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Retreat Update / Travel News Teacher Training Locations

We always soft-launch new retreats, locations and dates to our community first, meaning the best rooms often get booked before we ever go public.
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So, why don't you...

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New in Portugal

Barre Teacher Training Retreat

Dear future BarreTeacher,

Are you ready to expand your teaching and explore movement through a new lens? Join us from November 2nd – 7th, 2025, for a fully immersive 4-day Barre Teacher Training, led by Joshua Norris-Ongso, founder of S3 Barre Method. This training includes a bonus Pre- & Post-natal course designed specifically for movement teachers.

We believe great learning belongs in a beautiful setting. With years of experience hosting retreats for movement teachers and teachers-to-be we’ve found a gem of a venue for you in Portugal's Algarve with just the right mixture between luxury & nature. It is the perfect space for you to deepen your teaching journey and connect with your new community of like-hearted movers and teachers.

Here comes your Barre + Pre/post-natal Teacher Training Retreat
Apply here

S3 Studios

EDUCATION PROVIDER

What is so special about this Training?

“This is the first-ever RETREAT VERSION of the S3 Barre Method Training, which I have been running since 2016. On top of having all that extra time, the pool, the amazing food, the stunning villa...(did you see the pictures!?) we also added our signature pre/postnatal course for movement teachers for a truly exceptional educational retreat.”

Joshua Norris-Ongso

OWNER & FOUNDER S3 Barre Method + Studios

“Barre Trainings are typically set in an urban studio environment. Here, we get to truly 'live' our passion for movement in the most beautiful indoor and outdoor setting. I know you will love love love this space!"

Mareile Paley

Founder, Life in Movement
Portugal
DATES:
02/11 - 07/11 2025
*limited spots*
from €1895

Sign up NOW

This is exactly what I've been looking for! I better start checking for flights!

~ Haya C., UK

All you need to know about our
Barre Teacher Training Retreat

We are proud to be collaborating with Joshua Norris-Ongs0, founder of S3 Barre, the world’s 1st barre workout created and choreographed by a Physiotherapist.
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overview
Programme
Teachers
Venue & Food
FAQS

Overview

All the most important stuff at a glance

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Our Venue in Portugal

In the hills of sunny Loule, just 20 minutes from Faro airport lies Monte Sobradinho, our stunning retreat villa. Surrounded by lush gardens and with a cozy living room and three movement spaces, this retreat is more than our venue. It's deep conversations, shared laughter, and quiet moments that bring you back to yourself... with lots of Barre in between.

Space to Learn and Grow

Our retreat space feels more like a home than a classroom. Think: crackling fireplace, long chats over tea, spontaneous dance breaks in the kitchen, and quiet moments of reflection under the trees. This isn’t just where you learn to teach Barre—it’s an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, deepen your practice, and build real connections with others on the same path.

— More about the venue

Good Sleep is so Important

Ok. This retreat is a professional training, but that doesn't mean you can't indulge in a bit of luxury at the same time. All rooms, whether single or shared are spacious and tastefully designed—some even have their own private patio and dipping pool!

— More about the Rooms

Cost & Dates

PORTUGAL
‍November 2nd - 7th 2025

‍€1895 (shared room)
€2195 (single room)
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Ask for our LIM Alumni Discount (available to all Life in Movement 'return' participants)


Sign up

Programme & Daily Schedule

So you know what you are signing up to

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S3 Barre is the world’s 1st barre workout created and choreographed by a physiotherapist with a dance and gymnastics background making it a safe and fun workout for every body. We offer an immersion program that includes 4 full days of training including a special pre/post natal course for movement teachers. Each day will build up on the previous one and students must be present for the full length of the retreat.

A Typical Retreat Day


8am — Morning Barre Class
9am — Breakfast
10.30am — Morning Lecture / Course
1pm — Lunch Break
3pm — Afternoon Practice / Teaching
7.30pm — Dinner

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Note: The actual daily schedule might be adapted to the student's need and pace.

A non-refundable deposit of EUR 500 is required to reserve your spot. All bookings must be paid in full 8 weeks before start date, however we can still take bookings right up to the start date.

Inclusions

The prices for our any of our educational Retreats, always include both the training and the full retreat experience.

