Join Ashley Fedarko on this desert retreat to move, meditate, and practice mindfulness. Individuals who enjoy Pilates, crave wellness, and have a strong desire to create and feel the magic within and around us will be a great fit for this retreat.

Pilates, aka Contrology, is a style of movement that requires complete coordination of mind, body, and spirit. This retreat will allow you to hone in on creating a strong mind-body connection through daily movement (Pilates & yoga), meditation, and mindfulness practices.

In addition to the physical aspect, we’ll focus on spirituality as we spend the weekend with Mother Earth & Father Sky. 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 each other and The Universe. We’ll dive into topics like astrology and the zodiac, the 7 chakras, and learn about crystals that can help harness, absorb, or repel energy.

We’ll host a tea meditation during our welcome ceremony, get out for a hike at Joshua Tree National Park for any earthy folks, spend a night on the town for social butterflies, and experience a floating sound bath that promotes healing and a return to homeostasis for all.

You can certainly expect to leave with a sense of renewed energy, relaxation and rejuvenation.  All levels are welcome.

Past Retreat Testimonials:

"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 

"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

Nestled on 3 acres of picturesque Joshua Tree nature, this tranquil oasis boasts a large pool, invigorating jacuzzi, and spacious outdoor lounging area. Embrace the perfect setting to reset, unwind, and rejuvenate your mind and body amid the breathtaking scenery.

The newly remodeled and decorated home has 3 rooms total as follows:

Bedroom 1) 1 Murphy Bunk beds (2 beds), and 1 queen size bed.  

Bedroom 2) 1 queen bed and 1 twin bed 

Bedroom 3) 1 California King bed in private room with large bathroom and direct access to the back patio.

Bedrooms 1-2 share a bathroom next to the rooms, Bedroom 3 has its own ensuite private bathroom.

All towels, linens, and basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, and toothpaste are provided, however please being your own yoga mat and any other personal belongings necessary for hiking, swimming, and soaking up the sun. A light robe or shower cover up is also handy with shared spaces.

Ashley is a Philadelphia native who’s become a local in San Diego after 12+ years. Her background in Pilates, sports/fitness, and biosciences is a triple threat. She excelled at soccer and softball as a teen and got her Bachelors Degree in Biology from Drexel University.  With an athletic teaching style that combines a mix of strength, endurance and mobility training, you’ll leave each session feeling uplifted and empowered.

Ashley completed the Club Pilates comprehensive 500-hour certificate program in 2018 and is also certified by/in NPCP, PSM, Barre Above and TRX. You can follow her fitness page on Instagram: @ashleymichellefitness

When she’s not in the studio you'll find Ashley riding her bike, at the beach or hanging with Bentley (her daughter). 

Included meals begin on Thursday dinner and end on Sunday morning for breakfast with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients as able.  On Friday night, we roam to the iconic Pappy + Harriet's for a dinner out, which is not included in the retreat, so order and pay for whatever you do want!

All other meals are included and prepared on-site with love by retreat chef Saige Chavez. 

Note from Saige:

"Culinary skills run deep in my family. My mom is a chef and I was raised in the kitchen since I was 2 years old. Although never formally trained, I've had the honor of cooking alongside my mom my whole life as well as working in many restaurants, catering jobs and other food gigs throughout my 30 something years. While being a dental hygienist is my full time career, I wanted to expand my passion of creating healthy, seasonal foods honoring my roots and spreading my love of food into San Diego homes. I believe that everyone deserves a seat at the table and true community is built around a good meal and honest conversation. It is my delight to serve a little piece of my heart and culture with you."

 Start each day with Ashley’s signature flows that include mat Pilates, Pilates Suspension Method with the TRX Suspension Trainer, and a scenic view of the desert. 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, 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.

Throughout the weekend together, we’ll make time to center our minds and organize our thoughts via journaling even if that’s not part of your normal routine.
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. It will also be a great way to take notes during active listening sessions.

Additionally, part of this retreat includes meditation, yoga and a sound bath. Hali’a Tanii, founder of Kojo Mojo, believes whether you are a seasoned practitioner or stepping on to your mat for the first time, you’re encouraged to show up exactly as you are. The yoga and meditation sequence will combine pranayama (breathing exercise) and powerful poses within a dynamic series. They’re used to explore the connection to the mind + body. Poses may be held
for longer intervals allowing us to root ourselves into the present moment and move with focused intention. She will host a tea meditation during the welcome ceremony and offer an opportunity to bond with the earth through a sip-in-stillness practice. 

A healing sound bath with Cora Tran, founder of Sacred Sound Haven, will also take place under the evening sky, which will allow us to harness the energy required to reset. 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.

Living in a society that encourages individualism and promotes instant gratification as a means of fulfillment can result in a mindset that’s not always disciplined or community focused. We’ll discuss why discipline is a requirement of a successful, healthy lifestyle and we’ll spend time bonding with each other to build a sense of community.

Join Ashley on this retreat if you’re seeking a release from the everyday hustle and bustle, if you need to connect with yourself, others, or Spirit, or if you
simply enjoy time in nature, moving your body, and connecting with like-minded individuals. 

Friday we will venture to 49 Palms Oasis hike, one of Joshua Tree National Park's desert oases and is located in the northern portion of the park. This oasis provides a refuge among the desert mountains. By providing a reliable source of water, this little oasis allows life to thrive in this seemingly harsh environment. The oasis is reachable by the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail, a three mile out and back hike with 300 feet elevation gain in each direction. 

Saturday we give ourselves the Room to Roam around Joshua Tree's unique landscapes and rock formations that provide the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts.  This gives us to opportunity to explore intuitively, guided by the present moment rather than an externally set destination...where the true adventure lies.

THE LEGENDARY PAPPY + HARRIET’S PIONEERTOWN PALACE has been delighting locals and travelers alike since 1982, with its Santa Maria barbecue, live music, dancing, and friendly service. There is also a long history here. In 1946, Pioneertown was founded by a group of Hollywood investors with dreams of creating a living movie set — an 1870s frontier town with facades for filming and interiors open to the public.

PAPPY + HARRIET’S REMAINS A CULTURAL INSTITUTION BOTH LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY. CONTINUING THE LEGACY AND TRADITION OF WORLD-CLASS LIVE MUSIC FOR ALL, GREAT BBQ, GOOD TIMES, AND UNMATCHED VIBE. IN MEMORY OF PAPPY, HARRIET, AND ALL THOSE WHO CAME AFTER.