Relax, recharge and rejuvenate this Summer
Pilates and Cooking holiday in the glorious Scottish Highlands
26-29 August 2019
Awaken your Senses
Are you looking for a place to unwind, learn new things in a gorgeous, relaxing environment, and feel positive about your future health by creating a plan you can use every day? If so, this wellness break is for you.
Imagine waking up surrounded by the wild beauty of a romantic Highland landscape. Look over the sweeping majesty of Loch Ness while you learn to cook and enjoy eating fresh, local food and connect with your friendly hosts and fellow guests. Breathe deeply, savour the beauties of nature awaken all your senses, and revitalize your body as you enjoy Pilates to a background of amazig scenery. Escape from the ordinary, learn powerful techniques to nuture yourself every day, and enjoy the bliss of an island in time that's all for you.
All less than 2 hours' direct flight from London, Bristol Birmingham or Manchester.
What People Say about staying with us
"A thousand thanks for the beautiful welcome and care and hostessing. I had a wonderful holiday and have returned inspired ready and eager to run and get going. The time, work, effort, thought and care that you put into everything was amazing. To get such a personalised holiday, tailored to all my interests and needs, as well as to everyone else's, is something so special and so precious, I can't imagine it happening anywhere else. Thanks again to you both for being such awesome hosts and giving me such a wonderful and memorable experience every time".
Gail, London
Our cooking and Pilates break offers you:
- The time to enjoy being YOU again.
- 3 nights in our welcoming 'home from home'
- Pilates lessons with an experienced instructor, outside where possible (all abilities including beginners welcome)
- Fun, practical cookery lessons - top tips for healthy meals in minutes
- Delicious, wholesome food
- Guided journaling activities
- Time to yourself to explore the area, try optional experiences or just relax
All accommodation, in-house meals, tuition, recipes to take home, welcome gifts and transfers to and from Inverness airport or station are included in the cost of the holiday. Transport to and from Inverness, car hire if you require it (it's not compulsory; you can let us take care of the driving) and optional activities on the the second afternoon are not included.
Why you'll love us
- Relaxed & fun (we're not a bootcamp)
- Small groups (maximum 6 guests)
- Home-from-home atmosphere
- Friendly, experienced facilitators
- Healthy, hearty food (no faddy diets)
- Stunning scenery
- Opportunities to reflect & refocus your mind
- Time for YOU
This is a wellness holiday like no other. We teach practical skills in an informal, fun environment, making sure that your 'me time' is as relaxed, yet as productive as possible. We know how much you struggle to make time for yourself, so we're committed to ensuring that you get real value from your visit.
Pilates for Every Body
"Pilates is complete coordination of mind, body and spirit".
Pilates is a set of exercises which include 6 principles; centring, concentration, control, precision, breath and flow. We will use these principles to create an exercise that works the mind, body and spirit. It builds a strong core, working the abdominal and pelvic muscles. It stretches, strengthens and mobilises the whole body, working the little muscles as well as the bigger ones. Concentrating on our bodies and breath allows you to focus on you, without worrying about anything else. Listening to the body and moving.
I will guide you through the classes, allowing adaptations and modifications for injuries and differing ability levels. You will feel amazing after, relaxed, stronger and more flexible.
Our classes will take place in the main room of the house, overlooking the garden and the Loch. When weather permits, we'll move the classes outside and enjoy inhaling the incredible fresh air as we exercise.
You'll need comfortable exercise clothing. If you love your own Pilates mat, feel free to bring it with you. If not, or if you're trying Pilates for the first time, you're welcome to borrow one of ours.
Cooking and Eating Together
"Food brings people together on many different levels".
Does the thought of healthy cooking conjure images of limp lettuce leaves, or leave you panicking over the time and expense that you think is involved? Fear not! In my classes I’ll show you how to prepare healthy meals in a short amount of time with ingredients you can buy anywhere. Even if you’re on a budget. Even if you’re multi-tasking and have limited time. Even if, like me, you hate green smoothies. And they definitely won’t be boring.
