Wild Magic in Madeira
A retreat to rekindle awe, root into presence & reconnect with the wonder woven through everyday life.
Madeira, Portugal - Sept 28 - Oct 3, 2026
Hiking • Whale Watching • Ocean Dips • Yoga • Sound Healing • Sacred Ceremony • Nourishing Meals • Inspiring Workshops • Massage • Community
Step into a world where life feels magical again.
In our fast-paced modern world, it’s so easy to forget the wonder of being alive. We rush from task to task, move through our days on autopilot, and slowly drift from the spark, the awe, the quiet thrum of life force energy pulsing just beneath the surface.
This retreat is an invitation to remember.
Madeira, often referred to as the Hawaii of Europe, is a place where the miracles of nature inspire awe and wonder at every turn.
Dramatic cliffs plunge into turquoise waters.
Ancient levada paths wind through emerald forests.
Dolphins and whales move through crystalline seas as if reminding us, again and again, that magic is real.
Every evening, the sky blushes with color as the sun melts into the horizon.
What’s on the Itinerary
Guided Hikes Through Madeira’s Dramatic Landscapes
Explore ancient forests, cliffside paths, volcanic peaks, and the island’s legendary levada trails to inspire awe, get the adrenaline pumping and re-ignite your vitality and aliveness.
Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure
Set out on the Atlantic to witness some of the oceans most majestic creatures up close to access reverence and remember our innate connection to the animal world.
Hike to Fanal & Seixal Natural Swimming Pools
Take a dip in Madeira’s picturesque tidal piscine-style pools formed by volcanic rock along the Atlantic coast to revitalize your body & mind.
Floating Sound Healing
Supported by warm water, sound vibrations, and gentle holding, you’ll heal through frequency and soften into profound stillness and peace.
Inspiring Workshops & Ceremonies
Interactive sessions exploring the power of curiosity, play, and embodied connection to help you connect to your soul self, rediscover joy, cultivate presence, and reawaken your sense of wonder about life.
Embodiment Practices
Through a mix of yoga and conscious movement, we’ll reconnect with the innate healing capacity and wisdom of the body — tuning into intuition, rediscovering the joy of movement, and remembering the awe of what it means to move, feel, and be alive.
Nourishing, Delicious Meals
Beautifully prepared dishes highlighting local, seasonal ingredients that feel vibrant, grounding, and full of life — nourishing our bodies, inviting us to savor each bite, and feel grateful for the food that fuels our one precious life.
Community & Connection
Whether you are traveling solo or with a friend, this retreat is designed to foster meaningful connections and a true sense of belonging as we share epic adventures, honest conversations, laughter and fun.
Here, in this breathtaking landscape, we’ll spend seven unforgettable days reawakening your sense of wonder and reconnecting with remember who you are beneath the noise of everyday life.
Through movement, ceremony, adventure, and community, you’ll fall back in love with the simple joys of being alive and return home feeling inspired, connected, and unmistakably alive.
Meet Your Hosts
Mary Tilson
Mary Tilson is a Somatic Practitioner, Recovery Coach and Yoga Teacher. She earned her Master’s Degree in the Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health and is trained in Somatic Experiencing, a body-oriented therapeutic model for healing trauma and stress-related disorders to support others on their healing journeys. Mary has hosted over 50+ retreats in pristine wilderness destinations across the globe, combining her passions for yoga & wellness, nature and community. She is endlessly awed by the power of outdoor adventures to ignite the human spirit and incite meaningful and lasting change. Prior to launching her own retreat business, Mary was the head yoga teacher at Hariharalaya, one of the leading retreat centers in Southeast Asia and was the Wellness Director for NIHI Sumba, voted #1 Hotel in the World by Travel+Leisure.
Emily Bingham
Emily is a Certified Spiritual Life Coach, Grief Educator and Temple Guide who helps people reconnect to the magic, meaning, and possibility in their one precious life. After losing her 32-year-old husband, Ian, she discovered how mortality can ignite purpose, authenticity, and a fierce sense of aliveness. Over the past five years, she has supported hundreds of clients, led sold-out retreats, built a global online community, and published her book Love & Grief. Trained in Dharma & Spiritual Life Coaching, grief education with David Kessler, and Temple Guide facilitation through the 13 Moon Mystery School, Emily blends somatics, ritual, and subconscious work with lived experience to guide people through the inner transformations that allow them to step into lives that feel honest, expansive, and deeply fulfilling.
Your Home for the Week
Set among dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean vistas, our retreat space offers a deep immersion into nature with all of the luxury comforts of home. You can choose between private or shared rooms with stunning views of our surroundings. All guests will have access to spacious gardens to relax in, swimming pools and healing spaces for yoga and massage treatments. A warm, attentive team will be looking after us throughout the week to ensure that you can fully unwind and trust that all of your needs will be taken care of.
