ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I arrived on the inaugural United Airlines flight from Newark to Madeira and, after a warm welcome to the island, made my way to Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel, Madeira. Check-in was friendly and efficient: staff offered bottled water and, when my room was not yet ready, they stored my luggage and kindly directed me to the nearest restroom so I could freshen up before my first activity. Upon returning a short time later, my room was prepared and my bags were waiting.
GUEST QUARTERS: The guestroom layout is thoughtful and comfortable. To the left of the entrance is a spacious bathroom with both shower and bathtub, ample vanity space, bright lighting, multiple mirrors and a full set of toiletries. A short hallway leads into the main living and sleeping area.
© Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel, Madeira
A large built-in closet with full-length mirrored doors provided ample space for clothing, shoes and outerwear. One small convenience: the hairdryer was stored in the closet rather than the bathroom, and it was a Dyson model. The king-sized bed sat adjacent to the closet, flanked by a bedside table and a seating area. Opposite the bed, a desk with a small vanity offered workspace, and a coffee bar included a carafe of local Madeira wine. A television stood on a corner cabinet that concealed a fully stocked minibar. The room’s balcony looked out across the hotel’s manicured gardens toward the ocean, giving a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the views.
SERVICES AND AMENITIES: Reid’s Palace offers a wide range of amenities for guests. Dining options include several on-site restaurants and bars. The property’s spa delivers treatments and relaxation spaces, while the fitness center and tennis courts support active guests. Families will find a kids club, and outdoor water activities such as kayaks and paddle boards are available for exploration along the coast.
The hotel’s pool terrace features two heated pools—one freshwater and one seawater—and plenty of lounge chairs, some with ocean outlooks. For thrill-seekers, a pathway down the cliff leads to sea-level platforms with natural pools and diving boards that drop straight into the blue Atlantic. It’s a spectacular, memorable way to connect with the ocean. The concierge and front-desk teams are also helpful with planning and booking activities, from boat trips to guided island tours.
DINING AND BREAKFAST: Breakfast at Reid’s Palace is generous and varied. A well-stocked buffet presents seasonal fruits, fresh pastries, cured meats, cheeses and hot options, allowing guests to customize their start to the day. The hotel’s dining venues emphasize local ingredients and regional flavors, including selections of Madeira wine to sample during meals or as a welcome touch in the room.
LOCATION AND VIEWS: Perched along Madeira’s southern coast, the hotel combines historic charm with sweeping ocean panoramas. Several vantage points on the property provide dramatic views—whether from the pool terrace, a private room balcony, the terrace outside the lobby or other outdoor seating areas. The grounds are immaculately kept, with lush plantings and pathways that encourage leisurely strolls.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- For a thrill and a memorable experience, go down the cliff and jump from the diving board into the ocean—uncomfortable at first but ultimately exhilarating.
- Allow time to enjoy the extensive breakfast buffet; it offers fresh fruit, pastries, hot dishes and local specialties.
- Make sure to pause and take in the views: multiple terraces and outdoor spaces provide outstanding panoramas of the ocean and gardens.
REID’S PALACE, A BELMOND HOTEL, MADEIRA
Estrada Monumental 139
São Martinho 9000-098 Funchal, Portugal
tel 351 291 717 171