The best hotels in Madeira

Pestana Carlton Madeira

Pool dip or sea swim at Pestana Carlton Madeira? You decide

Best for… water lovers

Take the plunge and dive into everything Madeira’s sunny southern coast has to offer at this glam five-star hotel, perched above Funchal’s beautiful bay. With its own dive centre and palm-lined pools, spectacularly foregrounded by the ocean, this is an ideal spot to soak up poolside life with a cocktail from the sea-view bar. Indulge in a spot of pampering at the acclaimed spa, then make a splash on the city’s nightlife strip – just ten minutes away.

Largo António Nobre, nº 1

Hotel The Cliff Bay

Anyone for an evening dip?

Best for… grown-up glam

You’ll be stirred, but not shaken, by this elegant hotel: close to Madeira Casino, with a plethora of sleek bars, restaurants and spectacular views, it’s every Bond (or Bond girl’s) dream getaway. Sip your martini at the poolside bar, then take a short walk to the beach – just to be seen. Or in true 007 style, let the hotel arrange a boat trip for you – to add to the wow factor, whales are often spotted in the bay below.

Estrada Monumental 147

Calheta Beach

Get cosy under the mountains at Calheta Beach

Best for… walking by the waves

Escape to the sun in style at this laidback hotel, nestled between forested mountains and white sand beaches. Gourmets will love this getaway: there’s no better way to dine out on island classics at its à la carte restaurant than by working up an appetite hiking the surrounding hills. It’s not just the grown-ups who get pampered here – there’s also a supervised playroom and plenty of activities to keep the kids from crashing your spa session.

Avenue D. Manuel I 3

Pestana Royal All Inclusive Ocean and Spa Resort

Think pink at Pestana Royal All Inclusive Ocean and Spa Resort

Best for… Madeiran majesty

Enjoy the royal treatment at this lush hotel close to one of Funchal’s biggest beaches. Smart but stuffed with soul, it mixes modern rooms with little Portuguese flairs – think wood-panelled bars and terracotta tiles. The view is pretty spectacular too, with forested hills snaking around the shore and white sands beckoning you away from your sun lounger. Princes and princesses will love the kids’ club; for grown-ups, the spa and tennis courts are jewels in the crown.

Estrada Monumental 275

Porto Mare

Shelter under a palm at Porto Mare

Best for…. a tropical hideaway

Fancy staying in a castaway-style tropical paradise just a few minutes from Funchal’s best restaurants and bars? Live out your desert island fantasies at this lush hotel, hidden from the city by orchid gardens and tropical trees. Drift under the palm trees that line the huge outdoor pool, or cross the promenade to take in the wild Atlantic. Even castaways need a bit of comfort, so don’t forget to check out the sumptuous spa.

Rua Simplício dos Passos Gouveia 21

Quinta da Casa Branca

The botanic gardens surrounding Quinta da Casa Branca

Best for… tranquility

Straight from the pages of your favourite travel mag, this quintessentially Portuguese villa perfectly preserves Madeira’s classical past. There’s a country club feel to this pretty, boutique hotel, which is set in the botanical gardens of a grand old estate. Yes, the lawns are manicured, the pools are sleek and the parasols are pristine, but this classy hotel is languidly laid-back. You’ll still want to dress for dinner, though, which is served in the old manor house.

Rua da Casa Branca 7

VIDAMAR Resorts Madeira

Now that's what you call a pool with a view

Best for… modern minimalists

Three words: seaside infinity pool. Everything about this beautiful, minimalist hotel is stylishly simple: like its breathtaking sea platform, which sits at the edge of the pool where it meets the ocean. Whether you’re sipping cocktails to live music in the piano lounge or enjoying the crisp, sea flavours of the sushi restaurant with an ocean view, this chic, glass-fronted resort strips away the fuss to leave nothing but luxury between you and the ocean.

Estrada Monumental 175 177

Enotel Lido

Everything you want in one place

Best for… spa days

Sashay from the spa to the dancefloor in one evening at this expansive resort that mixes chilled-out hideaways with lively restaurants and bars. Between the outdoor pool, overlooking the ocean, and the plush spa, you might not want to leave the luxe confines of the resort. But you don’t have to go far to reach the famous promenade: the hotel has direct access to the trail, which links up the seaside bars and restaurants that overlook the rugged, pebbled coast and the Atlantic.

Rua Simplício dos Passos Gouveia 29

Looking for more Madeira? Check out our ultimate guide to the fabulous Portuguese island.