Shared Rooms
Classic Shared Villa
The shared villas are a great option for solo travelers looking to make new connections, friends traveling together or couples. These spacious villas offer a private bathroom and balcony. You will have the option of a super king bed or two separate beds.
Shared Luxe Lodge
The shared luxe lodge is a great option for solo travelers looking to make new connections, friends traveling together or couples. Our most luxurious accommodation option, these spacious lodges include the option of a super king sized bed or two separate beds. They boast high ceilings with a bright, airy living room, kitchen, private bathroom and a large private terrace with hammock to soak up the fantastic ocean, mountain views and stunning sunsets.
Private Rooms
Classic Single
Perfect for travelers seeking a little more privacy, our private rooms are bright and airy with floor to ceiling windowed doors which lead out onto a scenic outdoor terrace. This room shares a large, spacious bathroom with a neighboring single.
Luxe Private Lodge
For those seeking a taste of island luxury, the private lodge offers a super king-sized bed, high ceilings, a bright, airy living room, kitchen, a private bathroom and a large private terrace with hammock to soak up the fantastic ocean, mountain views and stunning sunsets.
What’s Included:
Beautiful accommodations with sweeping ocean views
Farm-to-table meals that feel nourishing, grounding, and alive
Guided hikes across some of Madeira’s most breathtaking landscapes
Whale & dolphin watching adventure on the Atlantic
Floating sound healing session
Yoga + conscious movement practices
Workshops + ceremonies to spark awe, curiosity & presence
Access to pools, gardens, and healing spacesSpace to unwind, breathe, and let nature restore you
A warm, attentive team supporting you all week long
What’s Not Included
International Airfare
Transportation to the retreat center (this can be arranged upon request)'
Travel Insurance
Sample Itinerary
7am - Morning embodiment practice & meditation
8:15am - Breakfast
9:15am - Hiking / Whale Watching / Wild Swimming
1:45pm - Lunch
Free time for massages, bodywork, nature walks, swimming in the pool, etc.
6:15pm - Dinner
7:30pm - Sacred ceremony
FAQs
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Yes, absolutely! Many guests come solo, and our retreats have a way of turning strangers into soul-friends. We’ll thoughtfully pair you with someone who feels aligned so you can settle in with ease, comfort, and a sense of belonging from the moment you arrive.
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Check-in begins at 3:00 PM on September 28th, 2026.
Check-out is at 11:00 AM on October 3rd, 2026.
If you arrive early, you’re welcome to sink into the magic of the property — wander the gardens, sip tea, breathe in the ocean air — until your room is ready.
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We’ll be hiking through forests, cliffs, and levada trails, so a moderate level of fitness is helpful. If you can comfortably walk 2–4 hours on varied terrain, you’ll be just fine. Everything is optional — you get to honor your body, your energy, and your rhythm. Rest is welcome here, too.
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Fly into Madeira International Airport (FNC). From there it’s a scenic 45–60 minute drive to our retreat home tucked between mountains and sea. We’ll help coordinate airport transfers so your arrival feels calm, welcoming, and easeful.
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Yes — please. This trip is a big investment in yourself and in presence. Travel insurance protects you from the unexpected so you can relax and fully receive the experience.
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Our chef can accommodate most dietary needs — vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and more. You’ll fill out a form beforehand so we can take exquisite care of you.
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Yes, you will have the option to pay in full or in increments when you arrive to the check-out page. Please reach out if you would like to discuss alternative options and we will do our best to support you!
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Yoga can be modified to suit all levels of experience. We welcome all levels with open arms.
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Late September is magical — warm days, soft breezes, golden sunsets, and cooler evenings perfect for cozy layers.
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Once you join us, you’ll receive a full packing list with everything you’ll need—from hiking shoes and layers to swimsuits and a journal for the moments that move you.
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We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unexpected illness, emergencies, or travel disruptions. The initial 30% deposit to secure your spot is non-refundable. If your cancellation is made more than 90 days before the retreat start date, you will receive a refund of any amount paid beyond the non-refundable deposit. If the cancellation is made 60–89 days before the retreat start date, 50% of the retreat balance will be refunded (not including the deposit). No refunds will be issued if the cancellations are made less than 60 days before the retreat start date.
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Yes. Between adventures, ceremonies, and shared meals, you’ll have spacious pockets of time to rest, read, float in the pool, or simply watch the waves roll in. Integration is part of the magic.
If you have any additional questions, reach out to [email protected].