Pilates is having a moment—but it’s more than movement. It’s a lifestyle, an immersive dialogue between body and mind, amplified by spaces where aesthetics and intention collide.
As a newly certified instructor and obsessive devotee, my jet-setting reformer sessions are meticulously planned around my holidays—discovering studios that blend refined design, charismatic teaching, and that rare luxury: an urban sanctuary pulsing with energy. When only the most inspiring, next-level results-driven practice will do, these ten global gems are worth building your itinerary around.
FORMA PILATES |Los Angeles, New York, Austin, Dallas, Phoenix, Miami
Vogue’s “most exclusive exercise class” hides inside a lofty studio in a New York SoHo walk-up. Founded by Liana Levi in her mother’s L.A. pool house in 2020, this strictly referral-only sanctuary lures the likes of Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber and commands cult status across six cities in the US.
The Forma Method—rooted in slow, controlled movements that sculpt and lengthen—marries precision with artistry. It is designed to shake muscles and shatter limits, leaving clients sore for days. Expect Hollywood-worthy intensity and exclusivity in a refined, private studio setting. Snagging a spot means earning entry to Hollywood’s best-kept secret.
PILATES AND OR | Santa Barbara, Boca Raton
In Santa Barbara’s sun-drenched serenity, Pilates and Or pioneers the new wave of ballet-inspired reformer classes. Founded by Or Kahlon—a former Royal Ballet soloist—this studio transcends convention, turning reformers into stages for his flow-based Pilates workouts.
Kahlon’s method sculpts dancer-long lines with meticulous control —each movement is crisp and intentional, mindfully weaved together into a dynamic flow. Experience his charismatic energy in the signature reformer group class: transformative flows weaving dynamic strength, explosive bursts, and deep mobility.
220 W Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA; 141 NW 20th St, D2, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
NOBU PILATES | London
Tucked inside the Michelin-starred Nobu Hotel, this Marylebone sanctuary redefines luxury wellness. Founded by Marsha Lindsay—London’s most credible face in Pilates—the studio delivers Classical Pilates in a fully equipped, high-spec haven where residents and travellers maintain global wellness rituals.
Known in London as the hottest studio to be seen in with a cult following, it’s where Joseph Pilates’ heritage meets modern prestige. Post-workout ritual: Bookend sessions with Nobu’s legendary Bento Box downstairs – truly an experience.
22 Portman Square, London W1H 7BG, England (inside Nobu Hotel)
YUJIN CHOI PILATES | London
At 29—with no dance background or athleticism—Yujin Choi found her calling on a reformer. Seventeen years later, Stott-certified with a decade’s teaching expertise, she opened her own studio in Marylebone. Her philosophy is rooted in personal transformation, where “Pilates isn’t exercise—it’s moving with love, aging with strength, living with intention.”
Her sessions prioritise mindful movement designed to build deep strength and foster a powerful mind-body connection. Try her small group class in London and discover Pilates’ magic (or really – her magic!).
118 Baker Street, Marylebone, W1U 6TU, London
CORE ATELIER | Singapore
Against Singapore’s relentless rhythm, Core Atelier is a studio where movement is honoured as process over destination. Founders Lena and June—both STOTT-certified—prioritise depth over scale through private sessions and micro-group classes (max three clients). Their beautifully designed studio wields best-in-class equipment to rebuild body alignment and forge sustainable transformation.
The magic lies in their omakase-style signature class: Curated by Core. Each session unfolds as a bespoke flow tailored to the trio’s needs, as unique as the individuals who step into the studio.
#03-01, 21 Mosque Street, Singapore 059501
MAJA BALI | Bali
Part hotel, spa, and wellness studio, Maja Bali rises amid Canggu’s vibrant Batu Bolong. Founders Marie and Jake—longtime travellers turned wellness gurus—crafted this one-stop destination.
Their awe-inspiring wellness studio is led by instructor-turned-Instagram sensation, Dr Han, who believes movement should empower you to feel beautiful inside and out. His signature Barre class fuses ballet and Pilates into fluid, joyful choreography, sculpting lean strength through effortless grace. Post-flow ritual: Grab their vanilla sea salt matcha on the go.
Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.39C, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
BURNING BAR | Paris
Reconnect with your inner fire at Burning Bar—Paris’ infrared sanctuary where Pilates, Barre, Cardio, and Meditation merge at a transformative 35°C.
Drawing from athletic conditioning and mindful movement, the signature BB method sculpts lean strength while infrared warmth melts tension, unlocks flexibility, and accelerates results. Their crown jewel – Burning Core Shape – delivers a high-intensity, low-impact full-body sculpt. Expect deep core activation, metabolic fire, with posture-perfecting burn that leaves you feeling on fire — quite literally.
42 Avenue Raymond Poincaré, 75116 Paris
DNA PILATES | Paris
Nestled in a Haussmannian apartment in Le Marais, DNA PILATES is Laura Provost’s monochromatic sanctuary for très chic fashionistas—a space that makes you feel like home away from home in Paris.
Designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, this studio offers two classes: their Pilates Reformer sessions master fluidity and precision on the reformer, refining technique to enhance your practice. For intensity seekers, Lagree sessions on the Microformer fuse strength, cardio, and flexibility, with a focus on increased intensity, making each session dynamic and explosive. Experience Pilates à la française.
3 Rue Yvon Villarceau, 75016 Paris, France
Bodyreading | Tainan
Step into a sunlit, two-story studio where clinical precision meets mindful healing. Founded by former physiotherapist Cici Cheung, who transformed her journey with scoliosis and chronic pain through Pilates, this Tainan pioneer elevates rehab as reverence. Her methodology—“read your body to become your best self” (讀身。成為更好的自己)—empowers clients to transform bodies through awareness and intentional movement.
Here, instructors possess a well-honed ability to scan for strengths and weaknesses, tailoring exercises to each client’s kinetic architecture. Schedule a session or two when you are in town if you are seeking not just rehab but steadfast transformation.
701, No. 122, Yuping Rd, East District, Tainan City, Taiwan
YOGA SENSES PILATES | Hong Kong
Discover a gem not far from home – What began as a yoga studio rooted in movement as mindful dialogue, this passion project evolved into Hong Kong’s newest Pilates sensation. When yogi-founder Samantha Lau wove reformer classes into her studios amid overwhelming demand, she unveiled this dedicated Causeway Bay flagship last month.
Step inside a rare urban haven: bathed in natural light from a soaring 16-foot ceiling — an Instagram-worthy sanctuary where Hong Kong’s skyline energy meets sun-drenched flow. It’s Pilates, elevated.
Try Slim & Detox: a slow-burn reformer flow sculpting lean lines, drilling your core, and leaving you deeply alive between shakes. Find me teaching here, between fashion weeks and bridal appointments. See you at my next class.
20/F, The Hedon, 11 Matheson St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Editor
Jacqueline AuCredit
Photo: Kay Lai
