Lisa, our Wellbeing Specialist, visited Alpino Atlantico Ayurveda Cure Centre in Madeira and shares her experience of this restorative escape:
I had heard so much about the benefits of Ayurveda, but I'd never experienced it myself, so I was genuinely excited about my stay. Madeira - often referred to as the "floating garden" - is an easy flight from London, and before I knew it, I was being whisked off to the beautiful hotel. The transfer takes just 15-minutes (if that), which is ideal after a flight, as all you want to do is arrive and immediately start your holiday.
What were your first impressions when you arrived?
Alpino Atlantico has a small, friendly atmosphere, with charming Portuguese touches such as bright orange walls, lush greenery, and beautiful mosaic tiles. I was greeted with a warm hand towel at reception, followed by a thorough tour of the hotel. A lovely surprise awaited me in my room - a complimentary 10-minute foot massage, which helped me unwind after the journey and immediately set the tone for relaxation. It was a lovely touch.
What do you think makes the hotel so special?
What really stood out to me was the care and attention the team give to ensuring every guest feels comfortable and well looked after. The Ayurvedic Cure Centre has two Ayurvedic doctors, both trained in Kerala, bringing a wealth of expertise and authenticity. The environment feels raw and traditional, yet at the same time extremely well organised and professional. There’s a warmth to the place — it almost feels as though the team become your friends during your stay.
How was the Ayurveda experience?
As this was my first experience of Ayurveda, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but everything was carefully explained and guided. I had a detailed consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor, Dr Subha P. Sasidharan, which I found fascinating. She established my dosha — essentially your mind and body type (there are three doshas in Ayurveda) — and gave me personalised nutritional and health advice to take home with me.
One of the highlights was a full-body oil massage using warm oils infused with Ayurvedic herbs. It was deeply relaxing. To make the experience seamless, you change into your robe and slippers in your room and are then called to the treatment room when your therapist is ready, so there’s no waiting around. All therapists are trained to an exceptionally high standard and receive ongoing Ayurveda training, which made the experience feel incredibly authentic — I genuinely felt as though I could have been in Kerala, India.
What was your favourite activity & why?
If your goal is to truly relax, Alpino Atlantico is an ideal choice. The atmosphere is wonderfully peaceful, with no pressure to stick to a packed schedule — there’s no clock-watching here. I attended a yoga or Qigong class every morning, and my favourite was the early morning yoga session, which was energising and a fantastic way to start the day.
The yoga studio features floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. All you can hear is the sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs below — it’s simply dreamy.
I also enjoyed walking five minutes down the road to Alpino Atlantico’s two sister hotels - Sentido Galomar, and Sentido Galosol, where guests have complimentary access to the outdoor swimming pool. There’s also an indoor pool, gym, sports facilities, daily group fitness classes, and another spa. While there aren’t beaches within walking distance, there is a beautiful seawater lido nearby, complete with a sunbathing terrace, diving school, and bar terrace — though I tried my best not to be tempted by the alcohol!
How was the food?
The food is vegetarian Ayurvedic cuisine, packed with flavour and nourishment. Meals are served buffet-style and include dishes suitable for all three doshas, rather than separating them as some Ayurveda centres do. However, guests following a Panchakarma programme receive set meals tailored to their dosha for optimal results.
Dining on the restaurant terrace was a highlight for me — enjoying coastal views while spotting pods of dolphins on the horizon made every meal feel special.
Who would you recommend the hotel to?
Alpino Atlantico is perfect for anyone seeking an authentic Ayurvedic experience without travelling long-haul. Thanks to Madeira’s micro-climate, sunshine is almost guaranteed year-round. There’s a sociable atmosphere, with guests naturally chatting during wellbeing workshops and sharing tables at mealtimes, making it especially suitable for solo travellers.
When I visited, guests were mainly English, German, or Portuguese. All classes and workshops are conducted in English, and the team speak excellent English too, so communication is never an issue.
You might also find our blogs on Discover The Best Ayurvedic Retreats For Ultimate Wellness or How To Prepare For a Detox Holiday helpful and interesting.
So begin your Ayurveda journey with The Alpino Atlantico wellness retreat in Madeira by contacting us.
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