New Year Madeira Yoga Retreat, Portugal: December 28th 2024 - January 4th 2025

Enjoy a new year adventure in this award-winning destination with jaw-dropping views of the rugged coastline and ocean. Enjoy culture, hikes, stunning scenery, new year fireworks and feast and blissful yoga.

Time to join us for a new year hiking yoga holiday in Madeira!

Escape the usual New Year and take time out to spend a whole week in this tropical paradise on this active winter sun yoga holiday in Madeira. Join us on this active new year break in Madeira with two daytime guided hikes with local guides, one in the Levadas and one along the dramatic coastline, and one sunrise hike, see the sunrise above the clouds. And with yoga, twice a day, feel energised, refreshed, and ready for 2025. We recommend having a good fitness level to enjoy the hikes in Madeira.

We have a full itinerary for you so that you can join us as much or as little as you like and be as active or relaxed as you like. For those of you who love an active yoga holiday, this one is for you; with the two free time days, you can fill your schedule with more hiking (we can arrange with our local guide), or you can try a boat trip, wine tasting, a visit to the botanical gardens and a cart ride downhill. There is plenty to do in Madeira. If you want to relax, this is fine too; enjoy the venue’s beautiful grounds and read a book or wander into Funchal and try a Pasteis de nata in a cafe.

It is a New Year’s yoga holiday with us, and as with all our New Year retreats, we share with you a setting intentions workshop to get clear on your goals for 2025 and a New Year’s Eve feast and ceremony to bring in the New Year with positivity, peace, and community.

Madeira is situated not far off the coast of North Africa. It is an island full of raw, natural beauty and adventures. Madeira may be small, but it makes up for it by everything else being on a grand scale. To begin with, it boasts Europe’s highest sea cliffs and over 1300 hiking trails, and it even hosts the world’s largest fireworks 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 New Year yoga hiking holiday in Madeira this December, you 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 when you arrive.

A vast estate, the property is a working farm with a vineyard and a long, fascinating history! There are beautiful gardens and a swimming pool—anyone for a cold water dip?! This is not a remote location; it is only a 15-minute walk into the city, even though it feels like an entirely secluded 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 New Year’s yoga adventure in Madeira that blends the best this incredible island offers.

  • Location

    Location
    Funchal

  • Season

    Season
    winter

  • Duration

    Duration
    7 nights

  • Group size

    Group size
    12

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation
    Traditional PortugueseQuinta

  • Meeting Point

    Meeting Point
    The venue

  • Yoga level

    Yoga level
    All levels

  • Activity level

    Activity level
    Good fitness level for hikes

  • Food

    Food
    Veggie/plant-based

  • Carbon Footprint

    Carbon Footprint
    315Kgs

From £1449
Female
Male
Couples

PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING

INSTALMENT PLANS AVAILABLE. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

Twin/ Double Rooms – On all of our retreats, twin or double rooms mean two people sharing. If you book one space, you will be sharing it with another guest.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Please buy a travel insurance policy that works for you in case of any unforeseen circumstances

The days of your New Year hiking yoga holiday in Madeira will be the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Arrival is from 4pm. If you fly into Funchal earlier, there is a baggage drop at the airport, where you can leave your bags to explore. Transfers are not included in this holiday as the venue is only 20 minutes from the airport, so you can arrive and depart on flights that work best for you. Departure is from 10.30am. The venue has strict check-in and check-out times, so we ask that these times be honoured.

Typical yoga Holiday Schedule in Madeira

7 am

Tea and pre-yoga snacks served in the terrace

7.30 am

Energising morning yoga

9 am

Delicious vegan/veggie brunch to fuel the days adventures

Day 1

28th December: Arrival day from 4pm: evening yoga, dinner

10 am - Day 2

29th December: Walk into Funchal to explore the local area

10 am - Day 3

30th December: Guided hike through the Levada trails - setting intentions workshop, new year!

10 - am Day 4

31st December: Guided hike along the coastal paths, taking in the incredible views

10 am - Day 5

1st January: Wake up a bit later, relaxed morning, enjoy Funchal

10 am Day 6

2nd Januar: Sunrise hike

10 am Day 7

3rd January: A day to yourself to do as you please

Day 8

Departure from 10.30am

4 pm

Back home to relax and unwind

*

All activities are weather depenedent

See what is included in your new year hiking yoga holiday Madeira with us!
What's included
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Traditional Madeira Quinta with views of Funchal, lots of outdoor space, room options

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Outdoor pool and dining area, games room and tennis court

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Exclusive access to the Quinta

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Energising morning yoga classes

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Restorative evening yoga classes

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Delicious plant based/veggie brunch after yoga with our AY chef

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Delicious plant based evening meal after yoga with our AY chef

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Plant-based lunch if staying at the Quinta

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2 guided hikes with qualified guides and packed lunches

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1 guided sunrise hike

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Transport included for 2 hikes included in the price

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Setting intentions workshop

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New years eve feast

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Yoga mats

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Amazing AY team to look after your every need

What's not included
  • Flights, airport transfers, travel insurance
  • Lunches out
  • Extra taxis outside of arranged trips
  • Any other yoga equipment you like to use
  • Boat trip
  • Massage treatments
Accommodation in 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.

