Spend a restorative weekend immersed in movement, self-discovery, and heart-opening practices. Over the course of the retreat, you’ll enjoy 3 hours of Pilates and Aerial Yoga each day, designed to build strength, elegance, and a more connected relationship with your body. A complementary Heart Opening: Paths to Happiness Course adds an inner dimension to the experience, offering guidance to help you reconnect with your true self and nurture greater peace and joy. The retreat ends with a warming cacao ceremony, inviting you to leave feeling open, aligned, and full of love.

Retreat Description

This retreat is created as a transformative journey that combines physical alignment with emotional and inner balance. Through mindful movement and heart-opening practices, you’ll be guided to move with better form, greater fluidity, and a deeper sense of centeredness. The program is suitable for all levels and is designed to challenge you in a supportive way, helping you feel stronger, more resilient, and more attuned to your body.

Beyond the movement sessions, the retreat also focuses on internal harmony. The Heart Opening: Path to Happiness Course is intended to reconnect you with your true self through reflective exercises and purposeful practices. It offers practical insights to support your next steps toward inner peace and happiness, whether you’re already feeling content or looking for a deeper sense of fulfillment. The simple tools shared in the course are meant to strengthen self-awareness and enrich your experience of joy.

The final highlight is the “Heart Opening” cacao ceremony, held on the last day of the retreat. This sacred ritual creates a space of openness, love, and connection, supporting a sense of alignment in both mind and heart.

About the Instructors

Aurora Stobbelaar

Aurora grew up with ballet, jazz, and modern dance, but at 13 she was diagnosed with scoliosis, which led her to discover Pilates as a way to manage pain and muscle imbalances. That path eventually inspired her to become a certified BASI pilates teacher. Her interest in aerial silks developed later after seeing an outdoor performance that left a lasting impression. Today, she is passionate about combining Pilates and aerial arts to support core strength, flexibility, balance, and body awareness.

Aurora currently teaches Pilates at the BASI Pilates Academy of Amsterdam.

TK Paauwe-Roberts

TK’s background in high-level gymnastics sparked her love for fitness and movement. Her teaching approach focuses on helping people better understand their bodies while building skills with confidence. Her programs bring together Pilates-inspired movement, aerial practices, calisthenics, and weightlifting, with an emphasis on mobility and injury prevention. She has been teaching for nearly 10 years and currently leads private lessons and group classes at Oasi Sorgente in Italy.

Originally from the US, Aurora and TK met in Amsterdam during an aerial silks course. They quickly became friends, collaborated on performances, and completed BASI teacher training together. Their shared passion continues to inspire both their artistry and their teaching.

Simone Heitinga

From the Netherlands, Simone Heitinga creates transformative retreats and heart-opening experiences. As the founder of AERIAL TOWER in Lenggries, Germany, she has been leading retreats and one-on-one sessions for more than 7 years. Her background includes Happiness Coaching, Reiki Master training, crystal healing, and cacao ceremonies, which she blends into soulful experiences that encourage joy and connection.

Simone was one of Aurora and TK’s first aerial instructors nearly 10 years ago in Amsterdam. Now, they are excited to reunite and combine their expertise in this retreat designed to bring alignment to body and mind.

What to Expect?

Each day includes 3 hours of training using Pilates machines and aerial hammocks, with aerial sling also available for those who want a more adventurous option. Private Pilates machine lessons and massages can be booked during the week.

Alongside the physical program, you’ll take part in the Happiness Course for one hour daily, supported by a workbook for reflection and personal growth. Additional experiences include a welcome heart-opening ceremony, a closing cacao ceremony, and excursions to thermal baths and scenic hilltop towns in the area. There will also be opportunities for a movie night, karaoke, and ample free time to rest, stargaze, hike, or go horseback riding.

Delicious homemade vegetarian farm-to-table meals are served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with accommodations for dietary restrictions. This retreat offers a balanced blend of dynamic training, meaningful connection, and relaxed downtime.

Information

Prerequisites: this retreat is open to all levels

Accommodation: single beds in shared room (see accommodation section on website for more information)

Price: Full Price €750

Payment: 25% deposit upon signing up

Payment Plan: 4 payments of €162,50

Price includes: All meals, classes, transportation to and from train station and group excursions, also including planned meals out

Additional costs: Any souvenirs, any additional snacks, drinks or gelato during excursions or spare time, flights to and from Italy, transport to local train station, and massages

Testimonials

Karen, USA “I came into the retreat with very little Pilates or aerial sling experience. I also felt my abdominal were weak from a surgery earlier in the year. TK and Aurora were very clear and detailed instructors, making me feel comfortable with all the exercises and making adjustments for me when needed. The surroundings are gorgeous, hosts accommodating, and whatever I needed was always provided. Would highly recommend!”

Elske, NL “Had an amazing time reconnecting with my body and finding relaxation. All was adjusted and accommodated to fit everyone's needs. TK and Aurora are great teachers, with lots of knowledge and patience to explain things. Looking forward to the next one!”

Simone, GER “Fantastic retreat location! The teachers, TK & Aurora, are great, very professional and with a detailed eye for alignment. They made training fun and also interesting to dive deeper into the material. TK & Dylan were absolutely lovely hosts and the healthy meals & snacks that TK prepared for us were incredible; I can't wait to come back!”

Cacao ceremony in Provincia di Terni