| Quinta Splendida |
One great accommodation option that’s unique to
Madeira is the quinta. In recent times, a number of the
island’s historic manor houses – or quintas –
have been tastefully converted into luxury accommodation. These are
categorised according to the same star system as hotels, and
they’re beginning to catch operators’
attention.
Hidden away across Madeira, quintas are ideally suited to visitors
who are looking to get away from it all. Most are small in scale,
usually with no more than 40 rooms, and boast superb, secluded
gardens.
However, apart from that, no two quintas are the same. Some are in
Funchal while others are located on hillsides, dotted around the
island. Some are decked out in period furniture while others have a
more contemporary character. Many quintas have excellent gourmet
restaurants.
Caravela general manager Ray Steward said: “The quintas are
getting much more well known, in line with pousadas and the
flydrive business.
“They’re not a product clients tend to book over the
Internet – customers need to talk to someone who knows about
them.
“People who choose quintas are usually professionals, in
their mid-30s or older, who are looking for something a bit
different. They tend to be slightly more expensive than an
equivalent four or five-star hotel, but visitors get a more
personal service with a higher ratio of staff to
client.”
Travel Weekly offers the lowdown on a selection of Madeira’s
finest quintas.
| Quinta das Vistas |
Where is it? On the hillside above the city of Funchal,
with a view of the sweeping bay from its terrace.
Wow factor: with its lofty location, the five-star
Quinta das Vistas is the height of quiet elegance. The gourmet
restaurant offers the choice of a covered veranda or open-air
terrace.
A shuttle bus allows half-board guests the alternative of dining at
the Quinta do Monte or the Quinta do Estreito – all three
owned by the Charming Hotel Group. The landscaped gardens have a
pool and crazy golf, and the quinta also boasts an elegant cocktail
bar, a winter garden with skylight and a spa with whirlpool, sauna,
and Vichy and Turkish baths. For extra luxury, there are four
deluxe and one presidential suite.
Who would it suit? Clients looking to be close to
the attractions of Funchal, but able to withdraw from the bustle of
the coast and town centre.
Sample product: Thomson offers seven nights at
Quinta das Vistas in June from £739 per person twin-share
including flights and breakfast.
Quintinha de São João
Where is it? In the heart of Funchal town, in a
residential area not far from the main shops and restaurants.
Wow factor: a five-star premier property,
Quintinha de São João combines a tranquil setting with
the convenience of being able to walk into Funchal. Facilities
include a pool, gym, tennis court and sauna. The main restaurant, A
Morgadinha, specialises in Goan cuisine. The family-run Quintinha
also has extensive grounds.
Who would it suit? Better suited than most quintas
for younger couples with children. Also for visitors keen to
explore Funchal.
Sample product: First Choice offers seven nights
from £469 per person twin-share, including flights, transfers
and breakfast.
| Quinta do Estreito |
Where is it? Among the vine terraces above the
lively fishing port of Camâra de Lobos, a 15-minute drive from
Funchal.
Wow factor: the five-star Quinta do Estreito has
superb Atlantic views taking in the mighty Cabo Girão sea
cliff. The property’s Bacchus restaurant has a Michelin star,
while the Adega da Quinta restaurant has a more rustic charm and
serves Madeiran specialties such as Espetada (skewered meat). The
quinta also boasts a spectacular rooftop swimming pool. The fishing
town of Camâra de Lobos was a favourite painting spot for
Winston Churchill and has some of Madeira’s liveliest
nightlife at the weekend. For added wow factor, guests can be
picked up from the airport in the quinta’s vintage
Rolls-Royce.
Who would it suit? Walkers — the starting
point for walks along the Levada Norte is close to the quinta
— and nature lovers in general.
Sample product: Cadogan offers three nights from
£520 per person twin-share, including flights, private
transfers and breakfast in May.
| Quinta Splendida |
Where is it? In the little town of Caniço,
eight miles east of Funchal along the airport road.
Wow factor: the four-star Quinta Splendida is a
botanist’s delight, set in landscaped gardens with more than
650 classified plants and 65 varieties of grape. The main building
is a restored 18th century manor house, with additional
accommodation in cottages around the gardens. From the outdoor
pool, there are fantastic views across the Atlantic to the nearby
nature reserve Ilhas Desertas. La Perla, the gourmet restaurant, is
located in the old house and takes many of its ingredients from the
quinta’s own vegetable and herb gardens. The quinta operates
a free shuttle bus to the airport.
Who would it suit? Visitors with green fingers,
looking to get back to nature.
Sample product: Magic of Portugal offers three
nights from £450 per person twin-share, including flights,
transfers and breakfast in May.
| Quinta da Bela Vista |
Where is it? Tucked away in quiet seclusion within
20,000 metres of gardens, on a hill just over a mile above central
Funchal with views of Funchal Bay.
Wow factor: this five-star quinta is one of a
kind. Its aristocratic owner still lives on the premises and dines
in the a la carte Casa Mãe restaurant. Throughout the
160-year-old manor house are pieces from the owner’s
exquisite collection of antiques, while the plants in the
sub-tropical gardens are all neatly classified. Bela Vista has
genuine period sophistication, and has hosted royals from Sweden
and Spain. The addition of two new wings has increased the total
number of rooms to 87.
Who would it suit? Honeymooners, clients who
appreciate antiques and those looking to get away from it
all.
Sample product: Caravela offers three nights from
£509 per person twin-share, including flights, transfers and
breakfast.
