Just a short walk from the centre of Madeira’s lively capital Funchal, the new Savoy Palace is perhaps the island’s most impressive, and definitely its largest, luxury hotel.
Local architect Nini Andrade Silva has elegantly captured the Belle Epoque period of the earlier Savoy on the site, creating an extravagant hotel that succeeds in having more style and intimacy than many boutique hotels a tenth of its size.
Who for
Jacaranda Lounge Club
Luxury lovers looking for an indulgent stay in the heart of Madeira to enjoy great food, perfect pampering and consistently fine weather all year round. Couples are particularly well catered for with an adults-only rooftop sundeck, a fine-dining restaurant, an infinity pool and state-of-the-art spa. There are also family apartments as well as a children’s playroom and a dedicated kids’ pool.
Accommodation
The Savoy Palace has 352 chic guest rooms spread over 16 floors with 43 Suites and two Presidential Suites. All rooms enjoy custom fabrics, fine detailing, bespoke furniture, either Guerlain or Chopard amenities in the bathroom plus generous sea (and sunrise and sunset) facing balconies.
Our spacious suite on the 16th floor had a large rain shower, double basins, fine metalwork detailing and exclusive access to the Jacaranda Lounge and Club with its infinity pool and solarium.
Food & Drink
The Jacaranda’’s beautiful glass-walled space, plus its outdoor terrace, we found perfect for enjoying a la carte breakfast and lunch and a truly fabulous view. Guests can also have breakfast in the Hibiscus Restaurant, or visit the floral-themed Orchidaceae Atelier for a buffet breakfast and set menu dinners. The Alameda Restaurant has great grills and pizzas, as well as the local dish of black scabbard fish, while classic Portuguese snacks can be found in the Pau de Lume.
Galáxia Sky Bar
Galáxia Terrace
Above them all, literally, is Galáxia Skyfood on the 16th floor where we had what must be the best fine dining tasting menu in Madeira from chef Carlos Goncalves, all served under a glamorous star-flecked ceiling. We raved over Usuzukuri fermented fish mango, avocado and ponzu sauce, as well as the Catch of The Day (seabass) with prawns seaweed salad, pea puree and seafood sauce. Afterwards, the Galáxia Skybar, was the ideal place to end the evening sipping cocktails out in the open, while admiring the lights of Funchal below.
Facilities
This is a hotel that doesn’t hold back. The ground floor pool sinuously runs the length of the hotel surrounded by exotic greenery and delightful cabins resembling four poster beds.
Laurea Spa
The Laurea Spa, named for the island’s unique local Laurel tree, is apparently the largest in Portugal, and offers 11 kinds of treatment rooms, a champagne and nails bar and a fitness centre. Rooms all have fast internet, USB charging ports, Euro and UK mains sockets and TV’s packed with apps.
How much
Standard room rates start at 195 euros per night, breakfast included.
CHECK AVAILABILITY
What’s Nearby?
Head out to visit the Avenida Arriga Funchal’s historic centre with its Farmer’s Market, charming cafés, restaurants and bars. Here too is the cable car station that trundles you up to the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. Come down via a wicker toboggan, a bit scary but great fun. In town you can also organise jeep safaris around the island, walking and cycling tours for all abilities, visits to wineries and of course a round of golf.
The Marina is the place to book a diving experience, a boat ride out to fish, visit neighbouring islands, and view whales and dolphins. Or simply do as we did and cruise in a small yacht along the coast to take in the best views of Madeira’s sheer cliffs and impressive forests all while sipping local wines.
Verdict
The Savoy Palace lives up to its name with everything done just right and with the staff eager to ensure your stay is faultless. From its top-hatted doormen, vast menu of restaurants for every taste, its remarkable spa down to the oasis of its massive pool, The Savoy Palace offers all the style of a bygone age perfectly reimagined for the guest of today.