Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat in Madeira
29 September – 6 October 2025
Rest – Reconnect – Remember who you are
Join us on the lush, volcanic island of Madeira for a week of rest, reconnection, and inner exploration. This is a space to return to yourself through breath, movement, silence, and the healing rhythm of nature.
This is a low-cost retreat, open to everyone – no matter your level of experience. Whether you’re in need of deep rest, a change of perspective, or gentle guidance back to yourself, you are welcome.
With ONLY 8 spaces available, this is a cosy, small group retreat designed for personal attention and deep connection.
Held with love by Monika Orzeł (yoga teacher & therapist at Find Your Breath Yoga) and Magdalena Lesiak (holistic therapist & sound healing practitioner at Rising Crow Therapies), this retreat is a nourishing blend of daily yoga, guided meditation, self-inquiry, and sound healing – all within the vibrant beauty of Madeira’s natural and cultural landscape.
You’ll stay in a cosy spa hotel in Funchal, the island’s charming capital. Shared twin or triple rooms, daily breakfasts, and a welcoming group dinner on the first evening are included. Flights and travel insurance are arranged independently, giving you flexibility.
WHO IS THIS JOURNEY FOR?
This retreat is for the overworked, the overwhelmed, the always-on. In need of real rest – not just sleep, but emotional and mental reset
It’s for anyone who has been giving too much and forgetting to receive. It’s not just a holiday. It’s a guided pause.
A space to rest, and to remember how to care for yourself.
Whether you’re new to yoga and meditation, or returning after a long break, you’ll be supported every step of the way. You’ll learn yogic, ayurvedic & holistic tools for nervous system regulation, self-awareness, and balance that you can take home and integrate into your daily life. No experience needed – just the willingness to show up for yourself.
WHAT AWAITS YOU ON THIS RETREAT?
7 Nights hotel accommodation in shared twin or triple rooms – the venue offers access to a swimming pool (indoor and outdoor pools), jacuzzi, sauna, spa treatments & relaxation areas
Daily breakfast & 1 x welcome dinner
Guided full-day island tour (full programme will be available soon)
Traditional Fado Night – A taste of Portugal’s soulful music culture
Daily yoga practice
Mindfulness workshops
Ayurveda practice
Sound baths
Free time to rest, explore vibrant city of Funchal and the island, enjoy the hotel’s free gym and relax in the indoor or outdoor swimming pool, or just BE…
Optional activities during free time are listed below.
***PLEASE NOTE: Flights, airport transfers & travel insurance are not included in the price (self-organised).
Your Daily Practices & Holistic Workshops Will Include:
- Morning Yoga & Pranayama – Wake the body gently and set the tone for the day
- Mindfulness Practice & Meditation – Cultivate presence and calm through guided practices
- Trataka (Candle Gazing) – Refine focus and inner clarity
- Sound Healing with Tibetan Bowls – Deep rest and energetic reset
- Talks on yoga philosophy
- The 8 Limbs of Yoga
- Kleshas: The Causes of Suffering
- Antarayas: Inner & Outer Obstacles
- Mini Ayurveda Sessions – Practical tools for balance and wellbeing
- Journaling – self-reflection tool that helps organize thoughts, express emotions, and deepen the connection with oneself.
Here are a few ideas for your free time:
Catamaran whale/dolphin watching trip
Massage & spa treatments, gym, swimming pool facilities in our hotel
Exploring local attractions:
- Monte Palace Tropical Gardens – Take the cable car from the city up to Monte and stroll through exotic gardens filled with waterfalls, art installations and panoramic views of the Atlantic.
- Natural Sea Pools in Doca do Cavacas or Porto Moniz – Swim in volcanic rock pools filled with ocean water – a uniquely Madeiran experience and a wonderful way to unwind.
- Funchal’s Old Town (Zona Velha) – Wander charming cobbled streets, discover colourful street art on painted doors, sip fresh poncha (a local sugarcane spirit) and enjoy live music in cosy cafés.
- Mercado dos Lavradores (The Farmers’ Market) – Taste exotic fruits, local cheeses, and fresh fish while soaking in the colours and flavours of Madeira’s vibrant food scene.
- Art, Culture & Handicrafts – Visit local embroidery shops, art galleries, and museums, or simply take in the architecture blending Portuguese tradition with tropical character.
- Catamaran Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour – Join an optional sea excursion to spot dolphins, whales an unforgettable way to experience the wild beauty of the Atlantic.
- Cable Car & Toboggan Ride – Go up by cable car and – for the brave – ride back down in a traditional wicker toboggan steered by two carreiros. A quirky and fun Madeiran tradition!
- Sunset Walks Along the Promenade – Walk along the Lido promenade with sea views, stop for a fresh juice, or simply sit and watch the sun melt into the ocean.
