Madeira, nicknamed ‘The Floating Garden,’ is unquestionably one of the prettiest islands you can visit. Boasting stunning natural landscapes and an all-year-round summer climate, there is plenty to take advantage of, whether it be discovering the brightly colored and sweetly scented flowers in the majestical botanical gardens, the natural panoramic views from the soaring mountains or rugged views over the clear blue waters and wind-swept beaches.
Well known for its ‘Nevadas’ (a series of mini-canals developed by early settlers to distribute water around the island), Madeira also offers some of the most unique walking experiences for nature lovers. With plenty to see and the most beautiful places to stay, we have handpicked our top 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Madeira.
1. Sé Boutique Hotel in Funchal
Sé Boutique Hotel is situated on a quiet street without traffic and close to numerous shops, restaurants, bars, and transport options. A stylish hotel in a great location is truly the best place to stay in the heart of Madeira. Lying in the center of the city just a few meters from the Cathedral of Funchal, this urban luxury boutique hotel gets its cosmopolitan hotel decor from the unique characteristics of the historical cathedral – which was built in 1493 and offers great historical, architectural, and artistic value. Sé Boutique Hotel is also strategically located close to prestigious museums and within easy access to the city’s major attractions, including the Farmers Market, Cable Car, and Marina. This makes it a great choice for travelers who are interested in local food, old-town exploring, and city walks. Whilst staying at the hotel, guests can partake in a variety of activities, including discovering the city’s walking and running routes along the seafront and gardens in Funchal; surfing, golf, wine tasting, diving, and so much more.
Beautifully blending art and history with today’s modern comforts, Sé Boutique Hotel boasts an inner courtyard tropical garden, a rooftop bar with 360º seductive views over the city of Funchal, a vast collection of private art throughout the hotel for guests to savor, and 54 spacious rooms – all of which are comfortable and quiet, but the views over the street are particularly charming.
In terms of dining, the hotel truly excels in hospitality and service, offering delicious Mediterranean gastronomy in four unique destinations. Each one is relaxed and comfortable, offering dishes created with the freshest ingredients from their farm in Camacha. Healthy Mediterranean and Italian cuisine is served with strictly selected regional products, organic ingredients, and stand-out wines. Breakfast is served every morning at the ‘Cosi Scoozi’ Restaurant in the hotel and offers guests a lovely selection of hot food and continental choices. Having a relaxing drink in the rooftop bar alongside some delicious tapas has to be one of the highlights, though, as it provides the most amazingly seductive views over the city of Funchal and its terracotta-tiled city skyline. Just stunning!
2. Villa Alto Boutique Hotel
A little further up the southwestern coast of Madeira lies the charming historical village of Ponta do Sol, which means “sun point”, referring to the fact that the area receives more sunshine throughout the year than other parts of Madeira, making it the perfect location from which to enjoy your Madeira vacation. Villa Alto Boutique Hotel is an undeniable landmark in the village of Ponta do Sol, this unique rural Quinta hotel is perched at the top of a valley and boasts stunning views across the deep blue ocean and over the lush green mountainous landscape.
The hotel is found within a traditional Madeiran manor house built in the late 19th century that has been restored and preserved to bring out its original architectural flair, and the interior decor is reminiscent of traditional, rustic Madeiran farm homes. This tranquil Madeiran boutique hotel features a selection of well-appointed rooms and suites and a swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers and pretty violet agapanthus flowers with views across the valley and to the blue ocean below. Here you can truly disconnect because Wi-Fi access has intentionally been removed from the hotel rooms. However, it is available in all common spaces if you need to reconnect to the outside world. The friendly hotel staff are also always more than happy to help you explore this beautiful island and arrange tours and bookings accordingly.
The hotel restaurant serves up mouth-watering, homemade, regional flavors excellently created with fresh fruits and vegetables from the hotel gardens. The culinary concept revolves around plant-based, vegetarian cuisine, giving guests the opportunity to experience a variety of flavors, and there’s always a delicious homemade cake waiting for you too. For drinks, there is an honesty bar in a small nook with a delicious selection of drinks that you can enjoy, simply mark down the drinks you consume, and you can pay for them on check-out, then sit down, slow down, relax, and stay for a while enjoying the views. Bliss!
