Planning a retreat?
Planning a retreat?
PRESENTS

La Casa Amor

Retreat in Olhão, Portugal

April 24 - 30, 2026

MBody in Olhão, Portugal

The MBody Pilates Retreat offers an immersive wellness experience designed to rekindle connections through movement, nature, and exploration in Olhão, a charming fishing town in the central Algarve region. Prepare to be enchanted by Olhão and its delightful maze of narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses adorned with tiles that tell stories of the past. Strolling through this area feels like stepping back in time, with picturesque squares, historic churches, and enchanting corners inviting you to relax and reconnect with history. As the most authentically Portuguese destination, it seamlessly merges a vibrant fishing haven with intimate tranquility, creating the perfect setting for a Pilates getaway. Olhão opens up to the serene waterways and lagoons of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. To the south, the sandbar islands of Ilha da Armona and Ilha da Culatra provide stunning views to admire and beaches to enjoy. It’s not just a destination; it’s your ultimate wellness getaway sanctuary.

Reserve your Room
Only 1 room left

Meet your host

Marcia Sheldon

Master Pilates Instructor

As a classically trained Pilates instructor and licensed physical therapist, Marcia offers a unique blend of expertise in movement science and the timeless principles of Joseph Pilates. With 33 years of experience, Marcia specializes in bridging the gap between rehabilitation and the Pilates Method, helping to restore strength, flexibility, and balance. Marcia holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy and has undergone rigorous certification training in Classical Pilates with Power Pilates in NYC, focusing on precision, control, and the mind-body connection. Passionate about enhancing her clients’ movement, Marcia is dedicated to addressing individual needs, whether recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or striving for peak performance. Committed to ongoing education, Marcia stays at the forefront of movement therapy and Pilates innovation while remaining true to the principles of Joseph Pilates. Whether working one-on-one or leading group classes, Marcia empowers her clients to embrace mindful movement and achieve their personal wellness goals.

The Experience

  • Daily mat Pilates classes with Marcia
  • Late Afternoon Restorative stretching and optional workshops
  • Breakfast and dinner daily, with two chef-prepared dinners onsite and four at handpicked local restaurants.
  • Free time to rest, read, swim, and explore
  • Local excursions

The Location

Welcome to Casa Amor, a boutique luxury hotel near the Olhão coast, featuring:

  • Private & shared suites
  • Outdoor Pilates deck
  • Saltwater pool
  • Garden dining
  • Coffee shop
  • Walkable access to nature and nearby villages

What's Included

6 nights accommodations at Casa Amor hotel in Olhão, Portugal

Daily Pilates sessions
Pilates sessions with Marcia every morning, and a mobility session before dinner

Meals
Breakfast and dinner onsite or offsite every day, all meals are locally sourced

Local tours and excursions
Expand Excursions below to see details

These thoughtfully chosen activities and optional treatments offer an authentic taste of the Algarve’s beauty and culture, designed to enrich your journey of wellness and connection. Embark on a curated journey through the Algarve’s natural and cultural wonders. Join us for the following excursions, thoughtfully woven into your retreat experience:

  • The 7 Hanging Valleys Hike
    Explore one of Portugal’s most breathtaking coastal trails, meandering along dramatic cliffs and offering panoramic views of the turquoise Atlantic. This moderate hike blends adventure with tranquility, as we wind through limestone arches, secluded beaches, and rugged sea stacks.
  • A Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa
    Discover the unique beauty of the Ria Formosa Natural Park aboard a boat, gliding through serene lagoons and marshes that are home to diverse birdlife and traditional fishing communities.
  • Visit of an Olive Grove
    Immerse yourself in the ancient art of olive oil production with a visit to a local grove. Learn about the cultivation and harvesting of these storied trees and savor the rich flavors of freshly pressed olive oil.
  • Visit of the Salt Pans & Salty Baths
    Witness the centuries-old tradition of salt harvesting in the Algarve’s salt pans, where sun, sea, and wind combine to produce pure, natural salt. Afterwards, enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the region’s salty baths.
  • A Visit to the Saturday Market
    Stroll through the vibrant Saturday market, where local vendors showcase the Algarve’s seasonal bounty—from sun-ripened fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts and regional delicacies.
  • An Afternoon at the Beach
    Spend a leisurely afternoon soaking up the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Armona Island or Farol Island, two idyllic beach getaways accessible only by boat.
  • Saturday Evening Concert at República 14
    Round out the week with an optional visit to República 14, a cultural center in the heart of Olhão that hosts intimate live music performances every Saturday evening.

