Itinerary
Retreat Highlights:
- Daily SUP Sessions: Flatwater (crater lake) & SUP Surf
- Island Adventures: Hikes, hot springs & Azorean culture
- Wellness & Education: Cooking class, nutrition, recovery
Hosted at Senhora do Carmo Charm House, incl. daily healthy breakfasts and two dinners using local products
Day by Day Itinerary
This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, partner schedules, unexpected opportunities, and the desires of the group.
Day 1
Saturday, February 20
Welcome to the Azores!
As you arrive in Ponta Delgada, we will be waiting for you and bring you to our hotel, located just a 15-min walk from Populo Beach. Have a rest and maybe relax in the hot tub, or explore the south coast of São Miguel Island. Please plan to arrive at our hotel no later than 5pm so you have time to settle in before dinner.
This evening we’ll all meet to get to know each other and enjoy a family-style meal prepared using locally-sourced ingredients.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Sunday, February 21
Savour a slow and energizing breakfast and find out what to expect during the week. In the afternoon, we will head either to the coast or to a volcanic crater lake and partake in an Intro to SUP (flatwater) session with Maddi. We will cover safety and an environmental briefing, as well as filming for a technique review.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3
Monday, February 22
After breakfast, we will run a video analysis of yesterday’s paddle session, followed by a technique-focused SUP Session in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4
Tuesday, February 23
After the two flatwater SUP sessions of the previous days, we will hit the ocean for a SUP Surf or regular Surf session! Learn how to catch waves using a paddle or learn how to take-off and surf from the prone position. Afterwards, we will go on an adventure and explore the lush trails of the island, ending the day with a visit to one of the magical volcanic hot springs.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5
Wednesday, February 24
You will quickly realize that once you catch one wave, you’re going to want to catch more–so today we will head back to the cost and surf some more. You can choose to SUP-surf or surf without a paddle. The afternoon is yours to enjoy–you’ve earned it to take a rest or feel free to explore more of what the island has to offer!
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6
Thursday, February 25
We’ll take it easy this morning with a restorative stretch led by Maddi, and have the option to go for another hike to the highest crater lake in the Azores–Lagoa do Fogo. In the afternoon, we will be taking part in a cooking and nutrition class with Maddi and our local culinary expert Victoria, learning about the history of Azorean cuisine, featuring freshly caught fish and other local ingredients.
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7
Friday, February 26
Today is yours to enjoy however you choose. Have fun with another free paddle/surf session, hike, maybe try canyoning, or just take it easy and savour the tranquility of the island.
Celebrate the week & group connection
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8
Saturday, February 27
Day of departure. Take in one more breath of the ocean breeze before we drop you off at the airport for your return flight. We hope that you enjoyed this week of paddling in our volcanic crater lakes and the Atlantic ocean, exloring our forests, and swimming in the volcanic hot springs. We hope to welcome you in the Azores again soon!
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation
Located on the south coast of São Miguel Island is our traditional Charm House, built with basalt stones, this centuries-old former convent emanates the energy of the island’s volcanic nature, surrounded by banana trees and other fruits growing in the gardens, such as papayas, mangoes, and coffee. As part of the retreat, you will be lodged in a shared double room, each with its own private bathroom, including daily breakfasts prepared in the Charm House’s kitchen, to which guests have access, as well. The terrace features a lounge-area with comfortable couches, as well as a jacuzzi hot tub overlooking fruit trees.
How to Get Here
There are a number of direct flight options with SATA Azores Airlines to Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel Island, both from North America and Europe:
Please Note: Flights are not included in the package. Please contact us if you need assistance with booking your flight.
We look forward to welcoming you for a fun-filled week with Maddi here on the beautiful archipelago of the Azores! Get stoked for this retreat by checking out our recent exploration of the island with Maddi!
