Case Study: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
A look at how The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara added instructor-free reformer Pilates classes to its fitness suite using the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX-S and iFIT.
Nov 4, 2026
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2 min read
IN THIS ARTICLE
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Ritz-Carlton Bacara added reformer Pilates to its resort fitness suite with the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX-S, powered by iFIT.
- With an iFIT membership, guests start an expert-led Pilates class on demand from the HD touchscreen, with no instructor needed.
- Push-button resistance adjustment means no spring swapping between guests.
- The Ultra 1 Reform RX-S is designed for high-traffic commercial spaces and suits first-timers and regular Pilates practitioners.
- Hotels and resorts can offer a hotel reformer Pilates experience without a class schedule to staff or a studio build-out.
Reformer Pilates, on the California coast.
At a Glance
- Property: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
- Location: Santa Barbara coastline, California
- Setting: 78-acre oceanfront resort with a 42,000 sq ft spa and fitness center
- Equipment: NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX-S, powered by iFIT
- Where: Resort fitness suite
The Setting
Bacara sits on 78 acres of Santa Barbara coastline, where wellness is part of the stay. Its 42,000 sq ft spa and fitness center pairs a redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room and cold plunge with a fully equipped gym, instructor-led classes and four tennis courts.
Guests expect more than a treadmill and a rack of dumbbells. They want the workouts they do at home, at the standard they expect from a Ritz-Carlton.
The Opportunity
According to ClassPass's 2025 Look Back Report, Pilates was the most-booked workout on ClassPass globally for the third year in a row, with reservations up 66% from 2024. [1] For a resort guest, a reformer class is often the one thing missing from a hotel gym. The usual solution is a dedicated studio, a class timetable and an instructor on payroll.
Bacara took a simpler route.
The Solution: NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX-S
The RX-S brings a full reformer Pilates class into the fitness suite, paired with iFIT, with no instructor needed.
- Class on demand. An HD touchscreen streams expert-led Pilates classes with an iFIT membership, so guests start a session whenever they want.
- Push-button resistance. Guests change resistance at the touch of a button. No spring swapping.
- Smart Spine System. The springs are enclosed in the frame for a cleaner look.
- Real-time feedback. Guests see their resistance and power output as they move.
- Designed for commercial use. Designed for high-traffic commercial spaces and quick changeovers between guests.
- For every level. Suits a guest trying Pilates for the first time and a regular looking to progress.
What It Means for Bacara
- For guests: A boutique-studio Pilates class, steps from their room, at any hour the fitness center is open.
- For the resort: A premium wellness amenity with no class schedule to staff and no studio build-out.
- For the brand: A fitness offering that matches the rest of the stay.
Bring Reformer Pilates to Your Property
References
- ClassPass. 2025 ClassPass Look Back Report
The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. iFIT Inc. assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner's manual of your fitness equipment.
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