Archipelago Fun
The Brief
A four-day incentive trip to a warm destination, action packed and full of riveting adventure activities.
Insight
Madeira is known for being one of the world’s leading island destinations. Easily accessible from the UK, this volcanic island has a subtropical climate, beautiful landscapes and plummeting valleys, which not only produce fine wines, but are also a draw for thrill-seekers who are game for activities in and out of the water.
Highlights
The fabulous aerial views from the traditional Funchal Cable Car which travels from the old part of Funchal to Monte. The highest point of the route is 39 metres high with views of the houses, the Cathedral’s tower, the colourful bougainvillaea, bridges, roads and streams that meander through the capital. Not for the faint hearted!
Reaching pods of whales and dolphins within a matter of minutes. Being in such close proximity as they swam and jumped right next to the boat (and at one point over the bow!) will live long in the memory.
Event Overview
For our guests, we privatised the stylish boutique Hotel da Vila, a wonderful addition to the Ponta do Sol hotel, only several steps from the Atlantic Ocean. Located at the foot of the cliffs and with impressive views over the ocean, this provided the perfect base for discovering the island and also relaxing by the pool or locally popular bar with sunset drinks each evening.
Madeira is visited by over 20 species of dolphins and whales and is one of the best places in the world for spotting these beautiful creatures. A two-hour trip by high speed RIB boat allowed privileged close up encounters! Madeira is also one of the most beautiful and exotic wine growing regions in the world, so we spent an afternoon sampling the famous Madeira wines: whites, reds and rosés!
Canyoning in Madeira is pretty exhilarating with various degrees of beautiful mountainous watercourses. The guests were out of their comfort zones, with emotions running high, but the entire experience being right up close to nature, was incredibly rewarding.
Surrounded by the rich sea waters of the Atlantic, fresh fish and seafood are always in abundance so our guests were treated to delicious lunches and suppers, plus fun nights out drinking the local Poncha!