Early - mid June Bespoke Yoga Retreat in Porto Santo, Madeira
Porto Santo is probably one of the best kept secrets in Europe! I visited it earlier this year and instantly fell in love. I knew it was somewhere that ticked all the boxes for a wonderful retreat.
Located off the coast of Madeira and often called the ‘Golden Isle’, Porto Santo has a peaceful, laid back vibe. It’s best known for its 9km long southern beach, where the soft sand and calm turquoise waters are rich in iodine, calcium and magnesium - and are believed to have therapeutic properties.
You’ll stay at a low rise beachfront hotel where you can get a treatment at the fabulous spa, lounge by the pool or have a cocktail in the beach bistro. All rooms are single with an ensuite bathroom. Breakfast and lunch at the hotel restaurant are included.
You can step straight out onto the sands and turn left to walk into the cute bougainvillea lined streets of the main (only!) town Vila Baleira where you’ll find shops, cafes, restaurants and Christopher Columbus’s house. Or you can turn right and make the long beach walk to Ponta da Calheta for the stunning views and a well earned beer or ice cream.
Activities include scuba diving, horse riding, hiking, golf, wild swimming in the natural sea pools and - of course - spa treatments at the hotel itself. The massages are excellent - I speak from personal experience!
Just nine spaces available…. prices to be confirmed and will be in line with previous retreats…seven nights Friday to Friday in early-mid June (dates to be finalised)….more information to follow….let me know if you’re interested in joining me!
Members £tbc/Non Members £tbc
Includes accommodation, two yoga classes a day, breakfast and buffet dinner.
Not included: Flights, transfers, additional meals, treatments, excursions
Rates based on single occupancy.
What You Can Expect
Goa
Think soft sandy beaches, warming winter sunshine, clear seas, gentle waves. Explore the cultural heritage and charm of the old towns, take a sunrise or sunset backwater boat trip, check out the cool boutiques and vibrant markets. With direct flights it couldn’t be easier!
Rest
Barefoot luxury is the order of the day in this tranquil, secluded eco-resort set among palm trees right on what is one of Goa’s most pristine and beautiful beaches. Deluxe accommodation, delicious nutritious food, heavenly location make an unbeatable combination.
Yoga
Practice yoga twice a day to the sound of the waves on a beautiful purpose built yoga deck overlooking the ocean. Kick off your morning with dynamic yoga followed by a hearty brunch. Spend the day at leisure until it’s time for relaxing sunset evening yoga.
Stay
Suites with wonderful sea views from private verandahs. Eco Bamboo Cottages of palm-thatched mango wood floating on stilts with a private balcony. En-suite bathrooms with unlimited hot water, beautiful hand picked furnishings, fluffy down pillows, proper sprung mattresses, mosquito nets, a safe and wifi access.
Eat
The gourmet restaurant offers a delicious selection of Indian and European food from green smoothies to fresh juices, fish from the ocean, amazing salads and yummy raw sweet treats. Locally sourced and prepared to order. Also on offer - fresh pizza straight from the wood fired oven and a selection of fabulous cocktails.
Rejuvenate
There’s a whole host of treatments on offer to soothe and replenish you, either in the spa or the privacy of your own room. Explore the world of Ayurveda - healing therapies that embrace the medicinal qualities of local plants. Or choose from a variety of different massage options.