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We're offering a version of our popular annual springtime retreat this fall! Join us for a rejuvenating adventure in travel and wellness, relax in a dreamy villa near Barcelona and recharge through daily coaching with one of New York’s top Pilates trainers, Karrie Adamany. Plus unique, active, guided side trips: biking, hiking, and even taking in the waters at a traditional hot springs mineral spa. You’ll refresh your culinary repertoire, too, getting to know real Catalan cuisine. September 20-25, 2010.
- Accommodation in a Catalan country villa dating to the 14th C and stylishly restored as a boutique inn (double occupancy in suites);
- 5 Pilates classes with renowned New York-based master teacher Karrie Adamany; mat sessions focused on centering, stretching, strengthening;
- A guided cycling trip through country landscapes and ancient hilltowns;
- A guided hike along the spectacular Costa Brava;
- A trip to a historic balneario to take the naturally bubbly hot spring waters;
- Two cooking classes – one with local ladies, one with a superb (and charming) chef;
- An excursion for strolling, shopping, and great art in stylish Girona;
- A rustic cookout at a private vineyard where you’ll perfect your alioli;
- All meals featuring seasonal, local cuisine, and a few spectacular indulgences; a true Mediterranean diet, but not a diet or weight-loss program, nor is this designed for vegetarians or vegans; one exception: one dinner on your own, with guidance from us, in Girona, where you’ll enjoy wonderful choices;
- Transportation by private mini-bus and driver from the city to the villa and back, and on all our driving excursions through the region;
- Insider food, history, and culture tips for those who like to venture off on their own;
- A little downtime to allow you to book a massage, hoof it to a nearby Dalí mansion, shop for ceramics, or just laze by the pool (which uses a natural salt-ionization purifying system);
- Gratuities included for all meals.
Course fee: €2495, double occupancy; single supplement: €404
P.S.: Let us know if you’ll be arriving early or staying afterwards to visit Barcelona. We gladly share some of our best secrets about the city with our retreat-goers.
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We admit it. This part of the Catalan countryside north of Barcelona looks a lot like Tuscany. But we like this little corner of the Mediterranean even better. Part of its charm is that its lovely hilltowns and beaches are not so thoroughly discovered. We share Catalonia’s most delicious secrets on this retreat – a vacation that is perfectly in tune with the region’s inspiring vibe.
Here, as in Tuscany and Provence, ingredients come from terraced olive groves and vineyards, kitchen gardens, small farms, and the sea. It is a truly beautiful and healthy place to taste, cook, exercise, and explore.
This is certainly not your typical group tour. It’s a trip that will strengthen your core and your spirit. Every day starts with a coached Pilates workout, then offers more unforgettable treats: a spectacular hike along the Mediterranean, a bike ride that coasts past one medieval town after another, a walk on the cobblestone streets of a gem of a walled city, a trip to a traditional medicinal spring-fed spa, an invitation to the villa owners’ private vineyard haven for an outdoor feast.
In all, you’ll be busy, but you’ll keep your balance, with a little time for relaxation, cooking, and eating well, too.
The program is limited to a maximum of 12 participants, which makes it possible for you to get special attention from the villa’s chef and all the other charming and patient local experts you’ll meet. Having a small group also means we are able to practice sustainable travel: we visit real places, eat real food, and appreciate local culture.
The six-day program runs from September 20 to 25, 2010.
The course fee of €2495 covers all of this: double occupancy accommodations in a beautiful villa hotel, daily classes with Karrie, as well as expert local guides for your cycling, hiking, and cooking expeditions, transportation in a private mini-bus with a driver, and all the touring, tastings, and meals we’ve detailed in the “what’s included” list to the left. As in other parts of Spain, wine is normally paired with meals here, so we’ll select appropriate pairings and mineral waters (but cocktails or other beverages are up to you). Airfare is not included.
If you want more than a dip in the balneario’s hot mineral spring waters, we can help you book from an array of other spa services, but they’re not included in the trip price.
Travelers who wish to participate in daily fitness activities must be in good physical condition. Prior experience with Pilates is recommended but not required.
Go to postcards to read what our travelers say about their Spanish Journeys experiences.
Go to enrollment details to register for this trip or contact us with questions.
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