Up & Coming Retreats

 

El's Mini Creative Retreat

Friday 5th December - Monday 8th December

*Monday 8th is a Public Holiday in HK!

3 Nights - 3.5 days

 Shared Room - $6,800

Private Room - $7,500

BOOK ME IN!

 

🌿The Retreat

Join me for an inspiring weekend where art meets self-expression! This retreat is your chance to unleash your creativity in a calm and supportive environment, complete with hands-on guidance and demonstrations. I believe everyone is creative and I want to show you how easy it is. Rid yourself of the fear of perfectionism and find out how fun and relaxing creating art can be. 

Set at the stunning Kaomailanna resort in Chiang Mai, surrounded by lush greenery, we’ll draw inspiration from nature itself. Take a break from the everyday hustle and embark on a creative journey with me by your side.

This mini-retreat is all about recharging your energy, exploring the meditative power of art, and embracing the joy of play. Experience the magic of creating in this beautiful outdoor setting. All are welcome—no prior experience needed. Although artists will benefit from this too!

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to experiment, but one of the highlights will be creating a mixed-media memory painting. This is your chance to craft something truly meaningful.

Bring along photos that capture your most cherished moments—whether it’s a childhood memory, a beloved pet, a special holiday, or even images from the beautiful grounds surrounding us. This piece will be a personal expression of your journey and memories, allowing you to weave your stories into art.


The retreat includes:

🌿2  Art sessions each day 

🌿1 morning creative session and 1 optional afternoon sketch session.

🌿3 meals each day

🌿Transport to and from the resort

🌿A variety of relaxing evening activities * TBC

Here's an outline of what one of the full days will look like:



8:30am - Breakfast

10am-12pm - Get creative with El

12:30pm - Delicious Thai Lunch

2:00 - 4pm  - Creative Session

Free time to relax, read, have a swim, go for a bike ride or do some journaling. 

7:00pm Dinner


🌿Upon arrival you'll receive a gift tote with all the art materials you'll need, including a journal, travel watercolour set, brushes and pencils and other goodies. 


MORE RETREAT OPTIONS



 

 

oOOMA

A joint retreat led by Ruth Hogg and Eleanor McColl

Our 6th retreat together

Saturday October 4th - Wednesday 8th 2025

4 Nights 3.5 Days

Chiang Mai Northern Thailand

Original Price $13,000 & $15,000

Book Here

 

More Information About oOOMA

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.

The main part of the retreat will be Sunday - Tuesday. Three full days.
Those arriving late or leaving early this is not an issue. Friday consists of a welcome tour and an evening Pilates session. The retreat finishes in the morning on Tuesday after the rise and shine Pilates - giving you the rest of the day to enjoy the venue before flying home.


 

🌿The Retreat

 Start and end the day with an energising 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 three and a 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
🌿1 welcome afternoon tea set 
🌿1 farewell morning tea set
🌿Transport to and from the resort
🌿One evening relax and unwind sound meditation * TBC
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

 

🌿 A lot of the fruit and vegetables come from the Kaomai garden so the ingredients are wonderfully fresh. If you have any dietary requirements please let us know.   oOOMA aims to cater for everything but should you need an extra indulgence Kaomai Lanna has its own stylish coffee shop serving delicious coffee and cakes. 

 

Why Pilates and Art together?
Ruth and Eleanor have both been teaching for 20 years and both share a passion for passing on their skills to others. They have a similar teaching style and their common goal is simple: to make everyone feel comfortable and at ease while they learn.
Pilates and art share the same meditative qualities that can take you away from the daily stresses as you focus your mind on the task at hand.  They also both provide an opportunity for growth and learning in a relaxed way.  

 

 
Do I have to be arty or bendy?  
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.
 
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)
 Price is inclusive of all meals, accommodation and activities.  The price does not include flights.
Flights can be booked with Air Asia for around $hk1500
 
Email us to reserve your spot! 
el@eleanormccoll.com
OR
BOOK HERE

 


Here are some photos from our past retreats in Chiang Mai and also at the Ovolo in HK.

 





 

 

 

 

 

 About

Ruth HOGG
Pilates & movement specialist
LRAD BA(Hons) Royal Academy of Dance
Polestar Certified Pilates teacher

Ruth is a Pilates and Movement specialist with 24 years of teaching experience. Her love for Pilates was sparked during her Ballet training at The Royal Academy of Dance in London - realising how beneficial it was as a form of body maintenance and injury prevention.

When Ruth moved to HK to teach ballet in 1998 she took her Pilates passion to another level, training with Polestar and working at Pilates studio Isofit in Hong Kong for 7 years. Here she continued to learn from many visiting specialists in Pilates, Gyrotonics and physiotherapy.

In 2006 Ruth set up RH+Studio, providing pop-up Pilates classes to schools, universities and various studios around Central & Wanchai.
Ruth collaborated with HKU to provide classes that specifically focus on easing neck back and shoulder tension as part of their work-life
balance program.
Ruth has helped 1000s of people to get fit, strong and flexible using her own unique way of teaching. She has many students that have been following her for over 17 years!

Ruth's passion is helping people feel good in their body and mind whether recovering from injury, returning to exercise after pregnancy or for general fitness & well-being.

Her caring nature is reflected in her teaching and she is well known for her attention to detail and making sure that every single person in her group class receives individual correction. People often say they feel like they're having a private class in a group class setting.

In 2019 Ruth opened her virtual Pilates studio providing livestream Pilates classes to students all over the world.