Dear future Barre teacher,
Are you ready to deepen your teaching and experience movement from a fresh perspective? From November 1st to 6th, 2026, join a fully immersive 4-day Barre Teacher Training led by Joshua Norris-Ongso, founder of the S3 Barre Method. The training also includes a bonus Pre- & Post-natal course created specifically for movement teachers.
We believe meaningful learning deserves an inspiring setting. After years of hosting retreats for movement teachers and those training to become teachers, we have found a special venue in Portugal’s Algarve, where luxury and nature meet in perfect balance. It offers an ideal environment to grow your teaching journey and connect with a community of like-minded movers and teachers.
What makes this training unique?
This is the first-ever retreat version of the S3 Barre Method Training, a programme Joshua has been running since 2016. Along with extra time to learn, you’ll enjoy the pool, exceptional food, and a beautiful villa. The experience is made even more special by the addition of the signature pre/postnatal course, creating a truly distinctive educational retreat.
Joshua Norris-Ongso
Owner & Founder, S3 Barre Method + Studios
Overview
At a glance, this retreat offers the essentials and much more. The space feels more like a home than a classroom, with a crackling fireplace, tea-fuelled conversations, spontaneous dance breaks in the kitchen, and quiet moments beneath the trees. It is not only a place to learn Barre teaching, but also an invitation to reconnect with yourself, deepen your practice, and form genuine bonds with others on a similar path.
Comfort matters
Although this is a professional training, there is still room for comfort and a touch of luxury. All rooms, whether single or shared, are spacious and thoughtfully designed, and some even include a private patio and dipping pool.
Cost & Dates
PORTUGAL
November 1st - 6th 2026
€1895 (shared room)
€2195 (single room)
Programme & Daily Schedule
S3 Barre is the world’s first barre workout created and choreographed by a physiotherapist with a background in dance and gymnastics, making it a safe and enjoyable practice for every body. This immersion includes 4 full days of training, plus the special pre/postnatal course for movement teachers. Each day builds on the one before, and full attendance for the entire retreat is required.
A Typical Retreat Day
8am — Morning Barre Class
9am — Breakfast
10.30am — Morning Lecture / Course
1pm — Lunch Break
3pm — Afternoon Practice / Teaching
7.30pm — Dinner
Note: The daily schedule may be adjusted according to the needs and pace of the group.
Inclusions
The price of this educational retreat includes both the training and the full retreat experience.
Not included: flights and travel insurance; transportation to and from the venue.
Your teachers & host
Mareile Paley
Owner of Life In Movement, Retreat Host
Mareile has spent the past 15 years hosting world-class movement retreats around the world. As the founder of Life In Movement, she brings warmth, expertise, and meticulous attention to detail to every part of the experience. Since 2017, she has collaborated with leading educators such as BASI Pilates, and now joins S3 to present this Barre Teacher Training in her signature retreat format. Mareile will be your main contact for bookings and retreat-related questions, supporting you before, during, and after the retreat.
Joshua Norris Ongso
Physiotherapist, Pilates & Barre Teacher Trainer, Studio Owner Australia & Portugal
Joshua is an Australian physiotherapist with more than 20 years of experience in health and wellness. Following a career in performing arts and aerobic gymnastics, including representing Indonesia internationally, he moved into elite-level physiotherapy, with career highlights including work with the Indonesian Sports Commission. He later opened 11 Pilates and Barre studios in Australia and, most recently, S3 Studios in Setubal, Portugal. Joshua is passionate about keeping fitness and healthy living fun and accessible.
The venue & food
Shared Double Suites
The shared suites at Monte Sobradinho are spacious and feature two twin beds per room. Each suite includes an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, and some also offer a small kitchenette and living area. If you choose a shared room, you will be matched with a suitable roommate. Rooms are assigned on a first-come, best-room basis, but all are wonderful.
Single Deluxe Rooms
If you prefer the comfort of your own spacious suite, there are only four available, so early booking is recommended.
Meals by Chef Fabrice
We have worked with Fabrice for years and value his food so much that we bring him to almost every retreat. All meals are vegetarian and freshly prepared, with seasonal ingredients and local producers as priorities. Dietary needs such as gluten-free, vegan, and allergies can be accommodated.
Location + how to get there
VENUE
Monte Sobradinho
Sobradinho, 8100-327 Loulé
BY AIR
Faro is the closest airport, about 30 minutes away, with Uber and Bolt easily available. Lisbon airport is approximately 2.5 hours by car.
BY TRAIN
Loulé is on the Lisbon (Rossio)-Faro train line.
Arrival & departure days
November 1st — Arrival Day
Check-in is available from 3pm, and the retreat officially begins around 5.30pm/6pm with a welcome followed by dinner. Please plan your travel accordingly.
November 6th — Departure Day
We close the retreat with breakfast and check-out at 11am. If you have a morning flight, no programme is scheduled for departure day, so you will not miss anything.
Application & deposit
We are honoured that you are considering this journey with us. We believe movement is a lifelong path, not something mastered in just a few days. That is why this Barre Teacher Training is offered in an immersive retreat format: as a meaningful first step for teachers and movers. Please share a little about yourself so we can support your journey.
To secure your place, a non-refundable EUR 500 deposit is required. Credit cards and direct bank transfers are accepted. Bank or transfer charges, including credit card fees, are not covered.
Joshua Norris-Ongso
Mareile Paley
Price
€1,895.00
Sun, Nov 1 – Fri, Nov 6