MADEIRA ISLAND, LEVADAS, QUINTAS AND BOTANICAL GARDENS WITH MALVERN WORLD TRAVEL

At Malvern World Travel, we are lucky that we get to see many varied and diverse Destinations. Madeira is one of those destinations that is stunning, beautiful and has a wealth of good Quality hotels and Historic Country Style ” Quintas” and Estalagems”
Enjoying an excellent year round climate, stunning scenery and superb quality hotels Madeira is the perfect holiday destination for those wanting to escape the stresses of everyday life. The people are friendly and there are few places where you would enjoy better or more courteous service.
The Island of Eternal Springtime, Lovers’ Isle, Pearl of the Atlantic, Floating Garden of the Atlantic are just a few of the epithets awarded to Madeira, the largest of the islands in the Madeiran Archipelago which also includes the sand and sea worshippers’ island of Porto Santo, and the uninhabited islands of the Selvagens and Desertas. Located 400 miles west of Morocco and 600 miles from the European mainland, the islands are located on similar latitudes to Bermuda and Los Angeles and enjoy a good year round climate.
Madeira is the tip of a gigantic mountain protruding from the ocean depths and the variations in altitude provide a variety of natural habitats from stunning coastal scenery to soaring mountainous peaks. The central area is volcanic in origin although you need have no fears – the last eruption is thought to have occurred 1.7 million years ago!
The island is 35 miles long and 16 miles wide and its subtropical climate and moderate rainfall provide an environment where lush vegetation prevails and exotic flowers bloom all year. The water temperature is also pleasant year round due to the warming influences of the Gulf Stream. Although there are no golden sand beaches the island boasts a few manmade beaches and there are numerous lidos and wonderful hotel pools overlooking the ocean or situated in magnificent tropical gardens which make Madeira an ideal destination for sun worshippers.

Nature & Tradition

Madeira’s rich history provides many places of interest. Amidst the natural beauty you can discover small traditional villages, seek out interesting churches and museums and enjoy various festivals with the locals who delight in sharing their many celebrations with visitors.

Heritage, Politics & Population

Madeira has a diverse cosmopolitan heritage resulting from various invasions and occupations and in the 17th century Madeira became a significant part of the trading routes between Europe and the New World, specifically the Portuguese colony of Brazil. There is a major British influence, which is a throwback to the Napoleonic Wars when friendly occupation by the British finally ended in 1814. The British were particularly instrumental in Madeira’s booming wine sales, a trade which was only overtaken in the 20th century by the tourism industry.
The 25th of April, a National Holiday, is celebrated in honour of the 1974 revolution when Madeira was designated an Autonomous Political Region and since 1976 the region has been governed by the charismatic Alberto Joao Jardim who alongside his popular Social Democratic Party is expected to be re-elected until 2011. Madeira and Porto Santo together have a population of 260,000 with approximately half living in Funchal, the capital. Portuguese is the national language although English is widely understood and often spoken more precisely than a native English speaker!
There is a Wealth of Information about Madeira on Wikipedia Just click this link.

Cuisine

In Madeira you can eat healthily and heartily, and relatively inexpensively. There’s a ready supply of superb fish and locally grown vegetables and no end of tasty fresh fruit.
Typical starters include Portuguese vegetable soup, caldo verde, and fish and bread soup, acorda. Main courses for meat lovers include lamb stew with fresh vegetables and potatoes, estufada de carneiro and skewered beef, espetada, which is normally served with polenta (fried maize), milho frito. The locally caught Espada, Scabbard Fish, can be enjoyed simply grilled with lemon, or the more traditional battered version served with deep fried locally grown bananas!

Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace

As Prince Leon of Lignac said ‘There are many hotels, there are few good hotels and there is only one Reid’s’. Reid’s Palace is undoubtedly one of the world’s most famous hotels and afternoon tea at Reid’s is to Madeira what the changing of the guard is to London. Served since the hotel opened in 1891, every afternoon, tea, scones, sandwiches and a choice of delicious ‘fancies’ are savoured in sumptuous surroundings to a delightful piano accompaniment. Reservations for afternoon tea can be made via the hotel reception. The cost is approximately €29 per person.

