Madeira
Island
Adventure Retreat
16TH-23RD APRIL 2023 (BOOKED OUT)
17TH – 24TH SEPTEMBER (BOOKED OUT)
7 NIGHTS | €1490
An eight-day adventure retreat on the spectacular island of Madeira.
I am so excited about this! Our first out out club trip abroad! After hearing so many amazing things about Madeira last year, I knew our first trip had to be there! I’ve deep-dived into everything Madeira offers, and wow, this beautiful island will not disappoint! This week is a balance between adventure, adrenaline, and relaxation. With epic sunrise and waterfall hikes, off-road buggies, SUP tours, whale spotting, and more 😍. We’ll be tackling the mountains, land, and sea, and then winding down and switching off with amazing women 💃 .
‘Madeira island is surely one of kaleidoscopic richness: aquamarine waves, violet hydrangea, emerald forests and purple cumulonimbus. Here be sounds of cracking shorelines, whale songs and wind whistled peaks.’—Forbes
A wild women-only adventure for thrill and chill seekers
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Adventure and adrenaline
From zipping over dirt paths on off-road buggies to paddling on the crystal clear coastal waters on SUPs, to sunrise hike views above the clouds to waterfall dips through the jungle forest, we’ll be covering all bases as we tour this incredible island.
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Relax and chill
When we’re not out on our island adventures, we’ll have a breadth of options to relax and get into full holiday mode! From saunas, hot tubs, pools, spa treatments, beach, and all the amazing food and drinks the island has to offer!
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All women group
Let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like the positive, vibrant energy of an all-women group! With all the fun things I have planned for this trip, there’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll leave with new friends for life!
FIRST UP | THE RELAXATION PART!
Ocean view accommodation in Funchal, with tropical gardens, spa, pools and tennis courts.
We’ll be staying in Funchal (the capital of Madeira). While the city is bustling, we’ll be nestled away in our own little paradise, with private twin rooms, ocean views, restaurants, bars, 5 pools, and, of course, a spa with a sauna and jacuzzi all available for us while we’re not out on our adventures!
All of the rooms are private twin rooms (shared), with sea views.
NEXT UP | ADVENTURE & ADRENALINE
Activities included in the trip
Sunrise Hike | Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
Madeira is famed for its hiking. But this is undoubtedly its most famous hike, not just within Madeira, but in the world. It’s the island’s third tallest peak and is one of the best places to watch the superb Madeira sunrise. Being above the clouds as the sun breaks through is said to be an otherworldly experience. It’s strenuous due to the elevation, so a slightly above-average level of fitness is required.
Self-Guided | 11 km | Strenuous | 1000 m
Waterfall Hike | Levada das 25 Fontes & Risco Levada
Situated in the heart of the dense jungle that surrounds Rabacal, the Levada das 25 Fontes is said to be Madeira’s best Levada walk. The picturesque hike leads to two of Madeira’s most impressive waterfalls; the Risco Waterfall and the 25 Fontes Waterfall. The water is safe to dip in but apparently very cold—we’ll let the Irish decide that!
Self-Guided | 11 km | Moderate | 300 m
SUP Tour of Madeira’s Coastline and Cabo Girão (protected area)
Our own private ocean stand up paddleboard tour of Madeira’s coastline. This won’t be just any tour though. We’ll have single, double, and group SUPs to make it even more fun! We’ll have two guides with us and no previous SUP experience is required. We’ll also have some time to snorkel, swim and sunbathe in the crystal-clear waters.
Guided | All gear provided
Off-Road Buggy Tour
What better way to see the island than off-road! Our tour will take us to places that aren’t even accessible by foot or car. The tour starts at the lookout point in Portela, on the north of the island. From here we go off-road to Porto da Cruz, Faial, and along the impressive eagle rock with stunning views over the northern coast of Madeira. Expect to get dusty! Two people per buggy, driver will require a valid driving license.
Guided | All gear provided
Luxury Whale and Dolphin Watching
Is a trip to Madeira even complete without getting to see the whales and dolphins that grace their shores!? But we won’t be taking any ol’ boat, no no, we’ll be living it up VIP style on our luxury catamaran, with an open bar and both outdoor or indoor seating. We’ll go in search of whales, dolphins, and turtles. 🐋
Drinks included
Surprise activity 🤐
As anyone who knows me well will know, I always like to have at least one element of surprise! This activity is so unique to Madeira, and seems like so much fun, it just wouldn’t have been right not to do it! *try to stay away from Google if you want to keep the surprise!
ps. the image is of Madeira, but has absolutely nothing to do with the activity 😂
Other things to do
We’ll be kept busy with all the activities I have planned, but there will still be time to relax, chill by the pool, beach or explore Funchal and some of the wonderful things the island has to offer. Here are just some of my top picks.
Explore Funchal
Funchal has vibrant markets, tranquil gardens, easy access to the island's dramatic interior, historic sights, and much, much more. It's a little mid-Atlantic miracle.
Cable Car
Both the Monte and Botanical Gardens cable cars in Funchal offer unforgettable views of Madeira, the city, and the surrounding nature from above.
Volcanic Pools
The volcanic pools, known as Madeira Natural Pools are the best swimming experiences on the island. There are a few natural pools, but Pocas do Gomes is located right in Funchal!
Botanical Gardens
Described as ‘an oasis of beauty and tranquility’ with exotic plants and flowers, ponds, streams, waterfalls, and an ocean backdrop, it sounds like an incredibly calming and peaceful experience.
Getting around
There’s plenty to do and see within walking distance of where we’re staying but for the days we want to go a little further, or just don’t feel like walking, I’ve organised for 5-day passes for the hop-on hop-off bus service that stops right outside our hotel and at many of the attractions Funchal city has to offer.
Trip includes
7 nights accommodation, twin rooms (shared)
7 days breakfast
Sunrise hike
Waterfall hike
SUP tour
Off-road buggy tour
Luxury whale and dolphin spotting
Surprise activity
All transport to and from planned activities
Madeira airport transfer
Excluded
Flights
Travel Insurance
Other meals and drinks
Extra activities
Personal expenses
Tips for guides etc
Book your place
*Only 9 spots available*
Sun 16th April – 23rd April 2023 (BOOKED OUT)
NEW DATE: Sun 17th Sept– 24th Sept 2023 (BOOKED OUT)
The total cost of the trip is €1,490
A deposit is required to secure your place.
The balance can be paid in full or in two installments.
Once you submit your application to join, I’ll contact you to let you know if a spot is yours. Once I confirm, you can pay the deposit to secure your place.
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Cancellations
Deposits are non-refundable.
Cancellation fee of 100% of the full trip cost is charged if cancelled 6 weeks or less before the trip.
The cancellation will only be effective from the date that the cancellation is received in writing by email.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance that covers trip cancellations is recommended in the event that something should happen to you that prevents you from travelling, like Covid, you will get reimbursed from your insurance company.`
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This is an active trip that includes a strenuous hike, water activities, and off-road driving. If any of these activities aren’t for you right now, it might be best to hold out for a trip that you feel more comfortable with.
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Ryanair are the only airline that fly direct to Madeira from Dublin.
There is one flight on a Sunday and on a Wednesday. For April, we’ll fly over on Sunday 16th, and back on Sunday, April 23rd.
For September we’ll be flying over on Sunday, September 17th, and returning Sunday 24th.