Quinta da Bela Vista

Quinta da Bela Vista details

This award-winning hotel has got it all – colonial charm, luxurious rooms and gourmet restaurants.

This place has been a World Travel Award winner for the last four years, so you know you’re in for something special. Tucked up in the mountains and surrounded by 20,000 square metres of sub-tropical gardens, it’s got one of the best settings on the island.

A tree-lined driveway leads you to the hotel, a whitewashed mansion graced with wooden shutters and wrought-iron balconies. The place dates back to the 19th-century, and inside you’ll find plenty in the way of character and tradition. Think old wooden staircases, china-filled cabinets and candlelit corridors.

Step into the bedrooms and there’s more of the same. Floral-print soft furnishings and Victorian-style furniture give a nod to days gone by, while marble bathrooms add a luxurious touch. Plus you’ve got mod-cons in the form of air-conditioning and Cable TVs.

Outside, a big swimming pool is hidden away among lawns, fountains and flower-lined pathways. Smart wooden loungers line up along a wide sun terrace, offering up great views of the surrounding countryside. There’s a pool bar out here, too.

For sit-down meals, there are two restaurants to choose from. The main one lays on huge breakfast spreads, as well as a fixed menu later in the day. There’s an à la carte eatery, too, where gourmet dishes are served against a backdrop of carved woodwork and detailed tapestries.

Finally, when it comes to getting out and about, there’s a courtesy bus that’ll take you into the heart of Funchal in about ten minutes.