- Try Local Dishes – Indulge in fresh grilled fish (espada with banana!), traditional bolo do caco bread with garlic butter, or a simple espresso in the sun.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Retreat Investment
We believe that deep rest, healing and self-discovery should be accessible and fairly priced. That’s why Return to Yourself Retreat is designed as a supportive, rich, and transformational retreat – without luxury price tags. Rather than choosing a high-end retreat centre, we’ve invested in meaningful content, experienced guidance, and unforgettable experiences on the island.
You’ll be staying in a comfortable hotel in Funchal with shared twin or triple rooms. It’s an ideal setting to unwind, learn, and connect – without the pressure of polished luxury.
Total Price: £885 GBP per person
PAY YOUR DEPOSIT HERE & secure your place
(approx. €1,040 EUR, based on June 2025 rates)
This price includes:
7 nights accommodation
Daily breakfast + one welcome dinner
Daily yoga
All workshops and group sound baths
One full-day guided island excursion
Guidance and group support throughout
Welcome gift
Not included in retreat package:
Flights & airport transfers (booked individually)
Travel insurance (required)
Additional meals (we will share lunch/dinner recommendations and eat together if you wish)
Local transport (buses, taxis, etc)
Optional spa treatments
Extra excursions (we will provide a curated list)
Yoga mats
HOW TO BOOK
To reserve your spot, we ask for a £120 non-refundable deposit.
After placing your deposit, you can choose to pay the remaining balance either in full or in instalments. We also welcome custom payment plans – we understand that flexibility matters.
Option 1 – Pay in Full:
£120 deposit upon booking
£765 final balance due by 15 September 2025
Option 2 – Payment plan
£120 deposit upon booking and the rest can be paid in parts. Simply contact us to discuss your payment plan: hello@risingcrowtherapies.com.
PAY YOUR DEPOSIT HERE
Do you have some questions? Reach out to us directly – we’ll be happy to find a solution that works for you.
Feel free to email us on hello@risingcrowtherapies.com with any questions you may have.
Flight & Travel Info
Flights to Madeira (Funchal) are not included and must be booked individually. However, please do not book your flight yet. Once you reserve your place with us, we will contact you as soon as the group reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to go ahead. At that point, we will advise you on flight options and arrival timing.
We also require all participants to arrange their own travel insurance for the duration of the retreat.
This is a kindly priced, accessible retreat filled with practices to help you rest, reset and return to yourself – with tools and wisdom you can bring home into everyday life.
RETREAT FACILITATORS
Monika Orzel 
”I’m a certified yoga teacher and yoga therapist with a deep passion for holistic well-being. I began practicing yoga over 12 years ago and quickly fell in love with its transformative power.
Driven by curiosity and a desire to understand yoga beyond the surface, I travelled to India, where I continue to study regularly at the Permanent Yoga Science and Research Institute . Over the past six years, I’ve returned to India frequently to deepen my knowledge and refine my teaching. My training includes a 200 YTT, a 300 YTT, 300 hour yoga therapy certification, and a two-year professional yoga therapy program accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). BBM Meditation and Pranayama Breathwork. Alongside these, I’ve also participated in numerous short courses to expand my skills and stay inspired as both a teacher and student.
Yoga, for me, is far more than a physical practice. It’s a way of life, one that cultivates balance, resilience, and connection on every level: body, mind, and spirit. I truly believe that yoga is for everyone, regardless of age or physical condition, and that it can be a powerful support for both physical and mental health.
Outside of teaching, I have a deep love for travel, which naturally led me to combine my two passions—yoga and exploring the world. That’s why I now organise yoga retreats, inviting others to experience the magic of yoga in beautiful, nourishing places.”
Magdalena Lesiak 
”I’m a holistic therapist, sound healing practitioner, and space holder with over a five years of experience supporting others on their journey back to balance, rest, and inner alignment. My work is rooted in the understanding that true healing begins with deep relaxation and nervous system regulation.
I support people who are experiencing stress, burnout, or disconnection, and help them reconnect with their bodies, true self, and inner wisdom. I weave together various therapeutic approaches: from one-to-one sound therapy with singing bowls and gongs, to group sound baths, meditation practices, and energy-based healing work.
In recent years, I have deepened my practice through Shamanic Healing and sacred drumming, which allow me to work with the subtle layers of the psyche and spirit. These powerful ancestral practices help bring people back into rhythm with themselves and the Earth.
I create spaces, whether in one-to-one sessions, workshops, or retreats, where people can feel held, seen, and safe to soften.
My intention is always to offer more than just temporary relaxation: I invite transformation through stillness, sound, presence, and embodied listening.
Based in Bristol, UK, I run Rising Crow Holistic Therapies, where I offer in-person treatments, regular sound baths, and seasonal workshops. I also co-create retreats that offer immersive, soul-nourishing experiences in beautiful, natural settings, like the one you’re reading about now.”
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We warmly invite you to join us on our shared journey to Madeira, an unforgettable experience of holistic healing and soulful connection. As your hosts, we are truly excited to welcome you into this sacred space of transformation and joy.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out using the contact form below, we’re here for you with open hearts.
Magda & Monika