oOOMA
🌿A Body, Art & Mind Retreat
Saturday October 4th - Wednesday October 8th 2025
4 Nights 3.5 Days
Chiang Mai Northern Thailand
El & Ruth
Eleanor McColl and Ruth Hogg, long-time friends with over 25 years of shared experiences, have united their passions for art and movement to create something truly special: Art & Pilates retreats. Eleanor, a talented Hong Kong-based artist and art teacher, and Ruth, a seasoned Pilates and movement specialist, both understand the transformative power of their respective crafts. For years, they've been dedicated to helping others find balance, creativity, and wellness in their lives. Their friendship and mutual admiration for each other’s work naturally led them to combine their talents in a unique and enriching way.
The idea of merging art and Pilates was inspired by their shared belief in the meditative and restorative qualities inherent in both practices. Art and movement both offer profound ways to connect with oneself and achieve a deeper sense of calm and clarity. When Eleanor and Ruth discovered the idyllic setting of Chiang Mai, they knew they had found the perfect backdrop for their retreats. Nestled in a serene and inspiring environment, these retreats provide a harmonious blend of creative expression and physical rejuvenation. Eleanor and Ruth are thrilled to offer these retreats annually, inviting participants to experience the transformative benefits of art and Pilates while immersing themselves in the tranquil beauty of Chiang Mai.
🌿The Retreat
Join Ruth and Eleanor in Chiang Mai at the Kaomai Lanna Resort, a UNESCO heritage site set in the lush tropical countryside of Northern Thailand. This charming collection of old tobacco curing barns has been carefully restored to create the most magical place.
Start and end the day with an energising or restorative Pilates session in an incredible yoga sala, surrounded by nature. In between you'll be guided through creative sessions, as you record your experience in your own handmade journal. Eleanor will also run mindful abstract painting workshops, taking inspiration from the surrounding nature and requiring no previous skill or experience.
The retreat is for 4 days ( 3 full and two half days) starting in the afternoon on the 20th with welcome drinks, a tour of the premises, a gentle evening Pilates session and dinner.
The retreat includes:
🌿2 Pilates sessions each day
🌿1 morning creative session and 1 optional afternoon sketch session.
🌿3 meals each day
🌿Transport to and from the resort
🌿One sound meditation
🌿One day trip out to a local day spa to experience Thai Herbal Steam & Ice baths!
🌿Transport to and from the resort.
Here's an outline of what one of the full days will look like:
7-8am - Rise and Shine Pilates Class with Ruth
8:30am - Breakfast
10am-12pm - Get creative with El
12:30pm - Delicious Thai Lunch
Free time to relax, read, have a swim or do some journaling.
Optional afternoon sketch/journalling facilitated by El
6:00-7:00pm - Relaxing Pilates with Ruth
7:30pm Dinner
Testimonials
""Brilliant fun. Exceeded all my expectations. Can't wait for next year's retreat!"
-Phillipa Summersby
"It was such a special few days. Highly recommend!"
-Katie Wiggall
"We had such fun and made new friends. "
-Julie Farrell
Frequently asked questions
Is airport transfer included in the retreat price?
Yes, there will be someone to pick you up at CM airport and drive you to the resort which takes around 40minutes.
At the end of the retreat there will be transport arranged from the resort to the airport.
Are flights included in the Retreat price?
No
Do I have to be 'Arty' or 'Bendy' to join the retreat!?
Absolutely not. Beginners to Pilates and art are welcome, along with those well versed in the bridge pose or handy with a brush. oOOMA aims to provide open and accessible sessions that anyone can enjoy. Experienced Pilates goers will be happy to know that Ruth gears all her classes to the individual and you can go deeper into your practice with her guidance. The same is true for Eleanor's students. Everyone has an innate individual style and Eleanor will make sure that the sessions are challenging enough for experienced artists and accessible for those who fear a blank page.
How much does the retreat cost?
Price:
Early Bird Discount for Deluxe Shared Room:
HKD10800 per person (regular price 13,000)
Early Bird discount for Single Private Deluxe Room:
HKD11,800 (regular price 15,000)
*Early Bird discount is available until MARCH 31st 2025
Price is inclusive of all meals, accommodation and activities. The price does not include flights.
Flights can be booked with Air Asia for around $hk2000
All prices are listed per person and cover accommodation, all sessions and activities, meals, and transport to and from Chiang Mai Airport.
How do I sign up?
El : [email protected] OR
Ruth : [email protected]
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 6 weeks prior to your travel date. If the retreat is canceled by the organiser, your deposit will be refunded.
What kind of food will be provided on the Retreat?
This is not a detox retreat!
However you will get to eat fresh, healthy Thai food, lovingly prepared by Kaomai Lanna using ingredients grown in their garden!
Every meal includes a salad with dressing made by the resort (last time we had a choice between black sesame and mulberry!)
We even had a delicious tamarind drink made using tamarind from their own tree and butterfly pea & lime using the butterfly pea flowers from their garden!
Examples of other dishes we'll get to enjoy are:
Fresh veggie spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce
Tofu & vegetable green curry
Tamarind Chicken & rice (with tamarind taken from the resort's Tamarind Tree!!)
Kao Soi noodle soup - a Northern Thai speciality!!
Mango sticky rice desert (my favourite!)
Fish & ginger stir fry
and lots lots more!
Please note any specific dietary requirements can be catered for should you have any.
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