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Between Sea and Sky

A Women's Retreat in Madeira
September 24–30, 2026 | 6 nights / 7 days Estalagem da Ponta do Sol, Madeira, Portugal
Between sea and sky, Madeira asks you to move — and to pause.
Set along the island’s sunlit south coast in early autumn, this week unfolds in a landscape shaped by contrast: ocean and mountain, effort and ease, path and pause. It’s a retreat anchored in movement, designed to build strength and steadiness while allowing space for restoration.
In collaboration with Joan Hammel, a 400-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), our days are rooted in daily, breath-centered yoga practice, thoughtfully adapted for all levels. Her teaching is breath-centered, with clear, supportive instruction that helps each guest move in a way that feels good in their body — with options for all skill levels, creating a practice that feels welcoming, relaxed, and encouraging.
Cultural and nature-based experiences are woven throughout the week, with select gatherings and excursions included and others offered optionally — inviting you to experience Madeira’s trails, coastal paths, and village life as deeply — or as lightly — as you choose.
Evenings gather around long tables overlooking the Atlantic. Mornings begin with light and breath. The rhythm of the island shapes the rhythm of our days.
You’ll leave having experienced Madeira from the inside — between sea and sky.
What’s Included
Your retreat experience includes:
  • Six nights at Estalagem da Ponta do Sol, an oceanfront boutique hotel overlooking the Atlantic
  • Daily breakfast and five chef-prepared group dinners featuring seasonal Madeiran ingredients
  • A private, family-style culinary gathering at the founder’s island home
  • Daily morning breath-centered yoga practice with Joan
  • On select evenings, guided breathwork and gentle movement for deep rest
  • A guided Levada hike through Madeira's UNESCO-protected laurel forest
  • A personal storytelling walk through Ponta do Sol, offering cultural and historical context rooted in lived experience
  • Opening welcome gathering and closing reflection circle
  • Early morning coffee, tea, and light fare before yoga
  • Group transportation throughout the retreat, including airport transfers within designated arrival windows
  • A small, intentionally curated group setting
  • A welcome gift and thoughtful details throughout the week
Optional Experiences
Additional cultural and nature-based experiences will be available throughout the week for those who wish to explore more deeply. Participation is always optional and designed to allow flexibility within the rhythm of the retreat. Offerings may include guided walks, coastal excursions, cultural tastings, and independent exploration time.

Inside the Experience

This retreat balances movement and stillness, exploration and rest. Each day unfolds with intention and flexibility.
Mornings
Begin with breakfast overlooking the sea, followed by daily yoga practice. On some mornings we head out for included excursions; on others, the day begins slowly, with time to journal, stretch, or take in the view.
Afternoons
Afternoons are open for optional experiences, independent exploration, or rest. Guests are free to engage deeply or move at their own pace.

Evenings

Evenings gather around shared dinners, including one hosted at the founder’s family home — creating space for warmth, conversation, and unhurried connection. On select nights, we close with gentle, restful movement and guided breathwork for deep rest. A detailed itinerary will be shared in Spring 2026.

Between Sea and Sky — Pricing

Early Bird (through June 30) Garden-view: • $3,650 shared • $4,350 single
Ocean-view: • $3,950 shared •$4,650 single
Standard (starting July 1)
Garden-view: • $4,050 shared • $4,750 single
Ocean-view: • $4,350 shared • $5,050 single
  • Accommodations are set within a boutique coastal hotel featuring both ocean-view and garden-view rooms. Ocean-view rooms are limited and reserved on a first-come basis. Each room offers natural light, understated comfort, and peaceful views of the Atlantic or surrounding gardens.

  • If you’re traveling solo, roommate pairing is available upon request. Please indicate your preference at booking.
Reserve Now
A $500 deposit secures your spot. Flexible payment plans are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I arrive?
The retreat begins mid-to-late afternoon on September 24. If you’re flying from North America or elsewhere, we recommend arriving a day early. We’re happy to assist with an extra night at Estalagem or a nearby guesthouse.
What’s included?
Six nights of accommodation at Estalagem da Ponta do Sol (garden-view or ocean-view based on your selected room), daily breakfast, five group dinners including a private gathering at the founder’s family home, daily yoga and breath-centered practice, a guided Levada hike, a storytelling walk through Ponta do Sol, select cultural inclusions, airport transfers, and retreat hosting throughout the week. You’ll also receive a welcome gift and thoughtful touches along the way.
What’s not included?
Flights, travel insurance, optional excursions and activities beyond the included experiences, additional meals outside the scheduled group dinners, and personal expenses

What level of yoga experience is required?

All levels are welcome — even if you’ve never done yoga before. Each practice is taught with clear, supportive instruction and options for a range of experience, so you can move at your own pace and in a way that feels good in your body. If you’re newer, you’ll feel comfortable and well guided; if you’re more experienced, you’ll still be appropriately challenged.
Can I join solo?
Absolutely. Many participants attend on their own.This retreat is designed to be welcoming, grounding, and a meaningful experience for solo travelers as well as friends attending together.

Will I receive a full itinerary?

Yes. A detailed day-by-day schedule will be shared in the summer of 2026, including timings, experiences, and everything you need to feel prepared.

Can I extend my trip?

Absolutely. Whether you’re dreaming of extra days in Lisbon or time to unwind in Funchal, we’re happy to assist with planning before or after the retreat.

What is the cancellation policy?

A $500 deposit is required to reserve your place and is non-refundable. If you cancel before August 1, 2026, all additional payments will be refunded. After that, all payments are non-refundable. You may transfer your spot to another guest with prior approval. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
Still Deciding?
We’re here to support you. Whether you have questions about travel, timing, or fit, we’re happy to help.
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There’s more waiting here. Join a retreat or create your own experience — the journey begins where curiosity leads.
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