Sebastian Luxe Travel Loves Pilates

Staying connected to the things that make you feel strong, even while traveling, can transform a trip and everything that comes after it.

How I Got Into Pilates and Why I Took It With Me to Hawaii

A few years ago, after far too long of putting it off, I finally decided it was time to rebuild my strength. I started working with Meredith Anand, a gifted Pilates instructor and physical therapist based in Fairfield (and a fellow Westporter). Meredith was patient, methodical, and incredibly smart about helping me strengthen my core in a sustainable way. The kind of careful work that let me start moving again and eventually return to tennis without hurting myself.
@ctpilatesandpt

Through that process, I fell in love with Pilates, and later, the Lagree method. At a friend’s insistence, I tried CST50 in Darien. She promised it would be hard, the instructors were amazing, the music was the best, and I’d feel incredible afterward. She was right. Every time I leave class, I think, "This instructor is my favorite," only to think the same thing again the next time.
CST50 introduced me to Lagree’s signature blend of strength, cardio, core, and endurance, all packed into slow, deliberate, muscle-shaking movements on the Megaformer. It’s challenging, humbling, and completely addictive.
@cst50darienwestport

In the fall, I added another layer: classes at SBS Sculpt by Sara, taught by the effervescent Sara Fields.

Sara is one of those rare instructors who makes even the hardest workouts feel joyful. Her background in athletics, spin, and Pilates shows up in every class, blending efficiency, rhythm, and thoughtful movement into an energizing experience. After leading us through some difficult sets, she cheerfully asks, “How’s everyone feeling?” and she’s so upbeat and sweet that I always answer “Great!”
@sculptbysara

Between Meredith’s foundation, CST50’s high-energy Lagree classes, and Sara’s fun, music-fueled sessions, I finally found a fitness routine that felt sustainable, energizing, and joyful.

Taking My Pilates Practice to Oahu

When we planned our trip to Hawaii, I knew I didn’t want to leave that part of my life behind.

And I know what you might be thinking (because someone actually said this to me!): "I'm not going to leave my family on vacation just to take a reformer class." Which I get. Kind of. But one hour to yourself isn’t selfish. It’s strategic. Because when Mama feels good, everyone feels good. You don’t come back from vacation feeling behind. You come back recharged.

I started on Oahu with a mini Lagree class at Noelle Naone’s home studio, my sister’s favorite instructor, and now I see why. Noelle is upbeat, concise, and somehow makes one of the hardest workouts fly by. She’s an official Lagree instructor who brings energy, precision, and encouragement to every session.
@bodyfit_noelle

Later in the week, I signed up for a reformer class at the Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay with Ashley Burnett, owner of Ritual Fitness.

Ashley had me moving in ways I’d never moved before in Pilates. Deep, targeted exercises that felt intuitive and totally new. After a long flight left my hip sore, one of the movements gently popped it back into place. I was nervous when it happened but instantly felt better.

After class, I looked up Ashley’s studio and discovered she also specializes in GYROTONIC®. If you're wondering, it's a movement method that uses specialized equipment and circular, flowing exercises to strengthen, stretch, and mobilize the body without compression. Think of it as Pilates’ graceful, free-spirited cousin. And yes, now I have to go back to Oahu just to try it.
@ritualfitnesshi

Before we left, I squeezed in one more class with Valentina Rodriguez Paz, a warm, encouraging instructor who managed to teach a complete beginner and me side by side with so much kindness that the hour flew by.
@vale_rodriguez_paz

She also leads beautiful retreats in Baja through Sea Salt Experiences which is officially on my travel list.

Keeping my Pilates and Lagree practice alive while traveling made all the difference. I stayed connected to something that grounds me, discovered new teachers and movement styles, and came home refreshed, stronger, and even more excited to keep going.

If you love something, don’t leave it behind when you travel. Take it with you. Stay tuned for pilates in Portugal and the Netherlands.