm, kind and knowledgeable, Shira uses a holistic, individualised approach when teaching, aiming to restore healthy movement patterns and support long-term wellbeing.
Lauren Watts
Lauren, Confidence and Mindset Coach, founder of Stumble & Shine, mum of three, coffee lover and occasionally clumsy!
Lauren started Stumble & Shine to help people who look put-together but are running on fumes. Her coaching supports busy jugglers who want to feel more like themselves - no extreme routines, just practical tools and real life support.
Lauren will share useful research-based, mindset strategies so you can manage mental load, show up when it counts and find room again to breathe.
Matt Bowrey
Matt has worked in commercial kitchens in Austria, Latin America and London, including sous-chef for the famous Notting Hill eatery, Tacqueria.
Upon returning to Sydney, Matt joined Bondi Icebergs Dining Room and Bar; one of Sydney’s most prestigious restaurants.
Matt now owns Pescado Catering which combines his passion for good food and bringing people together, and his impressive culinary experience. He will be our Chef for the duration of the Retreat!
Accomodation
In addition to the stunning open-plan living and dining area, the house offers a number of inviting spaces to relax and unwind in. Enjoy a cosy sitting room with fireplace, a games and cinema room and a sun-bathed outdoor deck overlooking the pool, beautiful grounds and surrounding vineyards.
The venue features luxuriously appointed bedrooms, all with private ensuites. The rooms are generous in size and can be arranged as private, twin or triple share. Each bedroom includes a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities, while the ensuites are stocked with toiletries, fresh towels and hairdryers.
Pilates classes will be held in the Norfolk Room, a beautiful space on the property with views across the vineyards. Large glass doors open to the outdoors, or can be closed on cooler days, with heating to keep the room warm and comfortable.
Investment
Private - $3300
Twin Share - $2310 pp
Triple Share - $1650 pp
FAQs
What style of Pilates is it?
Classes will be held on the Reformer and Mat. Carrie and Shira teach contemporary pilates grounded in the traditional core principles, with a focus on whole-body movement. Expect a balance of strength and mobility, coordination and control during the classes.
Do I have to participate in all sessions?
Not at all, everything is optional. There will be a printed timetable, any changes will be updated, and it is entirely up to you how you spend your time with us.
Do you have a payment plan?
A $500 deposit is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance due by 15 May 2026.
If you’d prefer a payment plan, we can arrange this via direct debit. Simply email hello@thepilatesnook.com.auto register and request a payment plan.
Can I bring my own snacks?
Yes, you have a fridge in your room and we also provide a light snack option between meals
Nespresso coffee, tea including herbals and water (still/sparkling) will be provided. Please BYO alcohol/softs.
Craving a Barista-made coffee?
The Mill is a 15-minute walk or 2-minute drive away and opens at 8am.
What should I pack?
Pack comfortable activewear and grip socks for participation in classes. Walking shoes, swimmers and a hat if you like to be outdoors and warm layers suitable for June weather. In our experience, guests dress casually for dinner.
We provide all equipment including the Reformers, Mats and props. The venue provides toiletries, towels, bedding and pool towels.
The venue has wifi. Don’t forget your chargers!
You might like to bring a book for downtime.
If I don’t drive, how can I get to the venue?
Email us and we will try to arrange a carpool.
I want to explore the area, any recommendations?
The Hunter Valley offers a wonderful range of experiences to explore. The region is home to world-class wineries, specialty food producers and local cheese shops, as well as the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens, day spas, hiking trails, horse-riding and cycling opportunities.
You may like to arrive a day or two earlier, or extend your stay after the retreat, to enjoy everything the area has to offer.
Retreat Reviews
What our guests had to say…
“A truly unforgettable experience. I will be encouraging more friends to join me next time”
“A beautiful retreat, lovely venue, delicious food, great teachers”
'“The retreat was just magical. It was the perfect balance of activities and downtime”
The Pilates Escape Reformer Retreat
Join our next Pilates Reformer Retreat on the Hawkesbury River hosted by Carrie Guest.