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Included in the Price:

  • 5 nights boutique accommodation in luxurious single or twin shared rooms
  • three healthy, vegetarian meals per retreat day
  • S3 repertoire for barre workout with class plans and matching playlist that you can use to teach straight away
  • Certificate of Completion of S3 Barre Method + Pre/Post Natal Course, including injuries modifications, pre and postnatal theory and teaching techniques.
  • all necessary training manuals and course materials
  • Final Barre Assessment + Celebration
  • online support and post-retreat follow up through the Life in Movement team
  • Friendships for life

Not Included:

  • flights & travel insurance
  • transportation to/from the retreat venue

A non-refundable deposit of EUR 500 is required to reserve your spot. All bookings must be paid in full 8 weeks before start date, however we can still take bookings right up to the start date.

Your Teachers & Host

Hosted with experience, taught with excellence. Always

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Mareile Paley

Owner of Life In Movement, Retreat Host


As the founder of Life in Movement, Mareile has been hosting world-class movement retreats all over the world for the past 15 years. She is the glue that holds the retreat experience together—bringing her deep expertise, warm hosting, and attention to detail to every element. Having collaborated with top-tier educators like BASI Pilates since 2017, she now teams up with S3 to offer their Barre Teacher Training in her signature retreat format—carefully curated for those who value quality, connection, and a transformative learning journey. Mareile will be your primary contact for bookings and all retreat related questions and assist your journey to becoming a confident and empowered movement teacher before, during and after the retreat.

Joshua Norris Ongso

Physiotherapist, Pilates & Barre Teacher Trainer, Studio Owner Australia & Portugal


Joshua is an Australian Physiotherapist with over 20 years experience in the health and wellness industry. After a career in performing arts and aerobic gymnastics which saw him represent Indonesia internationally, Joshua took his passion for sport and movement in another direction, becoming a Physiotherapist at the elite level; career highlights including his work with the Indonesian Sports Commission. He proceeded to open 11 Pilates and Barre studios in Australia and most recently, S3 Studios in Setubal, Portugal. Joshua is a strong believer in making fitness and healthy lifestyle fun and accessible. Expect to both love and 'hate' his classes for all the right reasons.
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QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RETREAT? MAKE A FREE APPOINTMENT TO CHAT WITH MAREILE, 
here

The Venue & Food

Because taste Matters

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Shared Double Suites

The shared suites at Monte Sobradinho, are spacious and feature two twin-size, single beds per room. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and some suites even have small kitchenette and living room space. If you book a shared room, we will match you with a suitable room mate.

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Rooms will be given on a 'first-come, best-room' basis. But do not worry - they are all wonderful.

Single Deluxe Rooms

For the extra luxury of having your own spacious suite, be quick, as we only have four available.

— 2 suites remaining

Book Now

Meals by Chef Fabrice

We have been working with Fabrice for years. And we love his food so much, that we now take him with us to (almost) every retreat. All meals will be vegetarian and freshly prepared, with seasonality and local producers being one of our 'must haves'. We do cater to dietary needs such as gluten-free, vegan, allergies.

Location + How to get there

VENUE
‍Monte Sobradinho
Sobradinho, 8100-327 Loulé

BY AIR
‍Faro is the closest airport (30 mins). Uber/Bolt are easily available.
Lisbon airport is 2.5 hrs drive

BY TRAIN
‍Loulé is on the Lisbon (Rossio)-Faro train line. More info on CP.pt
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Arrival & Departure Days

November 2nd - Arrival Day
You can check in from 15h and we officially start around 17h30/18h with a welcome and followed by dinner. Please plan your trip accordingly.
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November 7th - Departure Day
‍We finish the retreat with breakfast and check out at 11am. If you have a morning flight, there is no programme planned for departure day, so you won’t miss anything.

A non-refundable deposit of EUR 500 is required to reserve your spot. All bookings must be paid in full 8 weeks before start date, however we can still take bookings right up to the start date.

FAQs

the only stupid question is the one that didn't get asked

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The dates don’t work for me. Do you have others?

We usually list all our teacher training retreats here as soon as dates are confirmed. However, if those dates don’t work for you, let us know as we are constantly planning ahead and chances are that we could use your preferred dates as a starting point for an upcoming training.

I am not a movement teacher. Can I still take the training?

