SHAUL 7 9/6/09 16:15 Page 4
knowledge portugal, azores & madeira
ttglive.com
Fam trip report
Clockwise from left: Presidential Suite at Quinta das Vistas;
the view from Funchal; and Manor House Jardins do Lago
Fam proved me wrong
Roving Reader Karen Levada walks which go on for miles and I also liked the Jardins Do Lago, which like
Heath from Beacon
miles all over Madeira. the Quinta Da Penha Franca is a traditional
Travel tested her
It was pricey, but for a special occasion property.
it would be the perfect break. The manager was friendly, and the repeat
impressions of We then moved to Quinta Das Vistas guest ratio must have been high as he knew
Madeira on a Classic
Palace Gardens. I had heard a lot about many of them by name.
Collection fam trip
these Quinta hotels and when I arrived I Our final hotel was the modern CS Madeira
wasn’t disappointed. Atlantic Resort and Sea Spa, which I’m
My favourite was the Quinta Da Penha afraid I was disappointed with.
I
was apprehensive as we arrived in Franca – a family-run home with many It was impersonal, and did not show off
Madeira on our Classic Collection fam. staff who had been there for years. the best of Madeiran hospitality.
I’d sold a few trips, but my impression The gardens were well-kept and the prices But overall, this fam trip really changed
of Madeira was of old people wandering are quite reasonable. my view of Madeira.
around looking at boring gardens. I would happily send customers over the There is plenty to do for young people, but
Fortunately, I was wrong. age of 30 there as you are close enough to if you’re after peace and tranquillity, then
On arrival, we were taken to the amazing town and its clubs and bars. there’s plenty of that too.
Choupana Hills Resort and Spa, where we
enjoyed the spectacular views over Funchal
Karen’s tips: Where to go in Madeira
as dusk fell.
The rooms were modern but you relaxed The Botanical Gardens which include a bird park and cable cars
as soon as you arrived, and we enjoyed a If you’re adventurous you can take the three-mile “toboggan” run down to Funchal – in a basket
five-course meal that Gordon Ramsay would controlled by two men in straw hats with rubber on their shoes for brakes!
have been proud of. The Blandy’s wine museum houses around 700,000 litres of Madeira wine
The hotel has a nice spa and you could A traditional three-course meal of steak on skewers called Espetada at the A Seta restaurant
just retreat to read and relax, but if you are near Funchal
more energetic you can start on one of the
38 12.06.2009
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