3D Goldwork Flowers in Madeira with Hannah Mansfield | 15th to 22nd February 2027

You are very welcome to arrive at Quinta da Bela Vista before the official 3.00pm check-in time.

Although we cannot guarantee that your bedroom will be ready, you can relax in the hotel's beautiful surroundings, enjoy a light lunch or refreshing drink at the pool bar, or spend some time exploring the magnificent botanical gardens.

The hotel offers a wonderful setting in which to unwind after your journey, with views across Funchal, the Atlantic Ocean and Madeira's dramatic mountains.

If you arrive early, you may also leave your luggage with reception while you enjoy the hotel's facilities.

Quinta da Bela Vista is a beautiful historic five-star boutique hotel, set within landscaped gardens on the hills overlooking Funchal.

Due to the hotel's historic character and sloping grounds, some areas may be challenging for guests with limited mobility. There are cobblestone pathways around the swimming pool and between the hotel's buildings, which may be uneven underfoot.

Guests staying in the main hotel building will find that the bedrooms and meeting room are accessible without additional steps. However, there are three steps leading into the reception building and three steps down into the restaurant.

As the hotel is not fully step-free, we recommend that guests with mobility or accessibility requirements contact the Creative Experiences team before booking. We will be happy to discuss individual needs and help determine whether the hotel is suitable for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Our retreat begins on Monday 15th February 2027, with welcome drinks at 7.00pm, followed by a delicious three-course dinner at 7.30pm.

This is a lovely opportunity to meet Hannah Mansfield, your fellow guests and the Creative Experiences team.

You will also have time to settle into your beautiful surroundings and look forward to a wonderful week of goldwork embroidery, relaxation and exploring Madeira.

This retreat is suitable for both beginners to goldwork and those who already have experience with the technique.

A basic knowledge of hand sewing will be helpful, but you do not need any previous goldwork embroidery experience.

Hannah Mansfield will guide you through the specialist techniques used to create beautiful three-dimensional flowers, using traditional goldwork materials in an exciting contemporary way.

You will learn how to manipulate pearl purl wire to create outlines, work with different types of purl wire to add texture and detail and use intricate cutwork techniques to embroider the petals.

Hannah will also demonstrate how to finish and assemble your embroidered petals into a beautiful three-dimensional flower.

With expert demonstrations, individual guidance and plenty of encouragement, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and enjoy this fascinating embroidery technique.

During the retreat, you will create a beautiful three-dimensional goldwork flower, inspired by the wonderful floral abundance of Madeira.

You will have a choice of two designs:

• Hibiscus – a striking tropical flower with delicate, frilly-edged petals and an elongated central stamen.
• Geranium maderense – a beautiful Madeiran flower with intricate veining across its petals and a distinctive, richly coloured centre.

Using a palette of gold, silver and copper goldwork wires, Hannah will teach you how to create texture, shape and intricate detail through a variety of specialist techniques.

You will also learn how to back and assemble the embroidered petals, create a ribbon-wrapped stem and add the finishing details to bring your flower to life.

Our embroidery retreats are designed to offer a personal and enjoyable learning experience, with small groups and plenty of individual attention.

With this in mind, Hannah will teach no more than 15 students.

Hannah will provide expert demonstrations, guidance and support throughout the workshops, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to develop their embroidery skills in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Yes! Creative Experiences will provide magnifying lamps for all guests to use during the embroidery workshops.

Our dedicated, air-conditioned stitching studio is equipped with comfortable tables and chairs and opens directly onto the hotel's beautiful gardens.

As everyone has their own preferred way of working, we recommend bringing your own embroidery frame stand or support if you normally use one.

Your three-dimensional goldwork flower is a detailed project involving several stages, from embroidering the individual petals to assembling the finished flower.

During the retreat, you will enjoy 24 hours of dedicated tuition with Hannah, giving you plenty of time to learn the techniques, develop your embroidery and receive individual guidance.

Whether you complete your flower during the retreat will depend on your stitching experience and the pace at which you prefer to work.

Hannah will guide you through the finishing and construction techniques so you can continue your project confidently at home if necessary.

The embroidery project kit is not included in the retreat price and must be purchased separately.

