Empower Retreat

Join Neely and Nichele for an intimate Pilates and fitness retreat in the Mexican Caribbean.

A few days to reset with intentional movement, incredible food, and a private oceanfront villa designed for both strength and recovery.

Strong movement. Clear mind. A true island escape.

Set on Isla Mujeres, a small, car-free island in the Mexican Caribbean, this retreat is defined by white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and calm, swimmable seas. The island’s relaxed, walkable atmosphere offers the perfect balance of beauty and simplicity.

Thanks to Casa Coco’s west-facing location, the property is naturally protected from Sargasso seaweed blooms, keeping the surrounding waters clear.

Casa Coco

Your Caribbean Sanctuary

Reserved exclusively for our group, Casa Coco is an intimate Caribbean-front luxury villa featuring open-air living spaces, two rooftop shalas, a pool, and direct access to the sea, along with paddle boards and kayaks.

An in-house culinary team and dedicated retreat concierge ensure every detail is seamlessly taken care of.

What’s Included

• Oceanfront accommodation at Casa Coco
• Bohemian-chic private villa with Caribbean views
• 10 thoughtfully designed suites with spacious en-suite bathrooms
• Daily Pilates, strength, and cardio sessions
• Includes a restorative yoga session on arrival day
• Three gourmet meals per day on non-travel days
• Farm-to-table dining prepared by an in-house culinary team
• Dietary preferences and food allergies accommodated
• Light breakfast daily before morning class
• Sunset catamaran excursion with open bar and snorkeling
• Access to villa amenities including rooftop shalas, pool, ocean access, paddle boards, and kayaks
• Free time to relax and explore
• Retreat concierge services and daily housekeeping
• Airport-to-island transportation included

Your Retreat Leaders

Neely Hufnagel is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher, lifelong athlete, and the founder of Pilates on Third in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Originally from Calgary, Neely’s passion for movement began early as a competitive downhill skier and later as a collegiate volleyball player at Montclair State University. While pursuing her MBA at the University of North Florida, she worked as a personal trainer specializing in weightlifting and physique training. It was during this time that she discovered Pilates — a practice that fundamentally reshaped her approach to strength, performance, and longevity.

In 2011, Neely founded Pilates on Third with a mission to make Pilates a foundational component of her clients’ fitness routines. Today, the studio is regarded as Jacksonville’s premier Pilates destination, known for its high standards, results-driven programming, technical precision, and strong sense of community. Neely’s approach blends classical Pilates principles with strength and resistance training, creating intelligent, challenging workouts that build strength, confidence, and resilience.

In 2018, Neely expanded her work beyond the studio by launching Pilates and fitness retreats, creating immersive experiences that combine intentional movement, personal growth, and inspiring destinations. A devoted student of sport and personal development, Neely is dedicated to helping others move better, feel stronger, and elevate both body and mindset — in the studio and beyond.

Nichele Cihlar is a respected fitness and wellness professional with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and organizations through holistic, sustainable approaches to health.

She is the founder of MNT Condition Fitness and Nutrition Coaching, a comprehensive wellness program integrating training, mobility, and nutrition to support long-term health and lifestyle balance.

Nichele also serves as Director of Training for GORUCK, where she has helped shape the brand’s approach to movement, recovery, and physical preparedness. In this role, she leads global workouts and retreats focused on strength, mindset, and resilience.

With a background in dance and yoga, and a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Community Health, Nichele brings both artistry and science to her work. She is a lifelong learner with advanced training and certifications in lifestyle medicine, nutrition, strength training, Pilates, and yoga.

Over the past decade, Nichele has hosted more than 12 wellness retreats worldwide, creating immersive experiences that blend movement, recovery, mindfulness, and meaningful community connection. Her greatest passion is helping others build resilient bodies and empowered lives through intentional wellness practices.