Madeira in October and November 2024
Autumn Sun Madeira Yoga Retreat, Portugal: 2024
Enjoy an adventure in this award-winning destination with jaw-dropping views of the rugged coastline and ocean. Visit waterfalls, and beaches, take a boat trip, explore Funchal or stay by the pool and chill.
05th October 2024
12th October 2024
27th October 2024
03rd November 2024 
Spend the cooler autumn months in Madeira and enjoy hikes to waterfalls and deep valleys and see the abundance of nature overflowing on this yoga adventure.
Far off the coast of North Africa lies an island full of raw, natural beauty and adventures. Welcome, to Madeira!
Madeira may be small in size but it makes up for it by everything else being on a grand scale. To begin, it boasts Europe’s highest sea cliffs, and over 1300 hiking trails and even shows off the world’s largest firework display annually. This volcanic island is a sight to behold.
Pioneers of slow tourism, Madeira is an island that protects and conserves its natural assets with care both on land and at sea. Two-thirds of Madeira’s 741 km2 is classified as a nature reserve. Furthermore, the natural heritage of the Madeira archipelago makes it a prime ecological destination.
For our yoga holiday in Madeira, we will be staying in one of the oldest Quintas on the island. Perched high above the bay of Funchal with sweeping views across the city and out to sea it feels like home from the moment you arrive.
A vast estate, the property is a working farm with a vineyard and a long, fascinating history! The beautiful gardens offer the perfect sanctuary to escape to with a book as well as a large pool, tennis courts and ponds. This is not a remote location, we are only a 15-minute walk into the city even though feel fully secluded by the estate.
Honestly, there are so many adventures to be had in Madeira, that we struggled to create an itinerary that squeezes it all in! However, we have created a yoga adventure that blends the best this incredible island has to offer. Hikes through the stunning trails of the Levadas, cultural highlights, ocean swims and time to explore the dramatic coastline.
Here are 9 reasons to visit Madeira and see where are the best spots to meditate in Madeira
What's included
See what is included in your yoga holiday Madeira with us!
Traditional Madeira Quinta with lots of outdoor space and room options
Outdoor pool and dining area, games room and tennis court
Exclusive access to the Quinta a short walk in funchal
Energising morning yoga classes
Restorative evening yoga classes
Delicious plant based brunch after yoga with our AY chef
Delicious plant based evening meal after yoga with our AY chef
Lunch if staying at the Quinta
3 x Guided hikes/tours with qualified guides and packed lunches
Transport included for 3 hikes included in the price
Yoga mats
Amazing AY team to look after your every need
Not included
- Flights, Travel insurance, Airport transfers
- Lunches out
- Extra taxis outside of arranged trips and transfers
- Any other yoga equipment you like to use
- Extra Excursions: Boat Trip
Accommodation
Madeira
Your home for our Madeira yoga holidays is a stunning traditional Quinta full of history, charm and plenty of space!
Perched high on the hills overlooking Funchal and out to sea, it is the perfect base to be able to explore everything that this diverse island has to offer. The relaxed but bustling city of Funchal is only a 15-minute walk and the infamous Botanical Gardens are a 7-minute taxi ride away.
The vast property has all manner of rooms to relax in. Alongside sitting rooms, there is a library and terrace with stunning views across Funchal. Outside you can enjoy the large pool, pool room with billiards, table tennis and a piano to play on.
Madeira is famous for its flowers and our expansive gardens are a prime example. Filled with perfect spots to escape to with a book or, head to the pool to relax on a lounger.
There are 9 unique bedrooms within the Quinta boasting plenty of space and character. With a traditional feel, they are simple but exceptionally clean and comfortable each with views across the gardens or out to sea. Each room has a private bathroom with showers.
There is a mix of private doubles and twin rooms available, mostly en-suite with two single rooms with a shared bathroom with each other.
Itinerary
Our days on your yoga holiday Madeira this autumn will be the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. The hikes in Madeira are challenging – this is a volcanic island so you can expect walks that have both ascents and descents. However, we take everything at a gentle pace so we can take in the beauty of where we are and the company we are in.
