Island of eternal spring
Luxury hotels in Madeira
A subtropical Atlantic island of cliffs, laurel forest and flower gardens. Funchal's grand hotels are a tradition in themselves, with afternoon tea on terraces above the ocean.
- Historic grand hotels and garden quintas
- Levada walks and dramatic peaks
- Year-round mild climate
- Best time
- All year
- Arrival
- Funchal Airport, 20 to 30 minutes
The story of Madeira
Island of eternal spring
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.
Funchal, the capital, keeps that tradition alive with grand hotels, afternoon tea on terraces and botanical gardens. Beyond the city, levada trails follow irrigation channels through forest and mountains.
The island is perfect for travellers who want nature and comfort in equal measure, with superb food, fine Madeira wine and dramatic scenery around every bend.
The 8 hotels we recommend in Madeira
Madeira · Funchal
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Madeira's legendary clifftop hotel since 1891, famous for afternoon tea.
Madeira · Funchal
Les Suites at The Cliff Bay
An adults-only all-suite hotel within The Cliff Bay's gardens.
Madeira · Funchal
Savoy Palace
A glamorous modern palace with rooftop pools above Funchal.
Madeira · Funchal
Quinta da Casa Branca
A family quinta of gardens and garden rooms, a quiet retreat in Funchal.
Madeira · Funchal
Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
Five historic buildings in old Funchal, with a rooftop pool.
Madeira · Funchal
Quinta Jardins do Lago
An 18th-century quinta in botanical gardens above Funchal.
Madeira · Calheta
Saccharum
A sugar-themed resort on Madeira's sunny west coast.
Madeira · Funchal
The Views Baía
Contemporary sea-view rooms between old Funchal and the marina.
Signature experiences
What to do in 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.
Good to know
Planning a luxury stay in Madeira
When is the best time to visit Madeira?+
All year: the climate is mild in every season.
Is Madeira good for hiking?+
It is one of Europe's finest walking destinations.
How do I combine Madeira with mainland Portugal?+
Fly from Lisbon or Porto in under two hours.
Begin your journey
Plan your Madeira journey
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.