3. Quinta Jardins do Lago
Quinta Jardins do Lago is an elegant small hotel boutique hotel is situated 1.2 miles from the center of Funchal. It is a charming 18th-century Madeiran family home that offers 31 double rooms, four junior suites, and five suites, all facing south to the gardens and the sea. Each is designed to provide the best in modern functionality and traditional functionality comfort and style. Offering a variety of pleasant and relaxing areas, the main house has been refurbished and decorated to maintain its original ambiance. Outside, the 2.5 hectares of gardens are a peaceful retreat and include a tranquil lake nestled into them – if. However, if you are looking for something more energetic, the all-weather tennis court and gym are also available.
4. Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
Lining a cobbled street in Funchal next door to the Palace of the Jesuits, The Castanheiro Boutique Hotel awaits you. Converted from five heritage buildings dating from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, this stylish hotel offers 81 rooms and a lap pool with panoramic views over the bay. Again located in the historical center of Funchal and approximately 20 minutes by car from the airport, it is steps away from the city’s main sights and perfectly placed to visit the shops and restaurants in this pretty capital.
5. Estalagem Quinta da Casa Branca
This acclaimed hotel, set back from the road within beautifully lush botanical gardens, comprises a 20th-century manor house and a modern design boutique hotel featuring 41 rooms and 2 suites. Surrounded by beautiful large gardens, the glamorous Estalagem Quinta da Casa Branca feels far away from the bustle of Funchal, although a 20-minute stroll will bring you to the city center and the airport is a mere 25-minute drive away. It is a perfect hotel for a relaxing and indulgent stay close to nature.
6. Estalagem da Ponta do Sol
The 54-room Estalagem da Ponta do Sol hotel, with its restaurant, bars, and many chillout areas, sits on the cliff top overlooking little Ponta do Sol and the sea. The views are just stunning, and the outdoor spaces are especially enticing; from the traditional palm-lined terrace to the infinity pool, there is a gorgeous view to be had everywhere you look. Whilst it is close enough to Funchal for a night out, it is still far enough away that you feel you’re getting a break from the city, so a great location offering the best of both worlds.
7. Quinta da Bela Vista
Offering elegant rooms with views of the surrounding botanical gardens or the Bay of Funchal lies Quinta da Bela Vista. Situated just 1.2 miles from Funchal’s city center, it is beautifully decorated with fine paintings and antique furniture, giving the hotel a rather English feel. The restaurant Avista Navios serves international dishes with traditional Madeiran flavors in a cozy setting with wooden furniture, a fireplace, and marble floors. Steeped in history, this boutique hotel was built in 1844 as a sugar cane farm (still in the same family now) and makes a great choice for travelers interested in relaxation, nature, and scenery.
8. The Vine
The Vine is a stylish boutique hotel inspired by Madeira’s winemaking tradition. Situated on a hill overlooking nearby Funchal, it occupies the last four floors of the La Vie building and boasts a lovely rooftop terrace with a sundeck, Levada-inspired Jacuzzi, and swimming pool – swimming in the infinity pool as the sun sets is an absolute must! Getting its name from Madeira’s long history of winemaking, there is a wine bar (on the roof!), whilst the color scheme throughout the hotel is a wine inspired, with each floor reflecting the four grape seasons of the year.
9. Hotel Quinta da Penha de Franca
Set within tropical gardens on Madeira Island, this charming family-owned hotel features far-reaching sea views and two heated outdoor seawater pools. Located close to the marina and just a 10-minute walk from the center of town, Hotel Quinta da Penha de Franca has its own beautiful tropical garden and enjoys stunning views of the ocean. The 49 rooms and two restaurants are spread between the original Manor House and a modern glass-walled Quinta in a beautifully relaxed setting with very friendly and helpful staff.
10. Casa Velha do Palheiro
Casa Velha do Palheiro, once an 18th-century hunting lodge, is conveniently located close to the main town and is a 20-minute drive from Madeira International airport. Offering 33 luxurious rooms and five stunning suites, each one is unique in style and looks onto the lush gardens surrounding the Manor House, with some rooms in the main house itself and others in low-lying wings. Set in a peaceful location between the Palheiro Gardens and Golf Course, this is a perfect place to stay if looking for a relaxing getaway.
Finally, if you’re looking for more space to relax in, something a little more like a home-from-home, then we have found a perfect unknown gem for you. Eva’s Boutique House is a beautiful, private little house lies just a fifteen-minute walk from the center of Funchal. With an interior that combines elegance and international style with a designer´s eye for detail, this 2-bedroom hideaway offers everything you could need for a great getaway with family or close friends. There is an open-plan kitchen, dining area, living room, and two double-bed bedrooms. The first bedroom features a super king bed with a walk-in closet, while the second bedroom enjoys access to the backyard. Outdoors you will find a terrace with a dining table for four and a Jacuzzi.
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