Madeira 2016
35 miles long and 16 miles wide, located off the North African coast, just above the Canary Islands
Sub-tropical climate with pleasant sea water temperatures all year round
Numerous lidos and wonderful hotel pools overlooking the ocean
Stunning views
Famous cuisine
Easy to explore by car, taxi or local bus
Worthy a visit any time of year
Wine festival first week in September
Activities and attractions to consider - a visit to Madeira Wine Lodge, Cable Car trip to Monte followed by Monte Toboggan, Botanical Gardens, Levada Walking Tours.
After a comfortable three hours 40 minute flight from Manchester we arrived into Funchal airport Madeira, soon to be re-named 'the Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo airport'
Our journey from the airport was a wonderful experience at this time of year with it being the festive season. Christmas lights and nativity scenes in abundance welcomed us to this beautiful island.
Our first port of call was our host hotel for the duration, the lovely hotel Porto Mare located a 30 minute walk from the main resort area of Funchal. It is adjacent to its sister hotel, the popular 'Eden Mare' along with 'The Residence' (timeshare) all forming the Vila Porto mare resort. A courtesy bus operates regular trips to and from the town centre. The Porto Mare has a wide range of facilities including its own spa, health club and gym as well as heated indoor pools and a super outdoor pool area set within 13000 square metres of stunning gardens offering over 500 varieties of plants. With 198 bedrooms and suites all with bathtub and with varying views this hotel is a popular choice for family groups, couples and singles alike.
With Madeira’s only two star Michelin restaurant, the Cliff Bay is in a super cliff top position close to the Porto Mare hotel and the ocean front promenade. This hotel is also a member of the Porto Bay hotel group and prides itself on its many repeat guests. With ten different room types and a super pool area with glorious views this hotel is sure to please.
Quinta Casa Branca is located in a quiet residential area twenty minutes’ walk from Funchal. Formerly the private residence of the hotel owners, the Manor House now features elegant and luxurious suites. Set in beautiful grounds with a large heated pool and a wide range of treatments available at the hotels own spa.
The comfortable three star Hotel Madeira has a high repeat clientele. Set in an envious position right in town with 52 bedrooms and suites this homely property features a roof terrace with pool as well as a cafe for light snacks and drinks.
‘Quintinha de Sao Joao’ is a super 5* property dating back to the 18th century. Only a short 15 minute walk into Funchal this family run property has 42 bedrooms and suites. With terrace bar and comfortable lounges, this is a very welcoming property where you would easily feel quickly at home – the guest relations lady here ‘Rosie’ really is a real asset. Also available is a spa with three treatment rooms along with indoor and outdoor pools.
The Pestana Grand Ocean Resort Hotel is part of the largest hotel chain in Madeira. The family owned ‘Pestana’ chain consists of nine hotels in Madeira and three on Porto Santo. This property offers very spacious bedrooms with wonderful ocean views (side ocean and land view rooms also available) and two large suites with full ocean views. There are a good variety of restaurant choices including a Moroccan option. From the hotel you can take a 5km promenade walk into Funchal. This hotel offers the largest outdoor pool in Madeira. Also on offer is complimentary spa entry for guests, complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary in-room safety deposit box, car parking and complimentary shuttle bus into Funchal. Ocean swimming is available from the lido.
Our next stop was a visit to the super ‘Casa Velha do Palheiro’ which dates back over 200 years. It’s a 20 minute drive into Funchal. With 24 hour reception and a golf course on site (€77 per round), you can play from the 10th hole from outside the hotel. This property is a member of Relais & Chateaux with rooms offering sitting areas, cable TV, minibar and safes. There are rooms with garden views (some golf course views too) and a very modern spa in comparison to the hotel style. Complimentary transport to Funchal and the golf course is available as is complimentary daily access to the wonderful Palheiro Gardens. These gardens are over 200 years old with an amazing variety of plants, flowers and trees – stunning!
We were also extremely fortunate to attend a hosted afternoon tea at Belmond Reid’s Palace Funchal. This superb property is set in subtropical gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is the ultimate place to stretch out in the sun and relax. Over the years this luxury hideaway has gained its reputation as one of the best hotels in Funchal. Activities are available to suit all including a fitness room and tennis court on offer on the hotel’s estate. Enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from one of the three luxurious swimming pools, two contain seawater, one of which is heated, and the other is heated with freshwater. The hotel has its own exclusive pool terrace or you can wander down to the sea level platform and jump straight into the ocean. This family friendly hotel features a children's pool, indoor play space and thatched playhouse and tennis courts supervised by Reid's Angels childminders. Child menus are available. A soundproofed technology room complete with Wii consoles, PlayStations, Macs and internet access is available for older children and teens.
In my opinion Madeira is suitable for all the family with a good climate all year round. There is a wide range of properties, from individual villas with private pools to the beautiful ‘Casa’ properties along with good standard three, four and five star luxury hotels.