Funchal

Approximately half the island’s population lives in Funchal; the centre of town is especially busy where the 16th century streets attempt to cope with 21st century traffic! Most of the hotels are located west of the city centre at Funchal Lido – an important tourist area with shops, restaurants and cafes. The style is changing, however, with colonial mansions being converted into luxurious hotels although many enclaves and the port still retain an old fashioned feel mixed with the commercial buzz of its working environment and the port area provides a fabulous vantage point to gaze at the rich (and sometimes famous) as cruise ships moor up for their overnight stops.

The City

A short walk from the port is the old part of town, interesting to meander through during the day and excellent to visit in the evening when cafes and restaurants spill out onto the streets allowing you to enjoy al fresco dining. During the day the streets and old squares of Funchal are alive with flower sellers. With the blue sea in front, the greenery of the mountains behind and the pavements a mass of vibrant colours of arum lilies, birds of paradise and amaryllis flowers, you can wander for hours.
There is interesting 16th century architecture, a smattering of worthwhile museums and, if you love to shop, you can easily while away a morning or afternoon in the designer shops or at the local market which is well worth a visit – packed with local produce and heaps of freshly caught espada (scabbard fish).
A ‘must do’ during your stay in Funchal is to travel up in the cable car to Monte. The journey takes 15 minutes and there are wonderful views on the way up and from the top. A fun outing at the top is to visit Quinta do Monte for a typical Madeiran drink ‘Poncha’, then with a light head, toboggan back on one of the infamous wooden sleds!

Walking

Madeira is an island of exceptional natural beauty and has always been recognised as a walkers’ paradise. Two thirds of the island is designated a conservation area where rare flora and fauna abound and in 1999 UNESCO classified the ancient Laurissilva Forest as a World Heritage Site.
Exotic species including strelitzia, authurium, cymbidium orchid, wild camellia, mimosa, agapanthus, poinsettia and hydrangea are among the thousands of flowers that bloom each year and for tree lovers’ there are jacarandas, frangipanis, eucalyptus and australian flame trees. Vineyards and banana plantations abound alongside avocado, fig, guava, pineapple and market vegetables.

Levada Walking

To appreciate fully Madeira’s spectacular scenery and varied topography, you really need to walk a part of the levadas; a 500-mile network of irrigation channels that feed water down from the mountains. Paths and steps were built alongside the man-made water channels for maintenance purposes and it is these tracks that now form the island wide web of levada walks. Yoo can simply buy a map and follow your own trail but you may find it easier and more enjoyable to join a walking tour organised and led by professional hikers. Levada walks are graded from simple strolls to more challenging and longer walks. Please note that stout walking shoes are recommended.

Gardens of Madeira

Madeira’s subtropical climate plus a wonderful combination of indigenous and imported plants combine to produce gardens that are the envy of horticulturists from all over the world. Garden-lovers must visit the Botanical Gardens in Funchal, the public gardens and the Tropical Gardens at Monte, and the beautiful Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro gardens.

Monte and Camacha

A cable car from Funchal rises high above the city to Monte where you can visit the twin towered Church of our Lady of Monte and the beautiful public gardens. Return to Funchal by traditional toboggan, cable-car or on foot. Most of the wicker products sold in Funchal are made in and around the sleepy village of Camacha where you can watch weavers at work before purchasing picture frames, baskets and peacock-thrones!

Island Tours

There are various routes around this beautiful island. An eastern island tour includes Pico de Arieiro, the third highest peak offering magnificent views, the village of Santana famous for its traditional thatched roofed houses, the vineyards at Quinta do Furao, and the small fishing village of Machico. A western island tour takes in Camara de Lobos, a picturesque village once captured on canvas by Sir Winston Churchill, Cabo Girao, reportedly the highest sea cliff in Europe, Paul da Serra, a magnificent plateau at 1,600 metres and Porto Moniz, famed for its natural rock pools.

