Originally from Beja and trained as a therapist, Raquel Madeira began working with us back in 2007, already leading the spa, so her transition to M Wellness, which opened at the end of 2023, was very natural, making her one of its key faces. In 2006, she completed her training as a dermo-cosmetologist aesthetician and massage therapist at the E.E.E. (European School of Aesthetics, Lisbon). Tireless in her pursuit of knowledge about physical and emotional well-being, she has accumulated training in various areas over the years, such as manual lymphatic drainage and foot reflexology, enhancing her expertise in massage while also incorporating elements of a holistic approach. She began with Reiki and Karuna, followed by training in Bowen Therapy, a university extension course in Medicinal Biomagnetism and Bioenergetics applied to health, among others. Her constant quest for evolution, harmony, and excellence assures us that she will not stop here.

We invite you to discover a little more about Raquel and all that she can offer us as a therapist at M Wellness.

1. What makes M Wellness Spa special?
Self-care is a key essential for resting the body and helping to quiet the mind. M Wellness is open for business, serving as a preferred location for a healing journey. It is fundamental to focus on ourselves, to take a few hours or even a day to pamper ourselves. A great option is to enjoy the various treatments and massages available, as they bring indescribable benefits. It is crucial that each client feels cherished and special, which is why we have a team of professionals passionate about what they do, providing highly personalised service.

2. At some point, you felt the need to deepen your knowledge in holistic practicies. Please explain a little about this and how we can enjoy this aspect at our Spa.
Our body does not only need nourishment from what the earth provides; it also requires sustenance for the soul. Hence the importance of A.T.P., a molecule present in all living beings that serves as the primary form of chemical energy. It acts as a storage system that is activated when necessary for emotional and physical reactions. However, there are various factors in our lives today that can prevent messages from reaching specific organs correctly, generating conflicts and causing pathologies in the biological realm. The fascination with the holistic world and integrative practices was born from the need to seek out the true causes of somatisation of issues, whether real or not. Identifying the anatomical points in imbalance that are sustaining this information is a key to uncovering the conflict and, if possible, contributing to a better version of ourselves. We must not forget that the mind largely governs the vitality of the body. In this sense, the first and best contribution at M Wellness is to feel and listen to the client so that we can analyse and proceed with the correct care.

3. What is the importance, as a therapist, of working with a sustainable brand like Ignae?
Nature is a cornerstone of production at Herdade, particularly through wine, but at Malhadinha, we also respect Nature, and the concept of M Wellness is based on enjoying, respecting, and caring for it. The Portuguese line of Ignae products fits perfectly within our sustainability and responsibility concept. Ignae has developed transformational products allied to the latest biotechnology to enhance ingredients without compromising biodiversity or the natural ecosystem of botanical and marine resources. For instance, the product line aimed at skin anti-ageing has enabled the creation of treatment rituals for both face and body, suitable for both men and women. Moreover, the ingredients are sourced from the rare and pure ecosystem of the Azores, particularly from São Miguel Island, including thermal water, Japanese camellia, Japanese cedar, bakuchiol (a side-effect-free alternative to Retinal), and phycocyanin (a compound extracted from spirulina), among others.

4. Wine, honey, rosemary: three essential ingredients present in treatments at Malhadinha, tell us about these experiences.
Rosemary (Baccharis Dracunculifolia), or wild rosemary, known for being a popular herb that flourishes easily at Malhadinha, is a very versatile plant: in addition to being highly appreciated in gastronomy, its aroma is just one of its many properties, as it also aids in maintaining quality of life due to its antimicrobial, digestive, diuretic, calming, and antidepressant components. Honey is a natural food product of high energy value, rich in beneficial substances for our body’s balance; in addition to sugars and water, it contains proteins, vitamins, organic acids, and mineral salts. It has always been recognised for its therapeutic properties, including healing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral effects; it is also a promising anti-diabetic agent. Wine, on the other hand, is produced from grapes, another ingredient created by Nature, rich in various substances such as flavonoids and polyphenols (including tannins, catechins, and resveratrol), which have antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, protective, and neuroprotective actions. These substances aid in purifying and detoxifying the body, improving blood flow, assisting brain function, helping prevent cardiovascular diseases, promoting cellular regeneration, and enhancing hydration to avoid premature ageing. At M Wellness, I suggest the Bacchus Massage (individual or for couples), where you can enjoy these three ingredients (the wine and honey produced at Herdade; and the rosemary harvested in the fields). The ritual begins with the massage, followed by an aromatic bath and tasting of the products.