Join Ashley Fedarko (and co-hosts!) on her 5th Pilates retreat to move, meditate, and practice mindfulness in the California desert. She has invited some repeat facilitators and this time around we'll have a new chef and new workshop offering.

This retreat is a great opportunity to shift your perspective both physically and mentally, shed whatever is weighing you down, build community with other like-minded individuals, and connect with Spirit and Mother Nature at one of the desert's most powerful energetic sites.

Each all-inclusive package includes:

• 3 nights in a private or shared room

• On-site private chef for the duration of the retreat (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• 1-2hrs of Mat Pilates & Pilates Suspension Method (PSM) per day

• Two 30min Breathwork sessions with reiki (Friday & Saturday)

• One 2.5hr Somatic / Artistic Workshop

• One 1hr floating sunset sound bath

• One Excursion to Joshua Tree National Park

• Access to on-site game pool & jacuzzi

• Education about the history of Contrology & Joseph Pilates

• High-level overview of chakras / energy centers, crystal properties, and moon phases

• Creative activities to spark your imagination and create a take-home token as a memory

• And more!

Individuals who enjoy movement, community, and have a strong desire to create and feel the magic both within and all around us will be a great fit for this retreat. All levels are welcome. 

You can certainly expect to leave feeling renewed, relaxed, and rejuvenated.

Pilates / Movement

Start each day with a scenic view of the desert as Ashley takes you through some of her signature flows that include mat Pilates & Pilates Suspension Method with the TRX Suspension Trainer. It’s a wonderful way to rejuvenate, move energy, connect mind + body, center yourself, and immerse in the natural beauty and energy of Yucca Valley. Joshua Tree, known for its unique landscapes and peaceful atmosphere, provides the perfect setting for movement and nature combined. Our outdoor, shaded movement space gives a perfect mix of being immersed in nature while protected from the direct sun.  

From novice to expert, there’s always something to learn. Ashley will review the history of Contrology (aka Pilates), address the 6 principles that Joseph’s students recognized (breath, center, control, concentration, precision, & flow), and discuss how Pilates has morphed into what we know it as today. We’ll learn the foundations of Pilates through movement and perform some of the 34 exercises from Joseph’s historical mat routine.  

We’ll also have the opportunity to work as individuals and partners with the suspension apparatus and dive into the Pilates Suspension Method. Created by Rebecca Beckler, it’s Ashley’s favorite way to do Pilates and she was certified as an Advanced PSM Instructor in 2023. Please plan to bring a yoga mat and any props you may require.

Connect With Self & Spirit

In addition to the physical/movement aspect, we’ll focus on both spirituality and renewing our energy as we spend the weekend approaching a full moon. There will be plenty of opportunities to set intentions, ground yourself, release things that no longer serve you, claim whatever manifestations your heart desires, and connect with your higher-self.

Designated times to center our minds and organize our thoughts via journaling will take place once a day. Writing things down is a great way to manifest and it also helps create space in our brains. As opposed to keeping everything floating around in our heads, we write it down so that we don’t forget, hold ourselves accountable, and have a reference to look back on. Please plan to pack your journal or bring something to write on.

We have a few creative activities planned, so you'll have something to take home and remind you of your time in the desert.

"Painting the Internal Landscape" Workshop with Sarah Beard Participants will be lead through brief breath-work, closed eye visualization, a longer reclined meditation, and create an art piece to reflect internal sensations / visualizations.

Breathwork & Reiki

Meghan will join us on Friday & Saturday for a group breath work and reiki session. Breath can help us find places where we are stuck, create space, and let go. Reiki is a great way to realign your energy centers and find your flow. 

Floating Sunset Sound Bath with Cora

She will join us on Saturday and offer a floating sound bath in the private salt-water pool. Sound baths promote peace, relaxation, healing, and a sense of balance internally. You’ll be surrounded by waves of different frequencies that help your body return to its homeostasis.  We will offer floating mattresses for all guests. It. Is. Magical. And we’ll plan to do it right before sunset, so we can catch the view after. 

On-Site Private Chef

Celina, our personal chef, will join us and prepare all meals with fresh ingredients on-site. You are welcome to interact with her throughout each day as she's working in our shared space.

We will explore Joshua Tree's unique landscapes that provide the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts.  We will explore intuitively, guided by the present moment rather than an externally set destination. A few ideas...

• A favorite hike is the 49 Palms Oasis hike, one of Joshua Tree National Park's desert oases (located in the northern portion of the park.) The trail is about three miles out and back (moderate intensity on a warm day) with 300 feet elevation gain in each direction. There are pink barrel cacti along the way and water is required for this route.

• Skull Rock formation is also a fun place to go and hang out, eat, explore, and climb.

• There are plenty of other simple walking trails to see Joshua Trees and explore the landscape

We typically travel as a group, but we can always split into groups. And feel free to plan your own excursion if your heart desires.
 

Ashley Fedarko Retreat Leader & Owner of Ashley Michelle Fitness

Ashley is a Philadelphia native who made San Diego her home in 2011. She started her fitness business in 2023 after she quit corporate America shortly after giving birth to her daughter in 2016. Ashley loves teaching private Pilates sessions, personal training and group fitness classes, but thrives in settings like workshops, retreats, and community events. She’s hosted four wellness retreats since 2024 and is already thinking ahead to something international in 2027. She’s certified in all Pilates apparatus, holds a 500-hour teacher training certificate from Club Pilates, is a Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor, and holds certifications in Pilates Suspension Method, TRX, Barre Above, and more. Her private Pilates studio is in San Diego and she teaches group classes at various locations around town.

