BY RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
Body
Madeira Island, Portugal has been called the “Island of Eternal Spring”, and it’s an appropriate moniker.
A lush volcanic island in the Atlantic, it’s closer in proximity to Morocco (only 320 miles away) than to its country’s mainland, which is 600 miles away.
The island is known for its dramatic cliffs, subtropical gardens, scenic hikes, year-round mild weather and from what I experienced while there – its wind and rainbows.
I began my first night outside the main capital of Funchal at the Saccharum Resort & Spa, which was built on what was once a honey-production factory and mill for the manufacture of sugar cane rum.
To that end, when you step inside the Saccharum you’ll immediately feel homage paid to the land’s roots and former glory.
The décor is an easy contemporary design, compliments of designer Nini Andrade Silva, who created the concept for this high-end, 5-star resort.
In fact, Saccharum Resort and Spa has received a number of international accolades including Best European Interior Design and World Luxury Spa Hotel in Portugal.
The hotel’s interior focuses on brown brick, stained concrete floors and honey-colored marks complemented with photographs from the days of the property’s production of sugar cane and honey.
Located in the municipality of Calheta, this is the largest parish by population in the area with rural settings, strong vegetation, and stunning North Atlantic Ocean views.
From the Saccharum, which is the Latin name for the sugar cane arriving on the island in 1425, you can walk to Calheta Beach in about 10 minutes.
Also, at the Saccharum Resort take the time to enjoy the spa with a variety of treatments and a unique mosaic-tile indoor pool.
The property has several restaurants and bars, and after a short jaunt to Calheta for a peek at the Casa das Mudras Arts Center I spent my time poolside near the outdoor restaurant.
You’ll also want to explore the Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse or consider a whale or dolphin watching excursions. This can be booked from Calheta with a chance to see the common and bottlenose dolphins and Pilot and Sperm whales.
In fact, the beaches and hiking usually take center stage while enjoying a few nights in this laid-back town.
After Calheta, make your way to Funchal.
Madeira’s Savoy Palace is a well-loved five-star property in Funchal and is situated in the perfect location to walk just about anywhere of importance in the city.
The rooms are inspired by Madeira’s nature and cultural heritage, and some suites have plunge pools along with panoramic Atlantic views.
There are a number of restaurants to choose, but at least one night you must enjoy Galáxia Skyfood since it’s one of Madeira’s most exclusive rooftops.
There are also bars that cater to different moods and meals onsite as well as a poolside grill and pizza, and a cigar bar.
The pools include a rooftop infinity pool, huge outdoor pool and solarium, a kids-only pool, and a heated indoor pool adjacent to the spa.
The Laurea Spa – one of the largest hotel spas in Portugal/Europe – offers treatment rooms, sauna, Turkish bath, jacuzzi, steam & sensory showers, ice fountain, a halotherapy room, and a champagne & nails bar.
Just a short walk from the Savoy Palace you’ll find the brightly colored old town Zona Velha with lovely painted doors, a short walk to the seafront promenade and marina, and there is the Mercado dos Lavradores and the cable car to Monte to add to your bucket least while exploring too.
The ‘Old Zone’ boasts history with a modern plot twist since the old merchant’s houses and 19th-century fishermen’s cottages are now part of Funchal’s nightlife and restaurant area.
There are heritage buildings, such as churches, and architectural designs to discover in the old town, distinguishable of the city’s historical periods with narrow cobbled streets taking you back in time.
On the east end of old town you’ll find Capela do Corpo Santo, the old fishermen’s chapel called the Chapel of the Holy Body from the 15th-century.
There is also a Hat Factory called Fábrica de Hats, which has been in the same location for over 60 years.
Madeira’a Botanical Garden is worth a stop for exotic plants and a broad view that will introduce you to the island’s flora.
Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO Site, is located on Madeira with an ancient subtropical rainforest and a unique biodiversity.
For wine lovers, a Madeira wine tasting experience is worth an afternoon. The wine from this island is unique because of its deliberate heating and oxidation process that is said to duplicate old sea voyages that give this wine high acidity, with nutty and caramel flavors.
The food experiences on Madeira Island include Espetada (beef skewers on laurel sticks), and Bolo do caco (garlic flatbread) alongside a glass of Madeira wine.
Madeira Island’s dramatic scenic views packed onto an island that is only 35 miles long and 14 miles wide with fewer tourists, a mild climate year-round, and a chance to mix adventure with relaxation make this island the perfect paradise any time of year.
