Portugal Yoga Retreat
Gaula, Madeira, Portugal
September 21-27, 2026
one spot left!
We’re going back to Madeira! This will be our second year in a row on the majestic Island of Madeira - and we can’t wait to share it with you. Join us for a 7 day all inclusive stay filled with exciting excursions, cultural immersion, and yoga surrounded by the vibrant culture and incredible landscapes of the island of Madeira, often called the Pearl of the Atlantic. Nestled between dramatic cliffs and the sparkling sea, Madeira offers the perfect setting for a week of movement, nature, connection, & bliss. We’ll enjoy a sunrise hike to the famous Stairway to Heaven, explore local cuisine from our private chef and a dinners out at some of the most beloved restaurants on the island, ride gondolas above the city, experience Madeira’s iconic toboggan ride through the streets, and head out on a sunset whale & dolphin watching catamaran ride—all included in your stay.
Each day offers a rhythm of movement and stillness—morning vinyasa yoga to awaken and energize, evening yin or restorative yoga to soften and unwind. We’ll offer daily guided meditations, sound baths, yoga nidra, and heartfelt discussion circles that support a deeper connection to your yoga practice and yourself. At the heart of it all is community. Our retreats are about sharing space, stories, and laughter—about feeling supported, seen, and free to be exactly who you are. Come solo or with a friend. All practices and excursions are optional, so you can curate your own experience.
The Retreat
The Property
Our retreat home is tucked into the cliffside in the charming village of Gaula, overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean. With multiple accommodation options—from private rooms to shared twin rooms—every space offers stunning sea views, access to a beautiful pool, and our own private steps down to the ocean.
The home’s expansive terraces offer breathtaking ocean views and plenty of space for our daily yoga practices. We’ll provide mats and props, but if you have a favorite mat you’d like to bring, feel free to pack it. In case of rain, we’ll clear a cozy indoor space to serve as our backup yoga shala.
There are also several common areas to relax and connect, both indoors and out—whether you’re reading, journaling, or simply soaking in the incredible view and peaceful surroundings.
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We’ll have the entire property to ourselves, made up of four connected but independent apartments. Each includes its own kitchen and bathroom, and many of the bedrooms have ensuite baths for added comfort and privacy. Private and shared accommodations available.
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The food in Madeira is truly a highlight and staple of the experience we’ll taste the local vibrant local flavors, markets, and restaurants. Most of our meals will be prepared on our retreat home by our private chef, as well as a few nights out to eat at a few of Madeira’s most famous and beloved restaurants in idyllic locations, overlooking the water or in the heart of the capital city of Funchal.
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To get there, you’ll fly into Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) in Funchal, Madeira’s only airport and just a 10-minute drive from our retreat home. Airfare and airport transfers are not included, but all transportation for excursions during the retreat is included and provided by our trusted local drivers.
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Additional hiking and excursions
Additional spa treatments: traditional & Ayurvedic massage (*must be reserved ahead of time)
What’s Included?
6 nights/7 days luxury accommodations
delicious, healthy meals prepared by both our private chef and at 2 dinners at popular Madeiran restaurants
daily yoga, meditations, and workshops
one traditional or Ayurvedic massage
welcoming and closing ceremony
boat tour & whale watching
Pico do Arieiro “Stairway to Heaven” hike
day trip to Funchal with Cable Car ride & Monte Toboggan ride
day trip to Madeira’s natural swimming pools at Seixal Beach & Porto Moniz
one full sound bath journey
transportation to & from all excursions
welcome gift
NOT INCLUDED:
flights
transportation to and from the airport
alcoholic beverages
additional excursions
Daily Schedule
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arrivals & settling in
welcome ceremony & intention setting circle
slow flow & grounding meditation
welcome dinner on the terrace
relax & unwind
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morning vinyasa yoga
breakfast at the villa
relax by the pool or explore downtown Santa Cruz, just a 10 minute walk away
lunch at the villa prepared by our chef
head into the gondala ride over the city up to the Monte peak
wicker toboggan ride from the peak all the way down - one of Madeira’s most famous attractions
out to dinner in Funchal at one of Madeira’s famed Michelin star restaurants, Casal da Penha
evening relaxation meditation & sound healing
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morning vinyasa yoga & meditation
breakfast at the villa
japa mala workshop: make your own authentic mediation beads using ethically sourced Balinese Rudraksa beads & stones
lunch at the villa
free time for massages, hiking, swimming, or relaxing
early dinner at the villa
sunset boat tour with whale & dolphin watching, swimming, & incredible views of the island
evening sound healing journey
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morning vinyasa yoga & meditation
breakfast at villa
out to lunch in Sao Vicente overlooking the ocean
day trip to Madeira’s famed Seixal Beach & Porto Moniz with natural swimming pools, black sand, & waterfalls
hips & heart flow flow yoga
loving kindness meditation & ceremonial cacao circle
dinner on the terrace
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sunrise hike up into the mountains of Pico do Arieiro, commonly referred to as the “Stairway to Heaven
packed breakfast to enjoy for a picnic at the summit
late morning slow flow vinyasa yoga
lunch at the villa
free time for massages, laying by the pool, or exploring in town
evening reincarnation & past life regression meditation workshop
dinner at the villa
sunset yin yoga & sound healing
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morning vinyasa yoga & chakra meditation
breakfast at the villa
group journaling & reflection workshop
open ended day: we’ll decide our excursion for the day as a group :)
evening restorative yoga
head to historic Old Funchal to explore before dinner
last dinner at Madeira’s beloved Restaurante do Forte with an incredible view of the water
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morning vinyasa yoga
last breakfast prepared by our private chef
closing ceremony!