Hannah has designed two beautiful three-dimensional goldwork flower projects, inspired by the hibiscus and Geranium maderense flowers found in Madeira.

Full details of the available kits and how to order them will be provided before the retreat.

Please bring your favourite embroidery scissors and any specialist tools or accessories you prefer to use.

Creative Experiences will provide magnifying lamps for use during the workshops.

We will provide further guidance on what to bring before the retreat so that everyone arrives fully prepared for their classes with Hannah.

Breakfast is served from 8.00am to 9.30am, allowing plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed start to the day.

On teaching days, embroidery sessions are generally planned for 9.30am–12.30pm and 2.00pm–5.00pm, with a two-course lunch at approximately 12.30pm.

Group dinners are generally served at 7.30pm, featuring delicious three-course menus inspired by Madeira's wonderful local ingredients.

On excursion days, meal arrangements may vary according to the programme.

Quinta da Bela Vista offers a wonderful dining experience, with menus featuring fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.

Please inform Creative Experiences of any allergies, intolerances or special dietary needs before your arrival so we can liaise with the hotel and make suitable arrangements wherever possible.

Your retreat includes daily breakfast, lunches and three-course dinners at Quinta da Bela Vista, with some exceptions during our excursions.

Two lunches and one evening meal away from the hotel are not included in the retreat price.

Please note that alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are not included in the retreat price.

Full details of the dining arrangements will be provided in your joining information.

Absolutely! Quinta da Bela Vista offers a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by lush botanical gardens, providing a wonderful place to relax during your stay.

The hotel also offers leisure facilities, allowing you to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation between embroidery classes and excursions.

We recommend bringing your swimwear if you would like to make use of the pool during your stay.

Yes! Quinta da Bela Vista is a wonderful place to unwind, with beautiful gardens, comfortable lounges and inviting bars.

The hotel's Manor House Cocktail Bar offers an elegant setting to enjoy a drink, while the garden and pool areas provide peaceful places to relax in Madeira's mild winter climate.

The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle service into Funchal, giving guests the opportunity to explore the town independently.

The nearest airport is Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC), which is served by direct and connecting flights from many European cities.

Quinta da Bela Vista is situated in the hills overlooking Funchal, approximately 20–30 minutes from the airport by car, depending on traffic.

Taxis are available at the airport, and private transfers can also be arranged through Creative Experiences at an additional cost.

Flights and airport transfers are not included in the retreat price.

If you would like assistance arranging a private transfer, please contact the Creative Experiences team before travelling.

If you plan to hire a car during your stay, please contact Creative Experiences so we can advise you about parking arrangements at the hotel.

Madeira has some steep and winding roads, particularly in the mountainous areas, so guests planning to drive should be comfortable with these conditions.

Our excursions are planned to allow guests to enjoy Madeira's beautiful scenery, fascinating traditions and historic streets at a comfortable group pace.

However, Madeira is a mountainous island, and some visits involve slopes, uneven pathways, steps and periods of standing.

During our excursions, we will explore Funchal's beautiful gardens, traditional streets and famous embroidery heritage.

Our planned visits include the Monte gardens area, Bordal Embroidery, Mercado dos Lavradores and Blandy's Wine Lodge.

Some of these locations may involve steps, sloping pathways or extended periods of standing.

Please contact the Creative Experiences team before booking if you have any concerns about mobility or accessibility.

Yes! Our organised excursions are included in the retreat price, together with the planned transport and entrance fees.

Highlights include a visit to Madeira's beautiful gardens, a private tour of Bordal Embroider and time to explore Funchal's colourful markets and historic streets.

Some meals during our excursions will be at your own expense.

Yes! One of the highlights of our retreat is a visit to Madeira's beautiful gardens, where you can discover some of the island's extraordinary plants and flowers.

This is particularly special for our retreat, as Hannah's three-dimensional goldwork flower projects are inspired by Madeira's wonderful floral abundance.

We will travel into Funchal and make our way towards Monte, where we will enjoy a guided visit to learn more about the island's fascinating botanical heritage.

The gardens offer wonderful inspiration for our embroidery projects, with spectacular flowers, foliage and views across the island.

Yes! Our retreat includes a visit to Bordal Embroidery in Funchal, where we will enjoy a private tour and discover more about Madeira's famous embroidery heritage.

