Release, reset, and recenter in the desert on this wellness retreat that includes mat Pilates, Pilates Suspension Method, a floating sound bath, a breathwork session with reiki, private-chef, and more.

Join Ashley Fedarko on her fourth Joshua Tree retreat to move, meditate, and practice mindfulness in the desert. This is a great opportunity to change your perspective (both physically and mentally), connect with yourself/others/Spirit, and spend time in nature. 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.  

We will explore the Pilates principles and attempt to achieve complete coordination of mind, body & spirit through movement. We’ll also incorporate breathwork, journaling, creative activities, and grounding in nature to help us find our center and clear our minds.

In addition to the physical/movement aspect, we’ll focus on spirituality as we spend the weekend approaching a new 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, each other, Mother Earth and The Universe. We’ll sprinkle in some topics like the 7 chakras or energy centers and even crystals that can help harness, absorb, or repel energy.  

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

All levels are welcome. 

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. Please plan to pack your journal or bring something to write on.

Meghan will join us on Friday for a breathwork 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. 

Cora 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. 

Saige will spend the weekend with us as our on-site personal chef using whole, organic, fresh ingredients that are local and seasonal whenever possible. She’s a fellow fitness lover who understands how & why food is fuel, that nutrition matters, and that we should take care of ourselves from the inside out. She can accommodate dietary restrictions if necessary. Please notify us in advance.

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 three rooms total as follows:

Coyote Suite) A large, bright master suite with a California King bed, large ensuite bathroom, walk-in shower, large window-side bathtub and direct access to the back patio and pool.

Quail's Den) Murphy Bunk beds (2 beds), and 1 queen size bed in a newly-remodeled shared room. Perfect for groups of 3. This room shared a full bathroom with The Yucca Palm Room.

Yucca Palm) Shared queen bed for two spots in a private room that shares a bathroom with Quail's Den. 

The home has a total of two and a half baths. All bath and pool towels, linens, and basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, and toothpaste are provided.  Extra yoga mats are available, however please bring 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 Fedarko 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 2026. 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 Kearny Mesa and she teaches group classes at Club Pilates and FIT.

Cora Tran of 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

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.

Saige Chavez of Evergreen Saige:

Culinary skills run deep in my family. My mom is a chefand 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.

Saige will spend the weekend with us as our on-site personal chef using whole, organic, fresh ingredients that are local and seasonal whenever possible. She’s a fellow fitness lover who understands how & why food is fuel, that nutrition matters, and that we should take care of ourselves from the inside out. She can accommodate dietary restrictions if necessary. Please notify us in advance.

 On 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 the opportunity to explore intuitively, guided by the present moment rather than an externally set destination...where the true adventure lies.

There is also the option to 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.
 

"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