pack up & goodbyes
Your Hosts
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Julia Morrison
Julia, founder of Wave Yoga Retreats, teaches many styles of yoga, from hot power vinyasa to meditation and yin yoga. Julia’s passion lies in curating every detail of the retreat experience, ever in awe of the magic that unfolds in an immersive setting amidst shared intention. Julia’s teaching style involves creative sequencing with a focus on the union of the mind and body through the breath. Julia trained with Megan Mulrine of the Niantic Yoga Studio at Yogatrotter Academy and continues to study yogic philosophy with her. Julia currently teaches at Niantic Yoga and Soul Sweat Yoga Studios.
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Megan Mulrine
Megan, founder of Yogatrotter Academy and owner of the Niantic Yoga Studio, is thrilled to partner with Julia and Wave Yoga Retreats to offer yoga retreats all over the world. Megan has been leading yoga teacher trainings in Bali, Indonesia since 2016, specializing in teaching the philosophy of yoga and weaving spirituality and the stories of the gods and goddesses into her classes.
ready for your next adventure?
What People Are Saying
If you feel your heart pulling you toward this retreat but aren't quite ready to commit, we’d love to answer any questions or set up a call to chat!
FAQs
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Rooms will be ready by 3pm on September 21, and our welcome ceremony will begin at 4pm. Checkout on September 27th is at 11am.
If you arrive early on the 21st you are welcome to drop your bags and use the pool and common areas.
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Our retreats are for everyone - from yoga beginners to experienced practitioners and teachers. We aim to provide a diverse experience that will meet you exactly where you are.
Whether you are looking for power yoga, slow stretches, or a more spiritually based practice, there is something for everyone.
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All deposits and payment installments are 100% non-refundable. Please be sure at time of booking or you will forego all costs associated. Travel insurance is highly encouraged. View our full booking terms and conditions here.
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Passport valid for at least 6 months after travel (no visa required for US citizens)
Credit or debit card and a small amount of cash in USD or Costa Rican colones
Travel insurance details (highly recommended)
Reusable water bottle
Phone charger and personal electronics (Costa Rica uses Type A/B plugs, same as the U.S.)
Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot, humid weather
Comfortable clothes for yoga and movement
Swimsuits
Rash guard or swim shirt
Flip-flops or sandals
Comfortable shoes for walking or light hiking
Light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings
Waterproof bag or dry sack for beach and surf days (optional)
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Yoga mat (optional — mats will be provided, but you can bring your own if you prefer)
Personal toiletries
Any medications or health items
Book, journal, or something to help you unwind
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ABSOLUTELY. Wave retreats are the perfect place for solo travelers. You’ll meet and connect with a group of like minded people, and find lasting friendships along the way. We’ll make a WhatsApp group before the trip, where we’ll all introduce ourselves, connect with roommates if booking shared rooms, and potentially plan to travel together if you’d like!
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Totally! We love having couples on our retreats. We’d love to have your partner join any yoga classes they want to, but they can also just hang out, join for meals and excursions, and make the trip their own!
Couples can book individually at the shared room price, and have a private room for the two of them.
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If you’re thinking about extending your trip, there are plenty of beautiful ways to explore more of Madeira before or after the retreat. Our retreat home is only available for the dates of the retreat, but we are happy to recommend local hotels and Airbnbs if you wish to explore more of the island.
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On our retreats, we embrace a spirit of balance, mindfulness, and respect—for ourselves, each other, and the experience we’re sharing. As we gather in Portugal, we recognize that wine is a meaningful part of the local culture.
Guests are welcome to drink during the retreat, we just ask that you do so with intention and moderation. Our focus remains on yoga, rest, and wellness, so we ask that you stay mindful of how alcohol may affect your body, your practice, and the group dynamic.
Please refrain from excessive drinking or disruptive behavior. Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM, and we ask that noise be kept low—especially in shared villas and common areas—so that everyone can rest and recharge. Let’s co-create a grounded, joyful, and respectful space for all.
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We have a scholarship program to help make our experiences accessible. We have one scholarship available on each of our retreats. If cost is a significant barrier for you, or if the currency of your home country coverts unfavorably into USD, apply here for a scholarship.
