The escapist, Portuguese, sun-shine isle of Madeira has welcomed intrepid travellers and adventurers alike for centuries. And the favourite hotel of the island’s sophisticated visitors has long been the exquisite Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel.
In 1891, a luxury ocean liner docked in Madeira, and with it, a cargo of affluent British, Victorian holiday-makers looking to escape the dreary winter, their steamer trunks packed full of fineries for the ultimate winter of fun in the sun. The opulent Reid’s Palace hotel was their playground for the season and well over a century later, under the Belmond brand, the property continues to be the bastion of luxury on the island and retains that original, escapist spirit.
Teetering on a cliff-top with breathtaking views, amongst over ten acres of subtropical gardens, this mansion promotes ultimate privacy and discretion, with a cluster of pools on multiple levels down the cliff, and plenty of space to get lost in.
While Portuguese-African in location, you can expect a very British flavour – G&T on the lawn and the best high tea in this part of the North Atlantic. Add to that some contemporary flavour, literally at the Michelin-starred William restaurant.
Our suite was beautifully appointed, and fit the theme perfectly – old-world, glamourous and ‘charming’. In fact, there is a whole room category you can book that’s called ‘Charming’. Ours came complete with a balcony that overlooked the property’s verdant gardens, and the beckoning horizon beyond.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Sophisticate | FNC | GMT +1 |
| While you’re Out There |
| If you’re lucky or staying an entire week, make sure to make the manager’s drinks reception to hob-nob with other guests. They require guests to wear a jacket and tie to it, a tradition that hasn’t changed since the hotel opened. |
Photography courtesy of Belmond
