wellness & nature
in Madeira
Madeira, Portugal
8 days 7 nights
June 13 - 20 , 2027
Madeira, Portugal is an archipelago situated in the North Atlantic Ocean known for being a haven of natural beauty and where tranquility meets adventure. It has stunning landscapes with dense verdant forests, volcanic mountains, and flower gardens with exuberant colors. Immerse yourself in daily wellness activities, from sunrise yoga and meditation to guided nature hikes to exploring the water on a catamaran. Explore the island's natural wonders, savoring locally sourced cuisine, and unwind in luxurious accommodations. This single location stay provides the perfect combination of cultural immersion, relaxation, and wellness.
Madeira, Portugal
Where the Atlantic Meets the Sky
Floating in the deep blue of the Atlantic, Madeira is an island that feels like it exists outside of ordinary time. Dramatic volcanic cliffs plunge into the sea, ancient laurel forests drip with mist, and terraced hillsides bloom in perpetual color, flowers so abundant they seem almost unreal. The Portuguese call it Ilha da Madeira, the Island of Wood, but it's better known simply as the Pearl of the Atlantic.
This is a place where the land itself asks you to slow down. Levada trails wind through emerald landscapes, carrying water from the mountains to the sea in a centuries-old network of irrigation channels that double as some of the world's most meditative walking paths. The air is clean and warm and threaded with the scent of eucalyptus and bougainvillea. The ocean is everywhere — heard, felt, seen from nearly every vantage point.
Madeira is not a typical destination. It's wilder than that, deeper than that. It rewards presence.
Which makes it the perfect place to practice.
About the Hotel
7-night accommodation at Sentido Galosol Hotel
Our Home Base: Sentido Galosol
Nestled in Caniço de Baixo on Madeira's sun-drenched south coast, the Sentido Galosol sits just 15 minutes from both the airport and the capital city of Funchal, close enough for easy arrival, far enough to feel like you've truly landed somewhere special.
The hotel's name says it all: Galo + Sol — sun in Portuguese. And the light here is exactly that kind of generous. The property is set directly on the ocean, with views that stretch out over the Atlantic.
Described as Madeira's first active hotel, the Galosol was designed around a Living & Wellbeing philosophy, which makes it an ideal setting for a yoga retreat.
retreat itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Madeira, Portugal! Upon landing at Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, you'll be greeted by your guide who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Once you've checked in, take some time to unwind and appreciate the stunning views and the lush hotel surroundings. Later, join the rest of the group for a delightful welcome dinner at your hotel.
Meals: Dinner
arrivals / madeira island
Day 2
Begin your day with a long yoga + meditation session to energize yourself. Afterward, enjoy a day at leisure to explore and rejuvenate. You could unwind at the hotel, exploring its grounds and various activities, pampering yourself at the spa, or lounging by the pool – the choice is yours! Another option is to explore the beautiful island the way you want.
In the evening, you will join the group for a sunset walk that leads to a picturesque Levada, a charming irrigation canal or aqueduct bordered by a scenic pedestrian trail.
This easy walk will come to a lookout point where you'll witness the breathtaking sight of the sun setting into the Atlantic Ocean. To celebrate this awe-inspiring moment, you’ll enjoy a refreshing glass of Poncha, the traditional and iconic drink of Madeira, crafted from sugarcane spirit, sugar, and lemon juice.
After your adventure, enjoy dinner served at a local restaurant, immersing yourself in the island's culinary delights before returning to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
levada sunset walk
Day 3
Begin your day with yoga + meditation followed by a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey to Funchal, the captivating capital of Madeira.
At Funchal Market, indulge your senses with a colorful array of fresh vegetables and exotic fruits, such as mangoes, passion fruits, guavas, and papayas. Admire the stalls artfully arranged around the central patio and be greeted by women clad in traditional Madeiran attire offering beautiful Madeira flowers. Don't miss the bustling fish market.
You will have time to explore the city's charming streets, visit the historic cathedral, and browse traditional stores. After a morning of discovery, join the group for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon and evening of relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
funchal
Day 4
Today kicks off early with a nourishing breakfast before you set off for Funchal to meet our skipper. There, embark on a luxurious yet adventurous 3-hour catamaran journey from Funchal. Upon arrival, toast with a glass of sparkling wine. Throughout the excursion, indulge in an open bar offering local beers, wines, and artisanal snacks.