Madeira is easily accessible from a number of UK airports and various airlines. The flight time is roughly 4 hours.

Flights

Please book any flight which arrives after 13:30.

Arriving in the city of Funchal. Please be aware that there is no group transfer included in the cost of this retreat however we are very happy to assist with taxis and taxi shares. We set up a WhatsApp group prior to the start of the retreat which will allow you to organise taxi shares to and from the airport.

For departure, you will be required to leave the property no later than 10:00. Please book any return flight after 12:30.

Please be aware that entry to the property will not be possible until 15:00 at the earliest. 

There are a variety of room options and prices for you – see below:

Spacious master suite single en-suite room with sea views: £1899

Single en-suite with terrace and sea views: £1899

Single en-suite with garden views: £1749

Single room with a double bed and a shared bathroom with 1 other person: £1699

Single room with a single bed and a shared bathroom with 1 other person: £1649

Twin room with en-suite and sea views: £1599pp

small twin en-suite: £1449pp

A twin room is two single beds for two people sharing

The venue is only a 25-minute car ride away! A Whatsapp group is set up approximately 2 weeks before so you will be able to meet your fellow guests and arrange taxi shares. A taxi to the venue should be around €20.
The venue is based in the main town of Funchal and there are stunning views of the city and the Atlantic ocean from the terrace.
The hikes in Madeira are challenging - this is a volcanic island, so you can expect to walk on ascents and descents. However, we take everything gently to take in the beauty of where we are and the company we are in.
We would suggest if you haven't done much long distance walking that you get prepared so that you can enjoy the hikes that are included in the price. A good level of fitness is recommended for our Madeira adventures.
It is one of the old Portuguese Finca's in Madeira. It is a vast estate situated in Funchal and has a vineyard, vast gardens and it has 10 bedrooms all decoratd in a traditional style in keeping with its roots.
Yes, there will be free time to explore Madeira. Our yogis will have plenty of time to explore the areas and have time to relax.. Our schedule is optional for all our guests, so feel free to do as much or as little as you want. You have 2 designated free days to add in a boat trip or sunrise hike or simply relax
Yes, Yoga mats are provided.
We welcome all levels of yoga on our Madeira yoga holidays. Our teachers are qualified and experienced to be able to create classes that have variations for all levels.
There are a few to share at the venue and we recommend bringing a hairdryer if you like.
Check-in is from 4pm on the arrival day and check-out is before 10.30am. If your flight arrives before 4pm you can go into Funchal and explore or why not fly in the day before and enjoy the sights. The venue is strict about the arrival time, so if you do arrive earlier, you can leave your bags at a storage place at the airport and enjoy a day exploring. We share this information with you once you have booked.
- walking gear, boots, shorts, t-shirts, jumpers, waterproofs
- Hat, suncream, back pack, water bottle, sunglasses
- Warmer layers for the cooler early mornings and evenings
- Comfy clothes for yoga and lounging around the gardens and pool!
- swim suit for pool or sea swimming
- A good book
Madeira has a micro climate and being off the coast of Africa it is warm all year round. The temperature can drop as low as 13°C (55°F) at night but can also reach highs of around 23°C (68°F) during the day. While it may not be warm enough for swimming (unless you enjoy some cold water dipping!), it is still comfortable enough to explore the outdoors and enjoy various activities. It can rain and the weather can change quickly so we recommend you pack mixed weather gear especially for the hikes to be prepared.
For new year, we include a setting intentions workshop so that you can get clear on what you want to let go of and bring into the new year. Then we have a 4 course new years feast, followed by awaiting the infamous fireworks display that Madeira is well-known for - and you can enjoy this from the balcony of the venue and observe multiple fireworks shows going off simultaneously.
This new year yoga holiday in Madeira is ultimately relaxing with active day times - to help with peaceful sleep! The new year will be relaxed, some people may like an alcoholic drink with their meal but our groups are not out to get drunk and party, so that you can wake up feeling good on new years day!
Yes! Most of our guests travel solo, or with a friend or family member. It's a great way to meet like-minded people and find yoga travel buddies!
With all meals included in the price, you only need money for treats like coffee and cake! Or if you are out then a lunch or two. If you would like to do the boat trip and an extra hike like the sunrise one we suggest having around €100 - €200. Madeira is affordable, a coffee is €2.50, for example

This New Year hiking yoga holiday Madeira is suitable for anyone that is looking for a fun, activity-based yoga adventure in a community environment. We recommend having a good level of fitness before you come to be able to enjoy the hikes to their fullest. The hikes can be challenging on this New year yoga holiday so if you are a beginner to hiking or you don't usually do much exercise, we recommend some training beforehand to get prepared so you can enjoy the whole experience. The yoga will be suitable for all levels - our yoga teachers are experienced and can modify the class to the yoga level and general energy of the group, with variations for more advanced postures as the week goes on.

Suitability : Level
  • All ages
  • Beginners
  • Intermediate
  • Men & Women
Sustainability

We are working towards reducing our carbon footprint, and here are some ways we, as a company, are doing this. 