Madeiran embroidery has a long and fascinating history, and this visit provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship, traditional techniques and beautiful designs for which the island is renowned.

There will also be some free time to explore Funchal following our visit.

Our itinerary may include a visit to Blandy's Wine Lodge in Funchal, where guests may have the opportunity to discover more about Madeira's famous fortified wines.

The visit is planned as part of our organised excursion programme and will go ahead dependant on timing and number of guests who want to attend. 

Absolutely! There will be opportunities to explore Funchal at your own pace.

Madeira's charming capital is known for its colourful markets, beautiful gardens, historic streets, traditional embroidery shops and wonderful cafés.

The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service into Funchal, making it convenient to enjoy some independent sightseeing and shopping.

Guests are also welcome to spend their free time relaxing at the hotel or exploring the surrounding area.

Madeira enjoys a mild subtropical climate throughout the year, making it a lovely destination for a winter escape.

In February, daytime temperatures in Funchal are generally around 18–21°C, although evenings can be cooler.

The weather can be changeable, particularly in the mountains, where temperatures may be lower and rain or mist is possible.

We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, layers of clothing, a light waterproof jacket, sun protection and swimwear.

Madeira's beautiful gardens and lush green landscapes are particularly enjoyable at this time of year.

Of course! Many of our guests travel independently and enjoy meeting like-minded embroidery enthusiasts.

Our retreats are friendly, welcoming and a wonderful opportunity to make new friendships while sharing a love of traditional crafts.

The Welcome Dinner on Monday evening provides a lovely opportunity to meet Hannah, your fellow guests and the Creative Experiences team.

With small-group teaching, shared meals and wonderful excursions, you will have plenty of opportunities to get to know everyone throughout the week.

Non-stitching partners are welcome to join the retreat, subject to accommodation availability and the arrangements.

Madeira offers plenty of opportunities for partners to enjoy independent sightseeing, beautiful gardens, coastal walks and the attractions of Funchal while you attend your embroidery classes.

Please contact the Creative Experiences team before booking to discuss availability, accommodation options and any arrangements for non-stitching partners.

On Sunday 21st February 2027, we will enjoy our final day of embroidery with Hannah Mansfield.

Following our morning workshop and lunch, there will be a final afternoon session from 2.00pm to 5.00pm, giving everyone the opportunity to continue their projects, ask any final questions and admire the beautiful work created throughout the week.

At 7.00pm, we will gather for farewell drinks, followed by a special three-course dinner at 7.30pm.

This will be a lovely opportunity to celebrate a wonderful week of creativity, friendship and unforgettable experiences in Madeira.

Guests will depart on Monday 22nd February 2027, following breakfast. Hotel check-out is by 11.00am.

Cancellation shall take effect only when MNR Travel Ltd receives written notification from the person confirming the booking. All correspondence should be addressed to MNR Travel Ltd, 55 Westfield Avenue, Cupar, Fife KY15 5AA, United Kingdom or by email to info@creative-experiences.com In all cases of cancellation, the deposit forfeit. The following cancellation fees expressed, as a percentage of the total holiday cost, will become immediately payable to MNR Travel Ltd.

Cancellation charge:

Cancellation within 8 weeks; 60% of holiday cost payable

Cancellation within 6 weeks; 80% of holiday cost payable

Cancellation within 4 weeks; 100% of holiday cost payable

Please see our full Terms and Conditions via the link below.

creative-experiences.com/terms-of-use

The retreat also requires a non-refundable deposit of 20%, with the remaining balance payable eight weeks before departure.

Comprehensive travel insurance is required under the retreat booking terms, and we recommend arranging suitable cover as soon as you book.

Please refer to your booking confirmation and the retreat's specific terms and conditions for full details.

The Creative Experiences team will be on hand throughout your stay to coordinate the programme, assist with arrangements and ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Hannah Mansfield will lead your goldwork embroidery workshops, sharing her expertise in traditional goldwork techniques and her innovative approach to creating beautiful three-dimensional flowers.

Together, we will make sure you feel welcomed and supported, allowing you to relax, develop your embroidery skills and enjoy a truly memorable creative holiday in beautiful Madeira.