Golf

Madeira is home to two championship courses and both offer stunning yet very different views. The Palheiro course looks out over the Bay of Funchal and gardens, and the Santo da Serra course has views over the neighbouring islands and valleys below.

Casa Velha do Palheiro, Sao Goncalo, Funchal

Peaceful and luxurious: ideal for Palheiro Gardens and golf
In an elevated position some 20 minutes drive from Funchal, Casa Velha is a peaceful country retreat nestled between the Palheiro Gardens and the magnificent 18-hole championship Palheiro Golf Course. This attractive country house was once the hunting lodge of the Conde de Carvalhal in the 19th century. Casa Velha has been transformed into an elegant country hotel for guests seeking a comfortable retreat in beautiful and natural surroundings. This small country quinta is conveniently located for golf and botanical enthusiasts. A member of Relais & Châteaux.

A beautiful Property with Charm and stunning gardens, Ideal for those who enjoy playing golf and you have the lovely Palheiro Gardens on your doorstep for any non-golfers. Superb Cuisine, Very highly rated for Couples, Romantics, golfers and garden enthusiasts. To Book contact Malvern World Travel on 01684 562406 or e-mail [email protected]

Porto Mare Hotel, Funchal

Stunning resort hotel
Adjacent to its sister hotel, the popular Suite Hotel Eden Mar, in the main resort area of Funchal, Porto Mare is part of the Porto Bay Group portfolio of hotels which also includes The Cliff Bay and Porto Santa Maria. Porto Mare is integrated in the Vila Porto Mare Resort and offers guests a wide range of amenities including a spa facility as well as a variety of restaurants and bars. The hotel boasts large outdoor pool areas and superb Atlantic views.

A Modern Hotel, a little out of the Centre of Funchal but there is a courtesy shuttle Bus. Very well Laid out with nice public areas and lovely indoor and outdoor pools, a Great Family Hotel . Hotel rooms are nicelt decorated and spacious. Very highly rated for a Family Holiday. To Book contact Malvern World Travel on 01684 562406 or e-mail [email protected]

Quinta Bela Sao Tiago, Funchal

Warm and welcoming with superb ocean views
Originally built in 1894, this property has been transformed into a good standard 4 star hotel retaining all of its traditional qualities. The location offers wonderful views over the bay of Funchal and is ideally situated for exploring the old town. The grounds include well-kept gardens, an orchard and a banana plantation. The hotel’s restaurant, in the original building, serves both regional and international dishes and aperitifs can be enjoyed in the cocktail bar as the sun sets. Good traditional service is on offer and nothing is too much trouble for the hotel staff. This hotel is participating in Classic’s loyalty scheme.

A traditional Quinta in a great location, being very central for walks into the Old Town and Harbour. Rooms are nicely decorated and There are lovely views from the swimming pool area. Staff are friendly and there is a nice Restaurant for those that might not want to venture into town in the evening. Highly rated for it’s central location. To Book contact Malvern World Travel on 01684 562406 or e-mail [email protected]

CS Madeira Atlantic Resort & Sea Spa, Funchal

Perfect oceanfront setting, beautifully styled
As soon as you step in to the attractive reception area and gaze through the impressive clear windows, you will have the sensation that you have chosen a wonderful hotel which is situated almost ‘on the ocean’. The hotel offers a very tasteful selection of public areas with fine designer furniture and impressive personalised service to match. All guest bedrooms continue the stylish theme and the upgraded ocean view rooms are particularly recommended for their marvellous views out to the Atlantic Ocean. The spa centre within the hotel really is a ‘must visit’ and the large ocean deck swimming pools offer a very relaxing spot to soak up the warm Madeira sunshine, all of which are complemented by some fine garden areas. In the evenings a number of stylish dining opportunities are available including the new Mamma Mia Italian restaurant.

