Madeira Adventure Retreat
Get ready to experience the magic of Madeira, Portugal—a breathtaking Portuguese island where incredible landscapes, vibrant culture and a sense of adventure come together.
Surrounded by rugged mountains, lush valleys, charming villages, and endless ocean views, Madeira is the ultimate playground for an active getaway. We'll spend our days hiking along stunning trails, moving our bodies with Pilates classes, exploring the island by 4x4, and immersing ourselves in the local food, history and culture.
Come ready to challenge yourself, try something new, soak up the scenery and connect with an amazing group along the way.
Surrounded by rugged mountains, lush valleys, charming villages, and endless ocean views, Madeira is the ultimate playground for an active getaway. We'll spend our days hiking along stunning trails, moving our bodies with Pilates classes, exploring the island by 4x4, and immersing ourselves in the local food, history and culture.
Come ready to challenge yourself, try something new, soak up the scenery and connect with an amazing group along the way.
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WHY MADEIRA?!
Madeira, Portugal is a true hidden gem, and we couldn’t be more excited to host a retreat there! Known as the "Island of Eternal Spring," Madeira is bursting with green mountains, volcanic beaches and vibrant culture. Plus, adventure is around every corner — from world-class hiking trails and scenic coastal walks to charming villages and breathtaking viewpoints! Madeira is a paradise for anyone who loves to move, explore, and connect with nature. |
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FITNESS & MOVEMENT
Rachael will lead a mix of Pilates classes throughout the retreat, ranging from classical mat Pilates to restorative stretches to contemporary total-body movement. Her thoughtfully-designed workouts are made to be approachable and enjoyable for all levels and backgrounds of movers. |
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HIKING & ADVENTURE
This little island is packed with incredible trails and landscapes that seem almost too good to be real. We’ll tackle two unique hikes, each taking you to a different corner of Madeira and offering a new perspective on its dramatic mountains, coastline, and lush natural beauty. Expect moderately-challenging hikes, rewarding views, and plenty of moments to stop and take it all in. Then, buckle up for an unforgettable 4x4 Jeep Safari through the mountains and local villages, with a stop at the famous Porto Moniz volcanic pools for a refreshing swim. |
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CULTURE & RELAXATION
Get to know the island through its food, history, and traditions. We’ll explore the streets of Funchal with a local guide, visit a bustling market, learn about Madeira’s unique culture, and sample fresh local fruit along the way. And because the best adventures need a little downtime, there will be free time built into the retreat to enjoy at your own pace. Relax by the pool, take in the ocean views, book a spa treatment, explore Funchal, or opt into an additional tour or activity. |
Pricing & Registration
$ Double occupancy (price per person)
$ Single occupancy
$ Single occupancy
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Registration Notes:
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What's Included
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Meet Your Retreat Leader, RachaelRachael Bridgens has hosted retreats with Ketanga in Costa Rica, Iceland, Aruba, and Portugal, and she loves traveling as much as staying active. Rachael is a classically-trained, nationally-certified Pilates teacher, educator, and studio owner who blends Pilates, travel, and community into everything she does!
In addition to hosting retreats, Rachael loves to take Pilates classes wherever she goes. Her favorite? A class in Venice taught entirely in Italian—a language she doesn’t speak a word of, but loved every minute of. These global experiences are the foundation of the Pilates retreats she hosts, designed to combine movement, exploration, and meaningful connection in unforgettable destinations. |
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The Accommodations
Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Resort, is a luxurious retreat nestled in lush gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Funchal, Madeira. Just one mile from the city center, it offers both convenience and seclusion. Guests enjoy access to four restaurants, heated outdoor pools, a tidal pool, direct ocean access, a spa, sauna, and tennis courts. The rooms combine bright, modern comfort with elegant, antique-inspired touches—highlighted by breathtaking views throughout the property. Rooms will be standard run of house, and upgrades may be available upon request for an additional fee.
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Itinerary Overview
Day 1:
Welcome to Madeira!
Check in & get settled
Introductions
Group dinner at the resort
Day 2:
Morning movement + breakfast
Group hike along a beautiful coastline
Free time
Group dinner at a local restaurant
Day 3:
Morning movement + breakfast
4X4 Jeep Safari with a short hike, swimming in volcanic pools and driving through local villages
Free night
Day 4:
Morning movement + breakfast
Walking tour of Funchal with local market and fruit tasting
Pilates class at a local studio
Free night
Day 5:
Sunrise hike adventure
Free afternoon
Afternoon class
Special group dinner!
Day 6:
Breakfast
Departures
Welcome to Madeira!
Check in & get settled
Introductions
Group dinner at the resort
Day 2:
Morning movement + breakfast
Group hike along a beautiful coastline
Free time
Group dinner at a local restaurant
Day 3:
Morning movement + breakfast
4X4 Jeep Safari with a short hike, swimming in volcanic pools and driving through local villages
Free night
Day 4:
Morning movement + breakfast
Walking tour of Funchal with local market and fruit tasting
Pilates class at a local studio
Free night
Day 5:
Sunrise hike adventure
Free afternoon
Afternoon class
Special group dinner!
Day 6:
Breakfast
Departures
Have a question? Ask us below:
Testimonials
"This was one for the books! I loved every minute and looked forward to every day since arriving at the hotel. The hotel and location was gorgeous and fully Instagram worthy! Love visiting the various towns peppered in with cultural experiences. Tara was inspiring and knowledgeable when it came to the fitness aspects. I love that we were active every day but also had time to relax." - Julie
"The retreat was amazing in every way. I am so grateful I decided to meet up with 10 strangers in Guatemala. Each and every woman who attended (including Tara) was very unique and I learned something new from each person. Although we were all different ages, body sizes, fitness abilities, and at different points in our lives, we all showed up genuine and were able to connect on a deep level early on in the trip. The workouts were carefully curated/led by Tara and allowed us to have the perfect mix of stretching, strength, meditating, and conditioning. The adventures/experiences allowed us to submerge ourselves in the local culture and learn more about how they live. 10/10 recommend going on a retreat with Tara!" - Sara
"This was such an amazing experience. The workouts, excursions, and cultural experiences all contributed to a near-perfect experience that will be hard to beat." - Cheryl
"The retreat was amazing in every way. I am so grateful I decided to meet up with 10 strangers in Guatemala. Each and every woman who attended (including Tara) was very unique and I learned something new from each person. Although we were all different ages, body sizes, fitness abilities, and at different points in our lives, we all showed up genuine and were able to connect on a deep level early on in the trip. The workouts were carefully curated/led by Tara and allowed us to have the perfect mix of stretching, strength, meditating, and conditioning. The adventures/experiences allowed us to submerge ourselves in the local culture and learn more about how they live. 10/10 recommend going on a retreat with Tara!" - Sara
"This was such an amazing experience. The workouts, excursions, and cultural experiences all contributed to a near-perfect experience that will be hard to beat." - Cheryl
Itinerary subject to change