Yeotown Madeira
Madeira, Portugal
Wellness holidays in the sunshine with detox, hiking and yoga
Yeotown in Madeira offers year-round, five-day Yeotox health and fitness retreats on the sunny south coast of Calheta, a 45-minute taxi ride from Funchal Airport. Set at a former organic agricultural tourism hotel, overlooking the ocean, the retreats combine active hikes and fitness classes with soothing yoga, massage and feel-good healthy food to nurture, challenge and change you for the better.
our Reviewer Alice Barraclough says:
‘I catch myself saying ‘wow’ out loud, as my eyes widen to soak in the cinematic, mountain-strewn landscape. It’s so unbelievably magical, I half expect a fire-breathing dragon to swoop past’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘These retreats are carefully curated by husband-and-wife duo Simon and Mercedes Sieff, whose 12-year retreat experience shines through the intensive schedule designed to shift old habits. Sunrise yoga followed by hikes in jaw-dropping surroundings is truly rewarding. Pack a waterproof jacket and layers, and hiking boots as well as trainers’
Experiences
Expect daily yoga, hikes, fitness sessions, wild swimming, natural pool dips and massage to help you feel good. Thes can be supplemented with extra therapies like reiki, acupuncture and meditation.
Yoga takes place every morning and features gentle vinyasa flow, to stretch and open up the body. It’s suitable for all levels.
Madeira is a walker's paradise with impressive landscapes, waterfalls and forests on each daily hike. Some walks are gentle, while others push limits, when you'll find yourself above the clouds tackling high altitude paths.
Massage focuses on realigning the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues, welcome after hiking. There's also Thai massage, where the therapist will use stretching and rocking techniques to relieve tension. Three massages are included in the programme, which usually take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings.
Functional fitness sessions, including HIIT classes, are deliberately demanding, making the massages even more enjoyable.
Spaces
The main villa is a stylish, mindfully designed and intimate space, framed by lush green forest and with the beautiful Levada Nova da Calheta walk in both directions on your doorstep.
You meet here for pre-hike briefings, yoga and fitness sessions in the studio, daily treatments and massages in candlelit rooms and to relax in the cosy sitting room, which has colourful throws and a roaring fire on cooler days.
Relax by the outdoor swimming pool, and in the sun-trapped gardens which enjoy fabulous views across the North Atlantic Ocean.
Bedrooms in the villa include two with a shared bathroom, two with views over the gardens and sea, and a spacious suite with two balconies and sea views. There are also three one-bedroomed lodges and one two-bedroomed lodge, all with their own living room and terraces with stunning views.
For a personal touch, your name is stuck on your bathroom mirror to remind you to inhale deeply. Dressing gowns, shampoo and shower gel are provided.
Sustenance
Food is delicious and packed with nutrition - some fish is served, and vegan and vegetarian options are always available.
Breakfast might be oats with homemade buckwheat granola, pea shoots and fresh berries; lunch might be sticky barbecue cauliflower wings with coconut and cauliflower rice and broccoli grains and almond sauce; supper sweet potato gnocchi and Indian-style cauliflower curry with black rice.
The menu is wheat, gluten, meat, dairy, sugar, caffeine and alcohol-free to re-set the digestive system so you feel lighter and more energised. Avoid these things a week before you start too, to minimise detox symptoms.
The long-term goal is sustainable, balanced nutrition, and healthy cooking classes and talks help make this more achievable once back home.
Fresh herbal teas, fresh juices and tonics are served throughout the retreat.
Caminho Verde 60, Caminho do Verde, Arco Da Calheta, Portugal
Yeotown
Co-founders Simon and Mercedes Sieff are committed to offering the best in health and wellness on their retreats, and split their time between Devon in England, and Madeira in Portugal. As well as hosting their signature retreats, The Yeotox, they collaborate with visiting teachers from around the world.