Enhance your retreat experience with the following personalized offerings, available for an additional fee.

Private Pilates Sessions with Marcia
Deepen your practice with one-on-one Pilates sessions led by Marcia. These personalized sessions are tailored to your individual needs and goals. Pricing is available upon request. Please note: private sessions are not included in the retreat package.

Massage Services at Casa Amor
Indulge in restorative massage treatments available on-site at Casa Amor. Whether you’re seeking deep relaxation or targeted muscle relief, there’s something to support your journey. Pricing is available upon request. Please note: massages are not included in the retreat package.

Available Treatments:

  • Relaxation Massage (50 or 80 minutes)
  • Deep Tissue Massage (50 or 80 minutes)
  • Reflexology (50 minutes)
  • Scents of the Algarve Massage (50 or 80 minutes)
  • Sports Massage (50 or 80 minutes)

These wellness services offer the perfect opportunity to unwind, reset, and complement your MBody retreat experience.

What to Know

Please Note:

Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend reserving your preferred accommodation as soon as possible if you plan to join us.

All flights to Portugal (including travel to La Casa Amor), lunches, alcohol, private pilates sessions, and massages will be at the expense of attendees.

Shuttle service to and from Faro International Airport will be pre-arranged through Re:Grounded. To ensure a smooth and streamlined experience for all attendees, we kindly request that participants provide their complete flight information (arrival and departure times, flight numbers, and airlines) well in advance—ideally at least 6 weeks before the retreat. Re:Grounded will send out a Retreat Flight Details Form to gather this information and coordinate airport and hotel transfers seamlessly.

When making your travel arrangements, please plan to fly into Faro International Airport. If flights into Faro are not possible or available, you may instead fly into Lisbon International Airport and then book a connecting flight from Lisbon to Faro (approximately a 50-minute flight, with options available throughout the day).

Please note that these flights are not included in the retreat package.

WiFi: La Casa Amor offers full WiFi capabilities to keep you connected throughout your stay.

Choose your Room

Only 1 room left

Superior Rooms

Single queen bed or two twin beds with street view

Each Superior room is unique and designed for an outstanding getaway. The rooms are located on the first floor, with a street view. En-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and natural bath amenities by Algarvian brand 8950.

Each room has either one bed or two beds available.

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Rooms 1–4 are representative of our Superior category but may not match the exact images shown. Layout and decor may vary.

Classic

Single queen bed with street view

The Classic room is unique and designed for an outstanding getaway. The room is located on the first floor, with a street view. En-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and natural bath amenities by Algarvian brand 8950.

Cozy

Single queen bed with courtyard view

The Cozy room is located on the first floor where you can enjoy the view of the courtyard from your private terrace. En-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and natural bath amenities by Algarvian brand 8950.

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Premium and Rua rooms are representative of the category but may not match the exact images shown. Layout and decor may vary.

Premium

Single queen bed or two twin beds with street view or courtyard view

The Premium rooms are larger in size and are located on the first floor where you can enjoy a courtyard or street view. En-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and natural bath amenities by Algarvian brand 8950.

Premium Patio and Rua #1 rooms have either one bed or two available, Premium Rua #2 has one bed only.

Deluxe Suite

Single king bed or two twin beds

The Deluxe room is located on the rooftop on the second floor. You can enjoy the view of the cubic city of Olhão and the Ria Formosa from your private 800 square foot terrace. En-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and natural bath amenities by Algarvian brand 8950.

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