The familiar feeling of holiday heat washing over you in those first few steps back on land is always something to look forward to, and if Madeira is your destination of choice, an elevated experience awaits from the get-go. The in-airport Savoy Signature lounge is first – because queues and crowds simply aren’t in the Savoy vocabulary – followed by a Rolls Royce or limo journey to truly arrive in style. An oasis in the centre of Funchal, the hotel itself has a private entrance to whisk you quite literally to the height of luxury.
This hotel-within-a-hotel concept brings access to the amenities of popular Savoy Palace (think Portugal’s largest spa, an expansive outdoor pool and complimentary kid’s club), alongside a calming sanctuary exclusive to the uppermost floors. Spacious suites can be likened to luxury apartments, each with coastal views making the most of their prime location; pool suites with up to three bedrooms and the coveted Retreat are particularly impressive.
And when it comes to dining, there are seven restaurants to choose from. Fine dining is found at futuristic Galaxia, or on the chef’s table for Japanese cuisine at Nikkei, though many choose not to venture beyond The Reserve for most meals, preferring the Jacaranda Lounge terrace. À la carte breakfast or cocktail hour with a sea view here is enough to persuade anyone to request the Savoy yacht for the day.
Jacarandá Pool
Jacarandá Restaurant
Jacarandá Solarium
Laurea Spa
Deluxe Suite
Jacarandá afternoon tea
Nikkei restaurant
Corner Pool Suite
Laurea Spa
3 Bedroom Suite
Set on its own private peninsula above Funchal harbour, this distinguished property to which Winston Churchill retreated to write his war memoirs is an island institution.
Surrounded by pine trees and overlooking miles of unspoilt beach, Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection resort blends style and comfort with an expansive range of recreations.
The Algarve in its purest form is found at this full-on destination-resort, that has everything from golf programmes to fantastic family facilities... oh and impeccable Michelin-starred dining.