Since my Visit to this hotel, it has changed it’s name to the CS Madeira (formerly Crowne Plaza), and I believe has had various enhancements and Improvements. During our Visit We nicknamed it the “Habitat Hotel” and The main lounge area was something more reminiscent of being in an airport departure lounge” There is a lovely Lido area in front of the Hotel reached by Lifts from the two blocks of the Hotel and i believe that enhancements have greatly improved the Indoor swimming Pool Area. Highly rated but not maybe to everybody’s taste.To Book contact Malvern World Travel on 01684 562406 or e-mail [email protected]

Quinta do Monte Hotel & Panoramic Gardens, Monte Madeira

Peace and tranquility overlooking Funchal
The elegantly restored Quinta do Monte can be found in the historical leafy village of Monte high above the capital, Funchal. The hotel offers spacious and very comfortable rooms all of which benefit from excellent views of the peaceful and well-kept gardens that surround the property. Relaxation and tranquility is the order of the day at Quinta do Monte although Funchal centre is easily accessible by cable car or courtesy bus. The hotel houses a library and reading room, gym, an a la carte restaurant and piano bar as well as a small chapel within the grounds. A member of the Charming Hotels Madeira group

A loveley Hotel just a short walk away from the Top of the Monte Cable car. Set in a peaceful area with lovely views. The rooms are spacious and adequate and there is a lovely Octagonal Sunroom for dining. The Hotel overlooks Botanical gardens and close By is the famous Toboggan Run. I Would suggest that if you treat the hotel as a Very good 3 star plus you won’t be disappointed. Ideal for those looking for a Walking Holiday base, or Total Peace and Relaxation, yet Funchal is within easy reach by car in 10-15 minutes.To Book contact Malvern World Travel on 01684 562406 or e-mail [email protected]

Quinta da Bela Vista, Funchal

Exclusive and sophisticated with warm Madeiran hospitality
Located in an elevated position with spectacular views over Funchal and the surrounding area this traditional style manor house has been restored to a luxurious standard complemented by the finest antiques. Within the well-maintained grounds there are three buildings; the main building and two garden wings that are all furnished to a very high standard. Quinta da Bela Vista has an excellent reputation for its first-class cuisine. Twin deluxe rooms with balcony are highly recommended

One of my favourite Hotels in Madeira, A Lovely entrance to this delightful Quinta . New blends in with Old.Spacious Rooms and suites and well worth upgrading to higher grade of accommodation. The Public areas and Rooms are full of Period furniture that blend in with newer more modern furniture.There are delightful well maintained Gardens with great Views overlooking funchal. Very highly recommended .To Book contact Malvern World Travel on 01684 562406 or e-mail [email protected]

Quinta da Casa Branca, FunchalMadeira

Relax and unwind in a haven of peace and tranquillity
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre situated in a residential area and close to shops and restaurants, Quinta da Casa Branca is surrounded by lush green vegetation. The hotel is of a very comfortable standard and emphasis is given to the quality and efficiency of its personal service. The spacious lounge and terrace bar in the main building offer unique views overlooking the hotel’s extensive mature gardens. The adjacent old building, decorated in a traditional style, serves as the hotel gourmet restaurant in the evenings, with buffet breakfast and lunch served in the Garden Pavilion restaurant. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Lee Harrison of Malvern World Travel Says

A lovely Hotel with a Very unusual reception area in a seperate building to the main parts of the Hotel .The Hotel has several spacious indoor and outdoor areas where guests are invited to simply relax. A lounge/library is on hand where guests can borrow books free of charge for their holiday reading, card games can also be found.The Hotel is set among the gardens of a “Quinta”, a 12.000 m² large garden estate.It has a rich and vast flora comprising of many tropical plants and trees from all over the world.
To Book contact Malvern World Travel on 01684 562406 or e-mail [email protected]

