Reid's Palace   (5*)

The setting of the luxurious Reid's Palace

Reid's Palace is owned by Orient Express and has a reputation as one of the finest hotels in the world. It is set in a stunning position on a cliff top overlooking the bay of Funchal, amongst 10 acres of semi-tropical gardens. The location is perfect, being within walking distance of Funchal’s shops, restaurants and night-life.

There are pictures of Winston Churchill on the walls who stayed here while writing his war memoirs, and in a tradition that goes back to the opening in 1891, afternoon tea is still served on the terrace which has wonderful views over the bay.

Hotel Images

Outdoor restaurant

Outdoor terrace

Classic room

Features

• 2 heated swimming pools
• 2 tennis courts (a pro is also available)
• Spa, with a wide variety of massages and treatments
• Water sports such as scuba diving
• Cocktail bar
• Hairdresser
• Full service spa with every treatment room having an ocean view and a private terrace
• 500 square foot gymnasium with sauna and steam room
• Shop
• Courtesy bus to the centre of Funchal
• 30% discount off the green fees at the Palheiro and Santo da Serra golf courses
• Resident dance band
• Fishing
• Levada walks
• Dancing classes
• Wine tasting
• Babysitting

Rooms

Enjoy luxurious beds and marble bathrooms in all rooms, which also have air-conditioning, TV, mini-bar, radio, safe, hairdryer and bathrobes. They all have balconies or a terrace with views of the ocean or the harbour.

Restaurants

• Villa Cipriani is an informal Italian restaurant with wonderful sea views from the cliff top.
• The Dining Room is a turn of the century restaurant with a grand Edwardian style ambience. In this restaurant a jacket and tie are required to be worn.
• Les Faunes is a French restaurant with views of the bay of Funchal
• Brisa do Mar is a seasonal al fresco French restaurant with sea views
• Pool terrace - for light lunches beside the pool
• Tea Terrace - this is where you come for traditional afternoon tea, with scones, sandwiches, cakes and of course tea
• The Garden Room restaurant is where you take breakfast, and has stunning views of the sea. Fresh juices and champagne are served with your breakfast.

The Resort

• Madeira is a stunning mountainous island north of the Canary Islands with a warm healthy climate all year round and plenty to do such as walking, relaxing, enjoying good food, or wandering around one of the many beautiful botanical gardens.
• There are two main types of accommodation - as well as the typical hotels you also have the chance to stay in a 'quinta' which is an old manor house that has been transformed in to a hotel. There are several around Funchal, and we have listed some of the best ones here, but all have certain things in common. There is much more personal service and attention to detail, the atmosphere is cosy and homely, and you feel like you are being welcomed in to someone's house rather than a big hotel. Most also have superb gardens o enjoy as well as little touches such as libraries and lounges.
• Please ask us for advice as we know many of them very well and will be happy to advise which might be most suitable. We have an excellent relationship with many quintas in Madeira, and so if you have any special requests please don't hesitate to ask! Most will go out of their way to help you.

Trips and Excursions

• Enjoy the weather! Even between November and February, there is an average of 6 hours sunshine per day and warm temperatures. The warming effect of the Gulf Stream keeps water temperatures between 17C and 22C so that you can enjoy swimming all year round.
• Walking the Levadas - these are old irrigation channels which have now been developed into a 500 mile series of beautiful walks with superb scenery along the way. You will always be able to find a walk to suit, whether a simple stroll or something more challenging. Maps are plentiful. Otherwise there are many organised walks you could join.
• Food - is exceptionally good and inexpensive, and as well as the hotels, there are a wide variety of delightful restaurants in Funchal from basic rustic style to more classic restaurants with an international flavour
• Afternoon tea at Reid's - this is one of the world's most famous hotels and ever since 1891 you have been able to buy afternoon tea, scones and sandwiches in the sumptuous surroundings with a piano playing in the background
• Markets - there are many colourful markets in Funchal and the rest of Madeira selling flowers, fish, fruit, vegetables, clothes, handicrafts etc
• Gardens - head out to the Botanical Gardens for wonderful views over Funchal and to see examples of almost every plant that grows on Madeira, plus the resident parrots, parakeets and macaws
• Stroll around Funchal and visit the pretty marina, wander through the open parks, visit the 16th century cathedral in the heart of the town, the colourful farmers market, or the museums and galleries
• Take the cable car to Monte - this is a very picturesque village high above Funchal and makes a great day out
• Water sports - including catamaran cruises, whale and dolphin cruises, sailing, fishing, diving, sea kayaking etc
• Sports including golf, mountain bike hire, horse riding and levada walks
• Other Tours and Excursions - such as the island jeep safari, double decker tour of Funchal, ride up in the Madeira Balloon, visit the Madeira story centre, see the natural bathing pools of Porto Moniz, experience one of the world's highest sea cliffs at Cabo Girao, or the pretty inland villages
• Watch the sunset from Ponta do Sol
• Visit a wine lodge and samples the different varieties of Madeira wine

Other Information

A typical itinerary

The Weather

Prices for 7 nights

Because prices so frequently change we have given an estimated price here. Please call us for exact prices and we would be delighted to send you the full list. All prices include:

• Return flights from Gatwick (please call for possible flights from other airports)
• All Airport transfers
• 7 nights accommodation on Bed & Breakfast. Half Board is available at a supplement
• All airport taxes, fees, and full ATOL financial protection
• Services of a representative

Call us now on 01462 677 111 to check availability.

May	from £1075
June	from £1075
July	from £1150
August	from £1225
September	from £1125
October	from £1075

Contact us!

Welcome!
Come and talk to us face to face about your holiday plans.

Monday to Saturday 9am - 6pm     65 Station Road     Letchworth Garden City     Hertfordshire     SG6 3BJ     see map   01462 677 111         holidays@onyourtravels.co.uk