A calming destination Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Looking for an end-of-year getaway?
Madeira is one of those Goldilocks holiday spots. It gets decent weather most of the year, being situated in the Atlantic Ocean and geographically closer to Africa than Europe.
The Portuguese island is sleepy and slow paced, even in Funchal, the capital city.
For this reason, it makes for an ideal short break for those with relaxation at the top of their priority list.
Over four days we got to explore lots of local activities along with one of the top hotels you can stay in.
Though if you’re flying from the UK and straight back home, make the trip five days long, as the near four-hour flight feels a bit too out of reach for a long weekend.
Sign up to The Getaway newsletter Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. The suite I stayed in – going for around £650 a night at this time of the year – had two showers and a bath, a huge comfy bed, a sea view with a large balcony, and a sitting area.
I’m never one for idling away time in a hotel room, being keen to explore, but I must admit I very reluctantly left this peaceful, dreamy space.
A sea view is never a bad idea Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
A bath had to be taken Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Being in one of the most luxurious of suites offered means access to a private infinity pool.
I made use of it in the early mornings when no one else was there, calmly swimming up and down while looking out onto the sea and the surrounding mountains.
These quiet half hour sessions couldn’t have been more perfect – and I even snuck over there one morning before the sun rose, basking in the moonlight.
Swimming with this view Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
The view from the 16th floor Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
A welcoming reception Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
The spa facilities were great too, with all the things you’d expect – a sauna, steam room, pool, and jacuzzi.
The real reason to go however is for a massage. I had a forest therapy massage they were trialing and it was so soothing I was asleep by the end and limber in my limbs.
Spa pool Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Night swimming Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Food
The food here is something to be experienced indulgently and fully – it’s a fish lover’s dream.
At Savoy Palace, there are multiple restaurants with different themes – from sushi to fine dining – which allow you to taste authentic Portuguese food and dishes with modern twists.
Throughout the options, local fish dishes can change daily, and many Madeirans will dine at the hotel, simply making the most of the food on offer without needing to stay the night – which is a good sign as a tourist.
Sushi dreams Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Soft wagyu on a bamboo stick Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Lobster rolls Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Poncha Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
One dish you have to try for an authentic experience is Bacalhau à Brás, which is salt cod, potatoes and eggs, all meshed together for a multi-textured, highly flavoured meal.
Otherwise in the way of fish, there’s lobster, tuna, black scabbard and plenty more.
For those with meatier tastes, at Galaxia, the fine dining restaurant, wagyu beef is served on a bamboo stick, which is a nod to an old Madeiran tradition you should ask the waiter to explain.
In terms of sweet things, pastel de natas are a must, along with trying the sweet dessert wine the island is known for. You can also try a Poncha, the best known local fruity cocktail – which is very drinkable.
Bacalhau à Brás Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Pastel de natas on the go Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Fruit flavoured chocolates Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Activities
There’s enough to keep you occupied for a short trip here.
First, go dolphin and whale watching though be prepared for choppy waters.
We went searching for an hour and eventually found some baby pilot fin whales in a cluster – it was an incredible sight.
Whale watching Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Then try the local toboggan – if you dare.
It’s essentially a wooden cart being pushed down a windy road which cars use too. Adrenaline junkies will relish it.
On a similar, but more stable note, there’s the cable cars, which provide a pretty view of the city and its green areas while going up the mountain.
This is the toboggan you sit in Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Float up Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Watch the world go by Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Once you’re back on the ground, walk down Rua De Santa Maria, a narrow road known for having lots of street art and at night, bars.
Do this before heading to the city’s famous food market though check you’re going on a market day where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, raw fish and other goods.
Even if you aren’t there to shop, it’s so colourful and vibrant you won’t want to miss it.
Wonder down Rua De Santa Maria Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Lots of fruit varieties Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
The main market Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Plenty of fish to take home Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Other notable stop offs include Blandy’s, a British owned wine company, which run wine tours where you can learn about the local sweet wine, how it’s made, and even smell a vintage wine container very boozy.
At the end, you can sample wine from different years to see how the flavour changes.
Wine tasting Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
You can walk through that wooden structure, which used to house wine Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Watching them at work Picture: Tanyel Mustafa
Then finally, go to Bordal, which is a short walk from the main Cathedral, to see Madeiran embroidery first-hand.
This is a traditional business on the island, and as well as buying high quality items, visitors are allowed to watch the women employed here work, gaining an insight into the steps taken to create household items like table cloths.
Like many things in Madeira culture, the vibe seems to be very free and easy, with most people being open to tourists observing if you simply ask.
Madeira makes for a restful getaway destination – and what a welcome joy that is after the year we’ve had.
You can book to stay at Savoy Palace here.
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