Departing from Funchal towards Cabo Girão, Europe's highest cliff at 586m, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. On the return journey, unwind and marvel at the breathtaking vistas along the island's south coast. With luck, we may encounter dolphins, whales, or even turtles.
After the Funchal excursion, enjoy some leisure time for lunch in the city before returning to the hotel for a group dinner, followed by a relaxing evening.
Meals: Breakfast
boat adventure
Day 5
Begin your day with yoga + meditation. After breakfast, join our guide for a thrilling guided E-Bike tour. Depending on the group's preferences, we'll tailor the difficulty level of our adventure, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.
Spend several hours cycling through the captivating landscapes and natural beauty of this enchanting island.
Upon returning to the hotel, enjoy a leisurely afternoon at your own pace. Dinner and overnight accommodation at the hotel await you.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
e-bike adventure
Day 6
Start your day with yoga + meditation followed by a nourishing breakfast at the hotel.
A Jeep will then take you to the starting point of a scenic hike in São Vicente. This gentle walk (approximately one hour) begins at Sítio dos Cardais de Baixo and finishes at the Capela de Nossa Senhora de Fátima, offering beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and coastline along the way.
For lunch, we’ll dine at a charming local farm where the owner prepares grilled chicken the traditional Madeiran way, accompanied by bolo do caco with herb butter and a selection of wines produced onsite. Enjoy the simple yet spectacular setting surrounded by vineyards and mountains.
After lunch, we’ll journey back to the hotel, passing by Porto Moniz to admire the natural pools carved into the lava. The evening is free for dinner and relaxation at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
jeep tour + farm-to-table lunch
Day 7
After morning practice and breakfast, you have the entire day at your leisure to explore the island. You might participate in the hotel's amenities, treating yourself to a rejuvenating spa session, lounging by the pool, or embarking on exciting outdoor excursions such as scuba diving, kayaking, swimming on the private beach, and more.
Alternatively, venture out to explore the enchanting island of Madeira. Wander through local shops, bask in a day at the beach, or discover its scenic wonders by hiking along the levadas, taking scenic drives, or visiting botanical gardens and cultural attractions.
Later this evening, we’ll head to a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
leisure day
Disclaimer: This schedule is indicative and is subject to change as we move closer to the retreat date.
A detailed schedule will be shared with participants prior to arrival.
Day 8
Today we’ll have our last practice before leaving Madeira.
Have breakfast at the hotel and some time to relax before your transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
departures
the retreat package
A list of what’s included, not included, and some suggestions of what to bring along with you.
-
Meals:
7 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
5 Dinners
Activities:
Daily Wellness Activities
Levada Sunset Walk
Explore Funchal & The Funchal Market
Private Catamaran Adventure
Jeep Tour
Local Farm-To-Table Lunch
E-Bike Tour
Other Services:
One round-trip group airport transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle
Transportation throughout the program in an air-conditioned vehicle
Transfers and tours with an English-speaking guide
Entrance fees, road tolls, VAT
-
Tips for porters, guide and driver - the value of the tip is up to the client
International flights, airport taxes and extra baggage
Hotel early check-in and late check-out
Meals not mentioned in the program
Entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
€2/night ecotax
City tourist tax. This will be collected directly by the hotel upon check-in
-
Clothing for yoga classes
Journal and pen
Reusable water bottle
Shoes for hiking
Layers / Weather appropriate clothing – we recommend checking the weather prior to packing.
Bathing suit
Anything you might need to make your sleeping experience and our time together feel extra comfortable — an eye pillow, essential oil, etc.
Anything you might need to make your free time more enjoyable — a book, knitting project, water colours, etc
accommodation
& pricing
Double Occupancy
$3,649 usd
PRICE IS PER PERSON +
INCLUDES $500 DEPOSIT
Single Occupancy
$4,349 usd
PRICE IS PER PERSON + INCLUDES $500 DEPOSIT
Heather Beier —
retreat host
E-RYT500, Yoga Medicine® Therapeutic Specialist, yoga studio owner
Heather is a practitioner, teacher, and facilitator known for her authentic presence and guidance. Her classes, trainings, and retreats are centered around the governing principle of helping people live alive and embodied in presence by connecting deeply to the intelligence of the body and implementing yogic and taoist principles and philosophies into daily life. She has a deep reverence for the practice and has been guiding students for over a decade.
