As the year winds down and the world speeds up, a quiet corner of Portugal offers something different: stillness. Perched between volcanic cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean on Madeira’s southern coast, Saccharum — a five-star resort by Savoy Signature — has announced its newest immersive offering, The Art of Presence – A Journey Within, a yoga and meditation retreat running November 26–30, 2025.
Designed for travelers seeking a purposeful pause, this intimate retreat folds together guided movement, breathwork, sound healing, and plant-based gastronomy into one fluid experience. Guests can choose between a five-day or three-day format, with all sessions held at Saccharum’s striking clifftop property in Calheta, a place that seems architecturally carved from nature itself.
“Fall in Madeira offers the ideal balance, fewer crowds, perfect weather, and an atmosphere of calm that invites reflection. We’re proud to host this retreat in a setting that inspires guests to be fully present while enjoying the natural beauty and design-forward experience that defines Saccharum.”Bruno Teles, Hotel Manager at Saccharum
Led by European wellness guides Filipa Uma Devi Veiga and Mercedes “Merche” Pasos, The Art of Presence focuses on slowing down the nervous system — offering a much-needed counterpoint to the year’s end-of-quarter pace. The daily itinerary blends slow-flow yoga, guided meditation, sound baths, and integrative breathwork, each practice gently unfolding against the island’s temperate climate and expansive views.
What distinguishes this retreat is not just the physical programming, but the emotional space it creates. Rather than overwhelm guests with packed schedules, the emphasis is on depth over volume — time to reflect, rest, and realign before the holiday rush.
Food is an equally intentional part of the experience. Chef Raul Ferreira, Saccharum’s Executive Chef, has created a plant-based menu exclusive to the retreat, inspired by seasonal ingredients and the island’s own microclimate. Sourced directly from the hotel’s on-site Chef’s Garden, each dish is designed to nourish both physically and energetically — free of processed sugars, rich in fresh herbs, and prepared with minimalist technique to highlight natural flavors.
It’s not just spa cuisine, but a wellness-forward culinary narrative that echoes the retreat’s theme of presence. And yes, it’s included in the package — along with access to the thermal spa circuit, infinity pool, and sun deck.
At the heart of the experience is the Saccharum Hotel itself. Located just 25 minutes from Madeira’s capital, Funchal, the resort sits in a secluded bay where design and environment coexist seamlessly. Exposed concrete and raw stone textures mirror the volcanic rock that surrounds it, while interiors are softened by natural wood, warm lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows that invite the horizon indoors.
Saccharum isn’t simply a backdrop — it’s a co-facilitator. From the meditative quiet of the spa to the wild, rhythmic crash of the Atlantic below, every element reinforces the central theme: being here, now.
For U.S. travelers, reaching Madeira is surprisingly uncomplicated. TAP Air Portugal and other European carriers offer regular connections from New York, Boston, and Miami through Lisbon or Porto to Madeira’s Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC). Once on the island, the hotel arranges seamless transfers.
Double occupancy: €2,330 per pair
Single occupancy: €1,465
Double occupancy: €1,260 per pair
Single occupancy: €780
Daily wellness programming (yoga, meditation, sound healing, breathwork)
All meals, curated by Chef Raul Ferreira
Full access to the Saccharum Spa and thermal circuit
Use of amenities, including the infinity pool, Chef’s Garden, and outdoor lounge spaces
For Savoy Signature, this offering is part of a growing portfolio of experiences that speak to the evolving priorities of today’s luxury traveler — less consumption, more connection; less spectacle, more substance. From intimate design to gastronomic minimalism, The Art of Presence is both an invitation and a mirror, reminding guests of what’s possible when they slow down.
Madeira may be best known for its wild hiking trails and year-round blooms, but in the quiet of late November, it offers something rare: space to pause before the reset begins. And at Saccharum, that pause is anything but passive. It’s artful, grounded, and deeply alive.
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