The Cliff Bay, Funchal Madeira

A luxurious and restful holiday awaits you
The Cliff Bay enjoys a superb location perched on the cliff top with the majority of rooms overlooking the ocean. This stylish and luxurious hotel offers a wealth of facilities and amenities. The attractive wellappointed bedrooms offer every comfort and the hotel is located close to the many resort facilities. The hotel boasts beautiful gardens and outdoor pools with direct access to the ocean. Guests will delight in the fantastic spa facility which ensures a relaxing and revitalising holiday, and the excellent Il Gallo d’Oro gourmet restaurant, recently awarded Madeira’s first and only Michelin star. Twin ocean view upper floors rooms are particularly recommended. They are positioned within the top four floors of the hotel and guests enjoy upgraded amenities including a complimentary soft drinks minibar. A member of the Porto Bay Group.

One of the Top Hotels in Madeira and The Cliff Top location gives great and stunning views. Well worth upgrading to higher category of room if affordeable. It is important to book early for Cliff Bay especially for Peak periods such as easter,Christmas and New Year. If You prefer a Modern Hotel to one of the more traditional Quinta Hotels, Cliff Bay would Certainly be our Top Tip.
To Book contact Malvern World Travel on 01684 562406 or e-mail [email protected]

Quinta Jardins do Lago, Funchal Madeira

Charming 18th century quinta offering every comfort
Located in an elevated position overlooking Funchal stands this elegant quinta. It has been wonderfully transformed into a luxury property whilst retaining the character and beauty of the original 18th century manor house. The swimming pool is situated within the six acres of botanical gardens along with an ornamental lake and the quinta’s giant pet tortoise, Colombo. Whether you stay in the original building, or the new wing, you will find all rooms are furnished to a high standard with southern views overlooking the exquisite gardens. A charming breakfast room with garden terrace features an unique 16th century ceramic wall panel. Dinner can be taken in the elegant evening restaurant where Madeiran specialities vie with international cuisine.

I absolutly love this charming Quinta Hotel.Beautiful gardens with lovely views. The Rooms are nice and spacious and it’s well worth upgrading to a higher room category. The Public rooms are tastefully furnished and there is a nice size swimming pool in the Gardens. VERY HIGHLY recommended.If You Prefer a Traditional Style Quinta Property than some of the more Modern Hotels, Then Quinta Jardins do Lago Would be our number one choice.
To Book contact Malvern World Travel on 01684 562406 or e-mail [email protected]

Reid’s Palace, Funchal Madeira

Close to perfection . . .traditional yet fashionable
Reid’s is a long-standing member of The Leading Hotels of the World and owned by Orient-Express Hotels. The atmosphere has changed little and whilst retaining appeal for traditional guests, it has broadened its appeal to satisfy the everincreasing number of younger clientele. For more than one hundred years Reid’s has been one of the world’s most famous hotels and for today’s discerning guest, it offers the ideal combination of old world charm, attentive service and the best in modern amenities. Afternoon tea at Reid’s is to Madeira what the changing of the guard is to London. Served since the hotel opened in 1891, every afternoon, tea, scones, sandwiches and a choice of delicious ‘fancies’ are savoured in sumptuous surroundings to a delightful piano accompaniment. Set in ten acres of lush semi tropical gardens and overlooking the Atlantic, Reid’s features an excellent variety of fine restaurants, lounges and bars, many with splendid ocean views. This is a truly magical place.

An iconic Hotel set in beautiful grounds. Reids Palace is in a very good location with beautiful gardens and spectacular views, and the minute you set foot into the Hotel you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to another era. Families are very well looked after and Children even have their own Madeiran styled Wendy House in the Gardens. Afternoon Teas just have to be done, but at a price. Reids Palace might not suit everybody, especially due to the High Prices, but it is Somewhere you should Visit for that special Occasion or special celebration or Anniversary and treasure the experience. VERY HIGHLY recommended.
To Book contact Malvern World Travel on 01684 562406 or e-mail [email protected]