Cora Tran Sacred Sound Haven

Hello, my name is Cora, and I grew up in Northern California. I moved down to Southern California over 10 years ago and I’m so happy to call San Diego home! The pandemic gave me the space to start asking difficult questions that lead me to a deep spiritual, healing journey to find myself. An amazing reiki experience changed my life perspective and eventually led me to take a sound healing course. I had no idea that my self love journey would bring me to find my life’s passion.

Personally, sound is one of the only ways I can slow my mind and truly be present with myself. The beauty of sound is that someone can receive, or release based on what’s going on in their life. When I hold space for clients, my focus is on creating the safest space for them to feel safe and supported. The gentle vibrations of the instruments I use can help reduce stress and anxiety. Clients leave feeling grounded and balanced. I have facilitated sound baths for countless individuals and have also collaborated with fitness instructors and wellness practitioners.

Meghan Callahan Breathwork Facilitator

Meghan is a multi-talented professional passionate about holistic living, clean beauty, and sobriety. She is a mother of two teenage boys and two pups, a licensed and trained Breathwork Facilitator, certified in Reiki level 3, and a fitness instructor. In all of these modalities Meghan has worked with numerous clients to help them manage stress, anxiety, and trauma. She uses her expertise to help people tap into their inner selves and achieve a greater sense of peace, presence and wellbeing. You can find her teaching weekly at FWRD Wellness Collective in Rancho Bernardo and working with private clients and groups in other San Diego locations.

Celina Gomez Personal Chef

Hi, my name is Celina. I have been in the hospitality industry and working in kitchens for 15 years. I started my career at The Art Institute of San Diego, California back in January 2010 in the baking and pastry program. Shortly after landing my very first professional kitchen job I realized that the savory side was more my vibe. After working in various restaurants in San Diego (for a Top Chef!) I moved to Dallas, TX and worked on food trucks for a few years. Then I moved to Melbourne, Australia in 2017 and became head chef of a pub for two years. Fast forward to now, I am the sous chef of an Asian fusion restaurant here in Dallas, TX. Besides being in the kitchen, I love to read/listen to books, watch anime, hang out with my 6yr old French Lop bunny named Loki, and build Lego sets. I’m so excited to cook for you all and create flavorful dishes.

Sarah Beard Somatic Facilitator & Multidisciplinary Artist 

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts and 14 years of mastery in yoga, Sarah is a leading voice in the Philadelphia and New Jersey holistic landscape, specializing in the intersection of nervous system regulation and expressive art. She is the architect of Painting the Internal Landscape, a premier immersion designed to bridge the gap between somatic awareness and creative clarity.Sarah’s unique methodology transcends traditional art by integrating sophisticated mind-body cues to empower deep, intuitive expression. Participants move through a curated sensory ritual, emerging with a bespoke watercolor impression a tangible, self-created map of their internal world.

Come for inspiration and leave rejuvenated. Quail Crossing is the perfect setting to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the desert. The inspiring views naturally invite focus, conversation and collaboration. We welcome you to experience the feeling of becoming one with the earth through meditation, hiking and simply solitude.

Enjoy this tranquil oasis on 15 acres with breathtaking views of Joshua Tree National Park. The surrounding 2 million acres of desert and wide open spaces bring peace and grounding to your soul. Find stunning biodiversity as well as breathtaking starry night skies, especially under a new moon.  

The large outdoor space is the perfect place to recharge and relax your mind, body and spirit in the quiet of the open desert. Sit around the fire or nestle into the lounge area and soak up the sun or get lost among the stars. Explore the property and desert garden with native plants and fruit trees. The Creosote Courtyard located on the South side of the grounds allows for the viewing of an abundance of wildlife. Sip your morning brew while the quiet sounds of the desert morning gently awaken your senses. 

Some other perks on the property include a large pool, invigorating jacuzzi, spacious outdoor area and lounge, bocce ball court, and an outdoor workout space.

This home has three bedrooms total and are described below:

Sunrise Suite (2-4 guests)

California King Bed
Experience all the comforts of home in our Sunrise Suite. Retire to solitude in your private, tranquil space with lush bedding and unforgettable desert views. Wake up to the sunrise and enjoy direct access to the shared outdoor space. Large in-suite bathroom with tub and walk-in shower, double sinks and private water closet/toilet. Option to add up to 2 twin beds.

The Willow Room (3-4 guests) 

Queen Bed & Twin Murphy Bunk Beds

Bright, warm and inviting, the East facing bedroom offers desert a view of our newly designed desert garden with the natural landscape in the background. The comfy Queen bed is perfect for dreaming the night away. The stacked sanctuary of Murphy style bunk beds offers guests their own nook where they can rest and recharge after a full days' itinerary.

The Palo Verde (1-3 guests)

Queen Bed

Located on the South side of the grounds with views of Joshua Tree National Park. Let life's worries fade away as you fall asleep in our plush Queen bed. There is a small workspace in this room and plenty of closet space. This would be an ideal option for anyone that wants a private room. Option to add up to 2 twin beds.

Shared Bathrooms

Located centrally between the Willow room and the Palo Verde room is full bathroom with a tub and shower. Enjoy the peekaboo window view of the eastern desert, plenty of counter space and lots of storage for keeping your toiletries close by. The spa like towels are crafted from incredibly soft 100% cotton. The Willow & Palo Verde Rooms share the full bathroom. There is also a small half-bathroom on the other side of the house.

Please bring your own yoga mat and any other personal belongings necessary for mat Pilates, hiking, swimming, and soaking up the sun. A light robe or shower cover up and slippers are also handy with shared spaces.

"This was truly a magical and unique experience. I had the opportunity to bond with an amazing group of likeminded individuals in a beautiful setting" - Emily, Feb 2024

"It was incredible, great house, delicious food, beautiful setting overlooking the desert, and the best group of people to share with. Will definitely do it again. Kudos to Ashley for making it all work!" – Arturo, Feb 2024