Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Madeira's legendary clifftop hotel since 1891, famous for afternoon tea.
Our insider guide
Reid's has welcomed royalty, writers and statesmen since the 19th century. Set in subtropical gardens on a cliff above the bay of Funchal, it is the island's most storied address.
Afternoon tea on the terrace is a ritual, and the gardens descend to saltwater pools at the sea.
Highlights
- Historic clifftop grand hotel
- Subtropical gardens
- Seawater pools
- Famous afternoon tea
Dining
Several restaurants, from classic fine dining to the poolside, plus the celebrated tea terrace.
A stay, imagined
Life at Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Picture your arrival: your driver meets you at Funchal Airport, the luggage is taken care of, and before long you are in Funchal, Madeira, where Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel waits. Madeira's legendary clifftop hotel since 1891, famous for afternoon tea.
Historic clifftop grand hotel and subtropical gardens set the tone for the days ahead. Several restaurants, from classic fine dining to the poolside, plus the celebrated tea terrace. It is a stay we recommend especially for couples, garden lovers, history lovers.
Beyond the hotel, Madeira unfolds at your own pace. Madeira rises steeply from the Atlantic, its cliffs draped in laurel forest, flowers and terraced gardens. Known as the island of eternal spring, it has welcomed travellers since the 19th century, when British families came for the mild climate and the wine.
Signature experiences
What to do in and around Funchal, Madeira
Levada walks
Guided walks along the irrigation channels through laurel forest.
Pico do Arieiro sunrise
Watch dawn above the clouds from the island's peaks.
Madeira wine tasting
Historic wine lodges and vintage Madeira tastings.
Monte gardens and toboggan
The cable car, gardens and the famous wicker toboggan ride.
A perfect day
A day in Madeira, with your driver
- Morning
Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, then breakfast back at the hotel.
- Midday
Levada walk with a private guide.
- Afternoon
Afternoon tea on a terrace above the ocean.
- Evening
Dinner in Funchal's old town.
Private chauffeur drive times
| Funchal Airport | 20–30 min |
| Funchal–Calheta | 40 min |
| Pico do Arieiro | 45 min |
| Porto Moniz | 1 h |
Approximate times by private Mercedes-Benz, outside rush hour.
The Magik note
We arrange levada walks and a private Monte toboggan ride with your driver.
How we include Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel in your journey
Every Portugal Magik journey starts with a private Mercedes-Benz and driver for every transfer and day out. We then reserve this hotel, the restaurant tables and the experiences around it, and pair Madeira with Lisbon or Azores at an easy pace.
See sample journeys →Begin your journey
Include Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel in your trip
Tell us your dates and wishes. We reserve the hotels, a private Mercedes-Benz with your own driver, and every table and experience in between.
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Independent editorial guide; Portugal Magik is not affiliated with Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel. Details change and we confirm availability when planning.