Holidays@CasaAna
Pilates, Walking and a Taste of Andalucia
Jaki Wilford has been teaching Pilates for many years and is also passionate about flamenco dance which she performs professionally. Here at Casa Ana you can take Pilates and stretch classes with Jaki whilst also immersing yourself in the sights, tastes and culture of Andalucia.
Each day, after the Pilates class, you’ll go on guided walks to village bodegas, pottery and weaving workshops, as well as the orchards and terraced meadows which make the Alpujarra so special. Plus a day in the Spa town of Lanjarón, and last but not least, a Flamenco workshop/demonstration by Jaki herself.
Next holiday:
Date: 22 – 28 November 2025 (6 nights)
To book this holiday email us at info@casa-ana.com and we will send you a booking form.
“Jaki doesn't teach Pilates, she teaches YOU Pilates. She reads your body like a book then helps you rewrite it to make it better.”
— CATH
The Pilates classes
Pilates is an effective and popular form of exercise which helps to increase flexibility and build muscle strength, focusing particularly on improving core strength. Each day Jaki will teach a class of mat-work, lasting approximately one hour.
Jaki comments “I love the wonderment of the body, its resourcefulness, its massive ability to heal and recover. I teach Pilates because I firmly believe in it as a system of physical maintenance and because I'm constantly amazed by the transformations it can make to a person. There are no religion or beliefs involved, just a trust in the teacher.”
The Stretch and Relaxation sessions
A gentle wind-down in the late afternoons, the stretch classes will involve the use of stretchy bands, following the 30 second principle (the most productive length of time for a stretch). Also floor stretches involving rotations of the body, working through various areas of stiffness. They are much like Pilates exercises but with time to focus on particular body parts. Each session will end with some deep breathing, mindfulness visualizations and relaxation exercises to balance the day's physical activities.
About Jaki
Jaki’s life as a dancer began when she was just four years old. After training at the Laban Centre in London she embarked on a career as a contemporary dancer in New York. Whilst there she saw Flamenco for the first time and decided at once to return to Europe and retrain in Andalucia as a Flamenco dancer. She now performs professionally with Flamenco Express, the company she co-founded in the ‘nineties.
It was during her dance college days that she started training in Pilates, qualifying as a Pilates instructor in the ‘eighties. Today she teaches many students from adolescents to octogenarians, creating long-term strategies for them, and transforming lives.
The Walks and Excursions
These activities take place after the morning Pilates class with Jaki.
Sunday: The Lie of the Land
A local walk from Casa Ana to the historic village of Atalbeitar and the Old Mill. Stunning views of the Trevelez River Gorge. Followed by afternoon stretch/relaxation class.
Monday: Ancient Villages, New Ways of Life
Visiting the two famous historic White Villages of the region: Capileira and Pampaneira, with visits to an artisan leather shop, a weaving workshop and a bodega (delicatessen) – examples of how to live life in a small mountain village. Includes a walk between the villages with magnificent views of the Sierra Nevada mountain peaks. Followed by afternoon stretch/relaxation class.
Tuesday: A day in the Spa town of Lanjarón
The spring water of Lanjarón is exported far and wide – you’ll probably find bottles of it in your local supermarket. The water is also known for its magical healing properties. Spend a morning pampering yourself at the Lanjarón Spa. Alternatively, visit the Water Museum followed by a gentle walk just out of town.
Wednesday: Traditional culture in and around Ferreirola
In the morning, a short walk to the next village of Fondales with a visit to a ceramics workshop famous for its exquisite pottery using traditional Moorish designs.
In the afternoon, a flamenco demonstration/workshop with Jaki Wilford.
Thursday: Picnic by a mountain stream
This walk takes us higher into the mountains with magnificent views across the Mediterranean to the Rif mountains of Morocco. A walk through woods and mountain meadows takes us to an idyllic picnic spot by a mountain stream. Followed by afternoon stretch/relaxation class.
Walking: level of challenge
These walks are moderate and last 2 – 4 hours, with elevation gains of up to 300 metres. They are mostly on well- defined footpaths but bring good boots as the paths can be stony at times. You’ll need to be reasonably fit, and enjoy walking in the hills.
Prices 2025
Prices are given for single occupancy of a room with private bathroom. Discounts available if you share a room (see below).
€1310 Single room with private bathroom
€1410 Standard double or twin room with private bathroom
€1510 Large double or twin room with private bathroom
€1610 The Garden Room (large double with private bathroom)
The price includes 6 nights’ accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 5 dinners with a glass of wine, tea and coffee at Casa Ana, tuition (6 Pilates classes, 3 stretch/relaxation classes), Flamenco demonstration/workshop, walking guides and local transport.
The price does not include flights, minibus transport from the airport and back, 1 dinner, alcoholic drinks (apart from wine with dinner), drinks at local cafes and entry to the Spa at Lanjarón.
Special discounts: €100 off the advertised price if you are willing to share a double or twin room. €50 off the price if you are willing to share a bathroom with one other person (single and standard rooms only).
For further information and bookings: email Tinca at Casa Ana.
Accommodation and Food
Casa Ana is known for its stylish and comfortable accommodation, fabulous vegetarian cooking and stunning views of the Trevelez river gorge and the mountains beyond.
““Casa Ana provided fantastic vegetarian meals, with homemade desserts that were beyond delicious, fantastic hearty healthy food, beautiful breakfast”
The House
Staying at Casa Ana is like staying at a private house, simple, comfortable and welcoming. A place where you can feel at home.
The old Alpujarra-style buildings are arranged around a Moorish courtyard garden, planted with wisteria and roses. A few steps through the garden take you to the terraces with breathtaking views along the valley and into the mountains.
In the bedrooms we’ve kept the original chestnut beams with white walls and terracotta floors, comfortable beds, quality linens and a scattering of rugs.
The bathrooms are modern with rain showers, huge mirrors and hand-made tiles inspired by the Moorish designs of the Alhambra. A large sitting room gives onto a shady terrace with superb mountain views.
The Architect-designed dining room and kitchen are open plan and welcoming, giving onto a secluded south-facing terrace. For winter warmth there is underfloor central heating throughout (even in the bathrooms) and a fireplace in the sitting room.
“Casa Ana is a perfect place to bring a small group, especially for walking, writing, or personal development – you can have the place to yourselves. The mix of indoor and outdoor spaces provides a conducive and pleasing environment for this kind of activity. If you bring a group of 6 or more, you can opt to have lunches and dinners included, as we did, and I highly recommend this.”
— LORRAINE
The Garden
Casa Ana was made for outdoor living. Everywhere rooms open onto the Moorish garden, the courtyard or the terraces.
There are big shady pergolas where you can relax with a glass of wine, or a cup of coffee and a good book and secluded sunny corners where you can soak up the Andalucian sun and do nothing at all. At night you can sit out, gaze at the stars and watch the moonrise over the mountains.
Everywhere there are panoramic views, the scent of jasmine and orange blossom, and maybe the sound of goatbells or a nightingale or the river far below.
It’s what makes Casa Ana special.
“The Casa itself is beautiful, and has been lovingly and sympathetically restored... Anne and the staff couldn’t possibly be any friendlier. The surroundings are also stunning.”
— LYNNE