Adventure Fitness Retreat in Croatia
A Yoga & Pilates fitness retreat on the beautiful Dalmatian Coast
Set along the beautiful Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, this retreat was hosted by Josephine Dorado and Blu Nathan — a week of movement, adventure, and nourishment in a land National Geographic called "enchanting" and Game of Thrones fans knew as "King's Landing."
Each day featured Yoga, Pilates, and meditation, alongside gourmet vegetarian food prepared by an on-site chef. Participants chose from Mat Pilates, Acroyoga, Aerial Yoga, Aerial Pilates, and more — or simply relaxed with stunning views of the surrounding Adriatic Sea.
Beyond the fitness programming, there were many optional activities to explore: day trips, wine tastings, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, snorkeling, cycling, or simply lounging along the coastline.
The Location
Surrounded by secluded inlets laced with limestone cliffs and framed by turquoise blue water, Croatia's Dalmatian Coast enchanted with its rich history, rugged islands, and hidden coves. The retreat was based in Viganj, on the Peljesac Peninsula — just north of Dubrovnik. With the qualities of an island and the convenience of easy road access, it was an ideal base for both daily classes and day trips.
The closest airport was Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), approximately 80 miles / 130 km south of Viganj (about 2 hours by road). Airport transfers to and from Dubrovnik were included in the retreat package. The drive along Croatia's coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world — many participants extended their trip to explore it further by car.
Guests stayed in luxurious historic stone houses, lovingly restored and refurbished with an herbal sauna and pool, all within walking distance from the beach. Days were spent between group exercise classes, energizing treks through the lush hills of the Peljesac Peninsula, and time spent on the azure water.
The Food
Meals were prepared by chef Dunja Gulin, whose kitchen was as much a part of the retreat experience as the movement classes. Three times a day, participants gathered for nutritionally balanced organic meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — along with snacks and thoughtfully prepared drinks, all included in the retreat package. The food was abundant, seasonal, and deeply nourishing, designed to fuel active days without sacrificing pleasure.
Sample Daily Schedule
Each day was structured to offer a full fitness experience alongside generous free time to explore and unwind.
| 7:00 – 8:30 | Meditation & morning yoga (Hatha, Acroyoga, or Aerial) |
| 8:30 – 9:30 | Breakfast |
| 9:30 – 10:30 | Pilates (Mat or Aerial) |
| 10:30 – 12:30 | Free time — private tutorials, herbal sauna, pool, or beach |
| 12:30 – 1:30 | Lunch |
| 1:30 – 4:30 | Free time — guided tours, day trips, hiking, biking, snorkeling, diving, rafting, windsurfing, kite surfing, horseback riding, and more |
| 4:30 – 5:30 | Yoga (Hatha, Acroyoga, or Aerial) |
| 5:30 – 6:30 | Pilates (Mat or Aerial) |
| 6:30 – 7:00 | Sunset meditation on the beach |
| 7:00 – 8:30 | Dinner |
The schedule shifted based on availability, but all listed events were included. Participants were welcome to join as many or as few sessions as they liked.
What Was Included
Included in the Package
- Daily Yoga, Meditation, Mat Pilates, Acroyoga, Aerial Yoga & Aerial Pilates
- 7 days / 6 nights accommodation in authentic Dalmatian stone houses (walking distance to beach)
- Airport transfers to/from Dubrovnik (130 km / 80 mi each way)
- 3 organic meals per day + snacks + nutritionally balanced drinks
- One private Yoga tutorial
- One private Pilates tutorial
- Guided walk around Peljesac & Viganj
- Herbal sauna and pool access
Optional Day Trips
- Boat trip to the island of Mljet (where Odysseus found his paradise)
- "Game of Thrones" walking tour of Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik Cable Car, Old Town & City Walls tour
- Boat trip to the island of Korcula with wine tasting
- Wine tasting & trip to the Walls of Ston (the "European Great Wall of China," 14th–15th c.)
- Windsurfing, kitesurfing, sea kayaking, or stand-up paddling in Viganj
Day trips and optional activities were not included in the base package. Airfare was not included.
Aerial Fitness
The aerial classes were open to all fitness levels — no prior experience required.
The Aerial Pilates & Aerial Yoga classes developed strength, balance, flexibility, and core stability simultaneously. Utilizing a specialized "swing" of breathable nylon parachute fabric, aerial fitness enabled 3-dimensional movement and inversions that helped re-align and decompress the spine.
Aerial Pilates combined Pilates techniques with aerial silks, blending TRX suspension training and Pilates mat/Reformer/Cadillac work. It targeted the deeper muscles of the body with less strain, more openness, and a lot of fun — taking core-strengthening to new heights.
Aerial Yoga combined traditional Asana with aerial silks. Because the swing partially or fully supported body weight, it helped hold traditional Yoga poses with proper alignment while deepening flexibility, spinal openness, and core strength.
What Participants Brought
For a one-week retreat in Croatia, guests were advised to pack light and leave a little room in their luggage — most wished they had saved more space for Croatian wine and culinary finds on the way home.
Travel Documents
- Passport, itinerary, tickets
- Health insurance card or travel insurance covering healthcare emergencies
Clothing & Gear
- 2 pairs of yoga/workout pants or shorts
- 3–4 workout shirts
- 1 light sweater or hoodie (flight and cool mornings/evenings)
- A couple pairs of socks
- 1 pair of leggings, pants, or longer skirt
- 2 simple T-shirts for travel and sightseeing
- Comfy skirt, shorts, or pants for sightseeing
- A couple of packable sundresses
- Swimsuit
- Beach cover-up (simple cotton shorts or dress)
- Sarong (doubles as a beach towel)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Hat (if sensitive to sun)
- Underwear & sleepwear
- Toiletries
- Yoga mat (mats were provided, but participants were welcome to bring their own)
* The retreat included an optional winery visit, and the wine was excellent and very inexpensive. Most guests wished they had left more room in their suitcases.