16 ttg_lux_suites_eats 27/2/09 14:16 Page 16
MOREWAYSTO
WOWFUNCHAL
1
On a high: an oasis of
calm, the Choupana
Hills Resort and Spa
occupies a lofty hillside
eyrie, overlooking the
town and ocean. Indoor
and outdoor pools, strolls along the scenic
Levada walks that criss-cross the property,
followed by fine dining at the excellent
Asian-themed Xopana restaurant... the
perfect Madeira day (choupanahills.com).
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Cliff-top cuisine:
next to Reid’s
Palace is the Cliff
Bay hotel, sharing those
spectacular views – book
the upper floor sea-facing
rooms and suites for the best backdrop.
Only 14 years old, it doesn’t have the profile of
its glittering neighbour – but it did recently
win the island’s first Michelin star, for its
Il Gallo d’Oro restaurant (portobay.com).
a
t
s
Funchal
Madeira has attracted royalty, world leaders and celebrities for more
than 100 years. But Paul Revel finds it’s also moving with the times... 3
Holy Molhe: on
the edge of
Funchal’s harbour
is the chic, sleek Molhe
Hoteliers say the arrival of easyJet flights has been a real boost for the restaurant, a popular
island, bringing new visitors from Gatwick and Lisbon. Luckily, there’s now local meeting point with
a cutting edge, fashionable hotel to welcome the new breed of younger, fantastic coastline views – so it’s a must to
hipper guests to Madeira. arrive in time for sundowners on the terrace.
Perched atop a shopping mall, the Vine Hotel is a member of Design REID’S PALACE The food, a delicious mix of contemporary
Hotels and is also the only five-star property in the centre of Funchal. Opened in 1891, Reid’s is the international and traditional local flavours, is
Great views of city, sea and mountains are best enjoyed from the hotel’s island’s grande dame. Guests such of the highest standard (molhe.com).
rooftop terrace and bar, aptly named 360°, with its spectacular infinity as the Empress of Austria would
pool and 10m-long Jacuzzi. arrive by steamboat and enter
Making a strong contribution to the town’s culinary scene is the top via the 10 acres of magnificent
floor Uva Restaurant whose kitchens are overseen by chef Antoine gardens. It was a haven for the 4
The high life:
Madeira’s dramatic
coast and soaring
Westermann, who founded the triple Michelin-starred Alsace restaurant, likes of George Bernard Shaw and peaks make it ideal for
i
t
e
s & e
Le Buerehiesel. At Uva we daintily sampled (read shamelessly gorged on) Winston Churchill. But this Orient stunning views enjoyed
some truly memorable dishes: roast foie gras with beetroot, raw scallop Express property doesn’t wallow in on helicopter rides.
with black truffle, delicious lobster caldeirada soup and much more. nostalgia – modern touches Heliatlantis offers a range of flights, from a
The rooms and suites are pleasingly James Bondesque, all smoked include pop-up flatscreen TVs, 10-minute buzz around the Bay of Funchal to
glass, funky open-plan bathrooms and touch-control panels for electric Wi-Fi and iPod docking stations. 45-minute island tours, as well as trips to the
s
u
drapes and blinds, which glide open to reveal spectacular floor-to-ceiling Afternoon tea on the terrace is a nearby island of Porto Santo, known for its
views, particularly in the upper corner suites. Madeira institution, and a myriad lovely, quiet beaches (heliatlantis.pt).
OK, so Madeira is as far from being the new Ibiza. But innovative gems of gourmet dining options include
such as the Vine show the island can combine the charm of the old and the popular Cipriani trattoria, and Harlequin offers seven nights at The Vine
the thrill of the new. romantic ‘moonlight dinners’ for Hotel from £1,007pp, based on two people
And there’s also plenty to engage your more active clients, from two in secluded spots throughout sharing a deluxe superior room, including
strenuous mountain hikes to whale watching and swimming with the gardens – complete with private transfers and flights from Gatwick.
dolphins.
hotelthevine.com violinist.
reidspalace.com Tel: 0845 277 3397,
harlequinholidays.com
my kind of luxury...
“Exploring new places and cultures is
always fascinating to me and also being
able to have ‘time out’ is so indulgent. I
have just recently returned from W Retreat
& Spa in the Maldives, which was pure
luxury from start to finish.”
16
Heidi Gosman, co-founder, Heidi Klein
in the know
spring 09
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