During your holiday you’ll enjoy 4 cooking lessons designed to make healthy eating delicious and simple. You’ll get a chance to eat everything we make, and you’ll have a recipe file to take home with you packed with everything we’ve done, plus some extra ideas and a meal planner to use every week.
The final menu will depend on the dietary needs of the group, but all recipes are free of gluten and refined sugars. They’re designed to make the best use of fresh, straightforward ingredients you can buy anywhere, and to be simple yet fun to prepare, without the need for fancy equipment.
Here’s a sample of what you might expect to learn: • The three in one soup method • Fish without fuss • Great ways with pulses • No bread? No problem. Portable meals with style • Amazing bakes (no sugar needed)
There will be plenty of chances to enjoy healthy, hearty meals without lifting a finger. Every morning you’ll be able to sample something different from our breakfast buffet, and your farewell dinner is cooked entirely by Susannah, so you can relax with the friends you've made.
Cookery lessons are informal, fun and fully interactive. There’s a maximum of 6 people in every class to make sure you get plenty of individual attention. Whether you’re new to cooking or you’ve had more experience you’ll learn something new, and leave inspired to bring new tastes and techniques to your kitchen.
Where you'll Stay
Welcome to Whins!
Susannah's gorgeous Highland home was built with hospitality in mind. It's designed as a friendly, welcoming space where you can enjoy the beauty of the landscape to the full, and make the most of what the Highlands has to offer. You'll enjoy views of Loch Ness from every bedroom. Can you spot the Monster?
On sunny days you'll be able to open your own private door to the garden and bask in the invigorating Highland air in comfort and privacy. On cold days there are log fires, hot water bottles and warm drinks (including a wee dram o'whisky for those that like it!). In our huge living room, our giant picuture windows allow you to appreciate the ever-changing landscape throughout the day.
Accommodation is in twin bedrooms with shared bathrooms, so it's perfect for couples, or for two friends. We offer comfy beds with a choice of sheets or duvets to help you feel right at home as you snuggle down for a refreshing sleep. Single traveller who prefers their own room? Let's talk. We can accommodate you with one of our neighbours. You'll be in easy reach of us, but in a separate building, and there will be a surcharge. Please feel free to discuss this with us.
All this is less than 90 minutes by plane from London, Bristol, Birmingham or Manchester, and flights can start from as little as £90 return (the earlier you book, the better the prices). No need to hire a car; we can collect you from the airport or station and take care of the driving. All you need to do is relax and enjoy!
About your Facilitators
Susannah Alexander
Susannah is a nutritional therapist, cook and educator, who can't wait to welcome you to her home, and share her passion for the Highlands with you. She has been a keen cook since childhood, and has studied cookery and enjoyed cuisine all over the world. Susannah specialises in working with busy professionals who want to gain more energy, safeguard their long-term health, and develop achievable, healthy habits for life. She has taught cooking and healthy eating to all ages in many unusual venues. As well as achieving first class honours in nutritional therapy, she has studied recipe development and creative curricula, and holds diplomas in adult education and educational leadership.
Ceza Ouzounian
Ceza says: "I'm a Fitness & Energy Coach. One of the ways I work with my clients is with Pilates. I have been doing Pilates for 7 years and teaching for 5. I love Pilates for how it makes me feel and how it helps my back, which I injured doing Capoeira in 2010. I also love seeing the progress my clients make. They get stronger and more flexible, they challenge their body to do moves they couldn't before and I love seeing them leave my class with a massive smile on their faces! This difference in them makes my work so much more rewarding and why I keep doing what I do."
Interested in learning more?
If this sounds like the perfect experience for you, please book a chat with Susannah to answer any qestions and secure your place. It's FREE, and there's no obligation to purchase. We hope to speak with you very soon.
Or book with us now, to secure your place at a one-time-only price.
If what you've read so far has excited you, and you'd love to come and stay with us, we're delighted! Remember that we only have 6 places on each break, so to secure yours, please click this button and you'll be directed to our secure pay service. As we are currently piloting our experiences, we're offering all this to you for the special investment of £350.00. Your payment includes all accommodation, classes, meals and materials. We won't be offering this price again, so do take advantage of it while you can!
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