The Best Luxury Hotels in Madeira, Portugal

Perched on a clifftop surrounded by lush subtropical gardens, this luxury hotel has been welcoming guests for more than a century. There are 158 rooms and suites, heated outdoor pools, a club for children and tennis courts. A highlight is the spa area, which offers treatment rooms with private terraces overlooking the ocean. The Michelin-starred restaurant William is also unmissable – think beef fillet with flavours from Madeira’s Laurisilva forest. Fancy something more casual? There are three other restaurants to choose from, plus a cocktail bar and an afternoon tea terrace.

Looking for a luxury escape with designer cred? The Savoy Palace in the heart of Funchal’s Old Town has bold, curvaceous architecture and opulent interiors showcasing shining metalwork, marble and contemporary mosaics. Celebrating a special occasion? Book a pool ocean suite for a premium experience. Each suite has a private plunge pool and wraparound deck with ocean and city views. For serious indulgence book the Presidential Suite, which features two ensuite bedrooms and an indoor-outdoor pool. Choose to chill in the rooftop lounge or amid the terraced gardens, or soak in the spa with a hydrotherapy treatment.

Planning a family holiday? This luxurious resort overlooking the bay of Funchal offers a variety of spacious family rooms, including the premium family sea view room with two bedrooms and a lounge area. While parents enjoy a treatment at the Spa Thalasso, kids will be kept entertained at the complimentary Aquatica Kids World, which has games, crafts and a pool. When it comes to dining, there are seven options, from Japanese at Koi Sushi to Sabor a Mar, which offers fresh seafood just steps from the ocean. Meanwhile, kids will love the affordable pizza and pasta dishes at Mamma Mia.

Foodies will be well looked after at The Cliff Bay, a tranquil resort that dominates a natural promontory looking out over the Atlantic. The highlight is the two Michelin-starred Il Gallo d’Oro restaurant, which pairs Portuguese wines with dishes crafted from the finest local ingredients – Madeiran fish soup; signature foie gras. For more casual dining, enjoy barbecue dishes by the sea at The Blue Lagoon, fresh seafood such as king crab and prawn timbale at Avista, or take a classic afternoon tea amid ancient palms in the landscaped gardens. In between dining, relax at one of the three pools, or learn to dive in the Atlantic.

This contemporary hotel located in a shopping and office complex is ideal for those planning an extended stay in Madeira, with discounted rates for long stays. Guests will find everything they need to feel at home, with a rooftop swimming pool and jacuzzi, spa and fitness centre and free parking. Enjoy a meal at Uva rooftop restaurant and wine bar, or eat al fresco in the Terra Lounge Restaurant. Business travellers are also catered for with a fully equipped conference room.

Immerse yourself in nature at this small garden hotel nestled in green hills. This charming Madeiran quinta (manor house), which dates back to the 18th century, has 31 double rooms, four historical junior suites, four premier suites and an expansive presidential suite, all with views of the lush gardens and pool. The gardens, however, are the real highlight, with more than 500 different species of plants, including rare species and ancient trees, planted over 2.5ha (6 acres).

Step back in time at this four-star boutique hotel set in five historic buildings in the heart of Funchal’s Old Town. There’s the 18th-century craft atelier, a 19th-century mansion and three early 20th-century industrial buildings accessed through an internal courtyard. Original details have been preserved throughout, including antique furnishings, stone archways and exposed timber ceilings. The 81 rooms combine these nods to the past with bright modern design classics and for your scenery fix, there’s a lap pool with panoramic views over the Bay of Funchal.

This elegant yacht club is home to a boutique hotel with just 20 rooms, a spa, two restaurants, gym, tennis courts and a library. The rooms are decorated with bespoke furniture, traditional hand-painted Portuguese tiles and refined timber. There are also two luxurious villas for larger groups, one with a private pool, just a seven-minute drive away in sunny Caniço de Baixo. Keen golfers will love the location of The Albatroz, just 10 minutes from Santo da Serra, a course with views over the sea and mountains. Guests even receive special rates when playing.

If you want to learn to dive, this five-star hotel with the Atlantic Ocean as its back garden is surely the only choice. There’s a dive centre on-site, where guests can learn to dive or book boat excursions to explore what lies beneath. Or, splash about in the two enormous outdoor saltwater swimming pools. If you’d rather stick to activities on dry land, book a session at the spa, get your hair done by one of the island’s most popular hairdressers, play a round of mini-golf or enjoy a meal at one of the six restaurants and bars. For local delicacies book a table at the Taverna Grill – you won’t be disappointed.

Searching for luxury self-catering accommodation that has all the facilities of a fun, family-friendly resort? Suite Hotel Eden Mar occupies the eastern part of the Vila Porto Mare resort and importantly, guests have access to all the amenities. There are five restaurants, four bars, an ice-cream parlour, five pools, a spa and a sports field. Each of the 146 luxury suites has a fully equipped kitchenette, allowing guests to cook their own meals. Want to eat out? Try the Med Restaurant, which offers a set menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as roasted sea bass with scallops and asparagus.