From 8th to 14th November 2009, COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay will be hosting a five-day, six-night restorative Pilates Retreat. This will be led by Parrot Cay’s popular and highly experienced resident Pilates specialist, Lynda Lippin, with the Retreat open to all, including beginners.

The Retreat’s theme will be ‘Strength Without Struggle.’ It has been planned in response to a growing demand from guests who have had the opportunity to work with Lynda over the past year and a half. Lynda, who is widely respected for her nurturing style, has been practicing and teaching Pilates for over 20 years. She owned and operated awardwinning Pilates studios in the US and trains Pilates teachers for the Pilates PhysicalMind Institute®. She is also an accomplished fitness trainer, certified by the American Council of Exercise®.

Lynda will individually assess each participant in the first days of the Retreat in order to understand specific areas of pain, tension, weakness, or disease in the body. Daily group sessions will be a blend of lecture, discussion and Pilates exercise focused on the major issues within the group. Subjects will include Pilates history, basic structural anatomy, common injuries and tension patterns, posture, and exercise lessons.

Throughout the Retreat Week Lynda will also recommend specific COMO Shambhala treatments that will benefit each guest, whether it is a calming COMO Shambhala Massage or Reiki session.  Guests can dine from a choice of Parrot Cay’s menus, including the healthy and delicious COMO Shambhala Cuisine—all designed to complement the rounded physical, mental and spiritual experience.

The Pilates Method helps to improve muscle control, endurance and correct posture while enhancing positive body awareness and body confidence. The technique, which improves and changes the body’s alignment habits, has a flexibility that works for practitioners of all standards. Pilates is now growing in popularity with men as well as women.  Physiotherapists are also now recommending Pilates, if it is correctly taught, as one of the safest forms of exercise available.  Pilates can assist the super-fit, help people suffering from pain, restricted joint mobility or even people who are post surgery. It is also ideal for women seeking to get their bodies back after childbirth.

COMO Shambhala believes Pilates should be taught in a way that fully understands each guest’s particular needs. Combined with our holistic approach to eating, exercising and treatments, the client can then experience the alleviation of both physical and emotional stress – a synergistic approach to heal and balance. The relaxing environment of Parrot Cay – a peaceful, private island – ensures this focus is maintained.

Prices for ‘Strength Without Struggle’ start at $6,026 per person (single occupancy) and $9,014 (double occupancy) including tax and service charge for six nights accommodation in a Garden Room, full American breakfast daily, lunch and dinner, round-trip airport transfers, 16 hours of group Pilates and one private evaluation session.

For further information, or to make bookings, please email susan.allison@parrotcay.como.bz.