We see this training as a starting point to a journey that might become your life. After all, we never stop learning. So, yes! While the course is designed with movement professionals in mind and may cover topics in greater depth or assume some prior knowledge, you’re more than welcome to join. Just be aware that some content may be more technical than you’re used to — but many past participants from non-movement backgrounds have found it enriching and inspiring.

Can I come just for a certain day or module?

This course is designed as a complete experience, so attending just individual days or sections isn’t recommended. However, we do offer the option to enroll in only in the Pre- & Post-Natal module as a day participant.

What kind of certification do I get?

Upon completion, you’ll receive an official certification from S3 Academy. This includes a certificate for the S3 Barre Instructor Course and, if applicable, a separate certificate for the S3 Pre- & Post-Natal Course. The S3 Academy's certifications should be recognized in studios worldwide as there is no global certifying body for Barre.

After the retreat, can I start teaching anywhere?

Absolutely! If you feel confident and ready, you may teach anywhere.

What do you mean by 'retreat format'?

The focus of our educational retreat programmes will always be the high quality professional training, meaning you will spend most of your time in the studio practicing and learning. To experience this training as a connected group, taking meals together, sharing rooms and staying in the embrace of a beautiful purpose-filled location away from your daily life is what makes it also a retreat. The focus, the quiet, the intensity. Please understand that this is not a retreat holiday with planned extra activities and excursions. If you want to combine this training with experiencing the country, we recommend you add a few days before or after the course. That said... who says you can't have fun and indulge in a bit of luxury while becoming a Barre teacher?

Can I just attend the Barre training without the retreat part or book my own accommodation?

We offer a purpose-built and unique way to learn and the fact that everyone stays together in the same location is an integral part of the experience. Therefore, unfortunately, we cannot accept 'day' students, who only come for the course modules as it might disrupt the intimacy and flow of the week together.

HAVE SOME MORE PERSONAL QUESTIONS THAT ARE NOT ANSWERED HERE? SEND US AN EMAIL OR MAKE A FREE APPOINTMENT TO CHAT WITH MAREILE, 
here

Application & Deposit

We are honored you decided to start your journey with us. Welcome to leading your life in Movement.

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We believe that movement is a lifelong journey—not something mastered in a few days. But we also know that committing to long-term training isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer this Barre Teacher Training in an immersive retreat format: as a meaningful first step on your path as a teacher and mover. Please tell us a bit about yourself, so we can help support that journey.

Your information

Yay! That’s exciting. We are very happy to have you on board. We will be in touch with the next steps.

Below, you can pay your deposit to make sure you get a spot.

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Secure your Spot with a Deposit

In order to secure your spot on the retreat, we need to receive a non refundable EUR 500 deposit from you. We accept Credit Cards, and direct bank transfers. Please note that we won’t pay for any bank or transfer charges, including credit card fees.

Pay Deposit
Our Cancellation Policy
Travel Insurance

We highly encourage you to purchase travel insurance in case you need to cancel your trip. We have found during our travels that it is well worth having the coverage, as it covers many unforeseen circumstances that may arise while on vacation.

Cancellation up to 90 days before retreat start:

If we are able to fill your cancelled spot by three months before the retreat start, we will return all money paid to us, except your deposit. If we are unable to fill your spot, we will only return 50% of all money paid to us after deduction of the deposit.

Cancellation after three months before retreat start:

Sorry, but no refund possible after this date.If you are not able to attend the retreat but have a friend or family member that would like to attend, we are happy to transfer 100% of the money that you have paid toward your friend or family member. Both parties must notify us in writing in order to transfer names.

Non-Response Cancellation

If we repeatedly attempt to contact you via the communication methods provided by you (email, phone, etc.) to confirm your attendance or request final payment for a retreat, and you do not respond within one week of our third email/message attempt, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation. In this event, your spot may be given to another participant, and you will forfeit any deposit or partial payments made to us.

If we cancel the retreat:

All money paid to us by you will be returned, excluding bank chargers. Unfortunately we cannot compensate you for any plane tickets/transportation arrangements you have already made.

Payment general:

EUR 500 non-refundable deposit is required in order to secure your spot. We accept Credit Cards and / or direct bank transfer. Please note that we won’t pay for any bank or transfer charges, including credit card fees.

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