  • We are an 88% vegan company, 10% vegetarian, and 2% fish or meat (only when staying in boutique hotels that offer these options). This makes up a huge percentage of carbon emissions that we avoid so easily because our food is still delicious, balanced, and even more creative. So, thanks to you all for enjoying our healthy (mostly) plant-based meals. 

The difference: Most travel companies struggle to reduce their travellers’ meat and dairy consumption, which accounts for a large portion of their carbon emissions.

  • We stay primarily in one location for the duration of the retreat. We have started staying in a few locations on our long haul, but it is limited to 2 or 3 locations over an 8 – 10 night period. Staying in one place means low carbon emissions because we aren’t burning fuel to get around.

The difference: Other adventure travel companies move around every two days, using alot of petrol in vehicles for sometimes only 1 or 2 people. 

  • Our activities are low-impact—yoga, hiking, surfing, skiing/boarding, whitewater rafting, SUP, and kayaking are all very low-carbon activities, in fact, zero-carbon (except skiing/snowboarding due to the ski lifts, which is also low). These activities are included in the price we measure. The carbon may increase with travel to and from these activities in vehicles. 

The difference: Other travel companies can include high-carbon activities in the price, such as jet skiing, quad biking, and jeep driving, which increases their carbon footprint.

  • We run more than half of our retreats and holidays in the UK; these are very low-carbon holidays. 

We currently don’t measure our guests’ travel as part of our carbon output because our guests don’t only come from the UK, so it is hard for us to predict this. We also don’t include travel in the holiday price, which is not part of our calculations. We know that we provide these holidays, so we are looking to include this carbon measurement in the future to investigate how we can reduce this.

The carbon measurements at the top of the page with the icons are per person for the whole retreat. 

Ultra-low-carbon holidays

These holidays are below 200 kg per person, and our UK retreats are below 100 or even 70 kg, so they are great adventures for low-carbon breaks.

Ski holidays are actually low in carbon! 

In France, many ski resorts are turning to green energy to power the lifts. If you eat low in meat and dairy while you’re there and hire your ski equipment, this makes your trip as low-carbon as possible. 

How can you help? 

There are ways that you can help reduce your carbon when coming on our retreats and holidays:

  • Travel by train, try slow travel across Europe and the UK. 
  • If travelling abroad to Europe or further afield, choose carbon capture schemes. Check out Ecologi. Offsetting is not the best thing to do these days, but try carbon capture, where you pay for carbon to be absorbed into the environment.
  • Car share UK—We recommend that guests travel by train arrive and depart at the same time for taxi sharing, which helps keep costs and carbon emissions down. Why not consider car sharing, too? Most guests who drive come alone or with a friend; we have WhatsApp groups where you can see who is driving from your area, enjoy getting to know each other on the way to the retreats, and save on your carbon emissions at the same time!

 

We are by no means saints when it comes to producing carbon, as a travel company we know this is very difficult to reduce. We are working to reduce our carbon output each year by measuring it and then creating plans to reduce it. We are reviewing all our venues and asking them how they can improve their carbon reduction, as we don’t own any of our venues but would like to work with them to help in any way we can.  We want to be transparent, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more information. As we change things, we will update the website.

Click on the date to reveal The Retreat Team

Yoga Teacher Charlotte Hopson

Retreat Chef Chloe Webb

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

About the yoga

The yoga classes on your New Year’s yoga hiking holiday in Madeira are suitable for all levels and abilities; complete beginners are welcome.

There is a beautiful indoor yoga space perfect for your yoga classes.

Our morning yoga classes blend grounding Hatha, stronger vinyasa flows, and creative movements to energise you for the day ahead. Evening sessions are a blissful end to the day with restorative, yin, meditation, and yoga nidra.

We provide yoga mats on this yoga holiday, but we recommend bringing anything else you would like to use.

 

Highlights

  • Exclusive use of stunning Quinta with views of the whole of Funchal and beautiful gardens

  • Breakfast and dinner by our amazing AY chef

  • Twice daily yoga classes

  • Guided hikes with a local mountain guides

  • A new years eve feast and setting intentions workshop

  • Enjoy the new years eve fireworks display Madeira is known for

madeira yoga hiking holiday shala
yoga holiday food

About the Food

The island is known for its wonderful fresh produce from nutrient-rich volcanic soils.

We will make the most of the subtropical climate and the abundant local produce to create our plant-based/vegetarian meals, which you can enjoy.

As you probably know, Madeira is also famed for two of life’s most beautiful 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 everything from grape to glass in the garden!

Our post-yoga veggie brunch will fuel your days’ adventures, and evening meals will showcase the skills of our chefs and produce on 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. We will provide you with a delicious packed lunch on hike days when this is impossible.

Your evening meal will have two plant-based courses, a main course and a dessert.

Please let us know about your dietary requirements, as we can usually cater for you.

For New Year, enjoy a four-course New Year celebratory veggie/plant-based feast and enjoy the fireworks displays from the balcony with views over the whole of Funchal.

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01273 782 734

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