A day on retreat in Madeira
7 am
Tea and pre-yoga snacks served in the terrace
7.30 am
Morning Yoga in the shala
9 am
Delicious vegan/veggie brunch to fuel the days adventures
10 am - Day 1
Walk into Funchal to explore the local area
10 am - Day 2
Guided hike through the Levada trails - don't forget to bring your swim suit for a cool off in the waterfalls
10 am - Day 3
Guided hike along the coastal paths, taking in the incredible views
10 - am Day 4
Relax day, boat trip
10 am- Day 5
Guided hike along the coastal paths, taking in the incredible views
10 am- Day 6
Day to yourself
4 pm
Back home to relax, unwind and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool
4.30pm - 6pm
Evening yoga
7.15pm
2 course plant-based evening meal
Beautiful Madeira
Madeira, a subtropical island located in the Atlantic off the coast of North-West Africa, offers a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be explored. With its breathtaking landscapes, this Portuguese territory is a dream destination for ocean and mountain enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Madeira offers something for everyone, making it an ideal location for a wellness retreat or walking holiday.
For those seeking a yoga retreat, Madeira offers the perfect getaway. Immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty and practice yoga amidst the stunning scenery. With numerous yoga retreats available, you can find the perfect program to suit your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, Madeira is the ideal place to rejuvenate your mind and body.
Experience the ultimate in relaxation with a wellness retreat in Madeira. With its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty, this island is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate. From luxurious spa treatments to meditation and yoga classes, there are plenty of options for those seeking a wellness escape. So why not treat yourself to a wellness retreat in Madeira and return home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated?
Here are out 9 top reasons to visit Madeira, Portugal
Charlotte Hopson
Charlotte is a qualified Ayurvedic consultant as well as Pilates, Yoga & Ayurveda Yoga teacher. She has spent the last 5 years travelling around the UK...
Natalia Spano
With a background in dance since the age of the 3, Natalia’s language and self expression has always been through movement. Then in 2013, after...
Rosie Markwick
Rosie is a yoga teacher and paddle-boarding coach with over 10 years of personal practice. She initially trained in Bali in Hatha and Vinyasa Flow...
About the yoga
The yoga classes on our yoga holiday in Madeira this autumn will be suitable for all levels and abilities. We love having to introduce total beginners to yoga.
We hope to make the most of the amazing climate and gardens of the Quinta and do as many classes as possible outside under the shade of the trees. There is also a beautiful indoor yoga space perfect for restorative and meditation sessions.
Our morning yoga classes will be a blend of grounding Hatha, strong flows and creative movements to energise you for the day ahead. Evening sessions will be a blissful end to the day with restorative, yin and meditation.
Yoga mats are provided on this yoga holiday. If you use any other equipment please bring it with you. For restorative yoga, we recommend bringing a light shawl or blanket and pillows can be used as support in postures.
Highlights
Exclusive use of stunning Quinta with views and gardens
Large outdoor swimming pool with views over Funchal Bay
Breakfast and dinner by our amazing AY chef
Twice daily yoga classes
Guided hikes with a local mountain guide
Divine sea swims
About the food
The island is known for its wonderful fresh produce that grows from the nutrient-rich volcanic soils of the island.
We will be making the most of the sub-tropical climate and the abundant organic local produce to create our plant-based meals for you to enjoy.
As you are probably aware, Madeira is also famed for two of lifes’ most wonderful gifts – wine and cake! Of course, it would be rude not to, especially as our Quinta is home to a vineyard and you can experience from grape to glass from the garden!
Our post-yoga brunch will fuel your days’ adventures and evening meals will showcase the skills of our chefs and produce of the island.
As we will be out and about during the days, lunches will be from local cafes, markets and restaurants while we are out. On hike days where this is not possible, we will provide you with a delicious packed lunch.
Chloe Webb
Chloe spent her twenties living and working in London, running the kitchens in cool East London cafes whilst freelancing in events catering on the side....
Suitability
This yoga holiday in Madeira this autumn is suitable for anyone that is looking for a fun, activity-based yoga adventure in a community environment. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner to both yoga or the activities on offer, we love introducing people to new experiences! The yoga will be suitable for all levels and experiences to complement the activities on offer.
All ages
Beginners
Intermediate
Men & Women
Beautiful space, fantastic food, the restorative yoga was amazing
Alison Culkin – Montenegro
I feel inspired to make changes to how I manage my own wellbeing from attending, both in terms of moving my yoga practise on & having a more plant based diet. People commented on my return that I looked refreshed & radiant- the few days really have made a difference- thank you
Gail Fullbrook – Peak District
This has gone to number one in my retreat experiences - best yoga teaching I’ve ever experienced (as a relative beginner I never thought I’d ever be able to do a 2 hour class). The group bonded well and it was lovely to make new friends. The venue was in a stunning location, with pretty gardens.
Alison Scammell – Lake District
Great place for a group of people who like winter sports
Joseph – Ski Yoga Holiday
