Alpino Atlantico
Canico, Funchal, Madeira (Portugal)
Overview
Alpino Atlantico is a petite, adults-only hotel located on the beautiful island of Madeira with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The focus here is on the powerful healing of Ayurveda. The Ayurveda Cure Centre offers authentic treatments based on this ancient system of medicine, aiming to balance mind and body using herbal treatments. Yoga, meditation and Qi-Gong are high on the agenda and take place in the glass-fronted yoga studio.
If you’re looking for an authentic Ayurveda getaway but don’t want to travel long-haul then this hotel is the ideal choice. You will leave feeling completely rejuvenated.
When to go
Madeira is full of microclimates but stays warm almost all year round. Temperatures in winter are 18 – 22 degrees and in summer 24 – 26 degrees. There is about 2,450 hours of sun a year.
What we love
- The range of authentic Ayurvedic spa treatments overseen by in-house Ayurvedic doctors. No need to go to India!
- The vegetarian Ayurveda cuisine prepared using fresh and seasonal produce to suit all 3 dosha types.
- The daily prescribed herbal tea: you are given your own flask so you can sip on tea all day long.
Who should go
- Solo travellers who want to get away from it all and want to meet others
- Those seeking a Panchakarma detox programme will see transforming results here.
- Ayurveda enthusiasts who don’t want to travel all the way to India.
Offers
- Free return airport transfer (per room) with min stay 5 nights, with pre-booked wellness programme only
- Free 10 minute hand massage for all guests
- Repeater offer: Free Ayurveda package upon arrival (tongue scraper, sesame oil for daily oral and nasal care)
Wellness
The Ashoka Ayurveda Cure Centre is tucked away in the corner of the retreat. A team of experienced Ayurveda therapists and doctors draw on this ancient tradition to heal using a fully personalised treatment protocol based on your individual dosha combination. Your treatment plan will created after an indepth consultation and consist of a nutrition plan, local therapeutic herbs, ayurvedic body treatments, reiki, yoga and meditation.Facilities include 7 treatment rooms, relaxation room, yoga studio and ayurvedic shop.
You can also use facilities of Alpinos's sister hotels - Galomar (300m away) and Galosol (400m away).
Galo Active Health Club at Galosol has fully equipped gym with more than 40 fitness classes, indoor pool, Jacuzzi and saunas.
The Ashoka SPA in hotel Galomar offers different international beauty treatments, massages, detox treatments, energy work as well as 4 saunas with sea view (Infra-red, Bio, Finnish and steam bath). There are also two outdoor pools.
Example treatments at Alpino Atlantico
- Abhyanga
- Shirodhara
- Shiatsu
- Mukabhyanga
- Accupuncture
Activities
Activities available at resort
- Cooking classes
- Workshops on Ayurveda and lifestyle
- Energy of healing
Activities available at the surrounding area
- Head into Funchal to explore the old town, restaurants, bars and quaint shops
- Hotel can arrange extreme sports such as cycling, hiking, boat tours or scuba diving
- Go hiking or trekking as nature on this island is still unspoilt
Typical Group Classes
- Yoga nidra
- Yoga (gentle hatha)
- Qi-gong
- Tai-chi
- Meditation
Sample Weekly Class Schedule
Please note - Classes are subject to change and seasonal adjustmentsRooms
There are only 27 rooms and suites at Alpino Atlantico and all have private balconies overlooking the ocean. Each room is spacious with floor-to-ceiling patio windows and comfortable furnishings.
Sea view room with balcony
The sea view balcony rooms are 28m2 and have a king-size or twin beds. They each have black-out curtains and a private balcony with direct sea views.
These rooms are located on the first and second floor.
Each has an en-suite shower, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer.
Facilities include flat screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, herbal tea making facilities, safe, minibar & telephone.
The mattresses are orthopaedic and there is a pillow list.
One bedroom suite
The one bedroom suites are 48m2 and have a bedroom with king-size bed and separate living room.
The suites are located on the ground floor and have private terraces with direct ocean views.
Each has an en-suite shower, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer.
Facilities include flat screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, herbal tea making facilities, safe, minibar & telephone.
The mattresses are orthopaedic and there is a pillow list.
What’s on the menu
The only option at the hotel is vegetarian, Ayurveda full board and all meals include the 3 Ayurveda doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) which are based on a person’s constitution and temperament. The buffet food covers all 3 doshas so you don’t pick out your individual doshas. If you are on a Panchakarma programme then you will be served specialist meals. The food is deliciously flavoursome and the chefs use herbs from the onsite garden and local fruit and vegetables. No alcohol is served.
Alpino Atlantico Restaurant
All meals are served here. Meals are served in a light buffet style. There are indoor and outdoor seating areas with panoramic ocean views. There is a communal table if you are feeling sociable as well as individual tables.
Location
Alpino Atlantico is located on the south eastern coast in a quiet part of Madeira overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Nearest airport
The transfer time from Cristiano Ronaldo Funchal International Airport is about 15 minutes by car. There are number for direct flights from major UK cities to Madeira. More frequent in summer months.
Our Travel Review of Alpino Atlantico in Madeira
Read inside track on Lisa's visit to Alpino Atlantico in Madeira
Families, Children & Infants
Due to nature of this retreat, Alpino Atlantico is adults-only.Reviews
A very small and personal retreat in a great location. The consultations with the Ayurvedic Doctor and the treatments were excellent.
Anonymous
Alpino Atlantico is small with a friendly vibe, the staff are all very helpful and made me feel extremely welcome. The location is great as it's right by the water and I really enjoyed lounging on my balcony with the un-interrupted views of the ocean. I did the relaxing cure programme which was amazing. The in-house Ayurveda doctors are extremely knowledgeable and I had an in-depth consultation with the doctor who prescribed me my dosha and gave me some health and wellness tips to take home.
I cannot fault the treatments, they were all incredibly relaxing and just what I needed after a stressful few months at work. The morning yoga and Qi-Gong classes were a great way to wake up. The food was delicious and really liked the buffet as you can have as much as you wanted!
I ended up using the facilities in the sister hotel literally 5 minutes down the road such as the outdoor pool, gym and the lido.
I would highly recommend Alpino Atlantico for those wanting to enjoy Ayurveda but don't want to fly all the way to India. The retreat offers authentic and quality treatments in a relaxed location. I will definitely be returning soon.
Lisa Loxton
Why Wellbeing Escapes?
