Belmond Reid's Palace

Hotel review

Set beyond Funchal’s main promenade is this magnificent salmon pink building. Founded by the Scotsman William Reid, it belongs to the world’s glamorous historic grand hotels elite. Distinguished guests include George Bernard Shaw, Thatcher and Churchill, who stayed to write his memoirs. The rooms and suites are spacious and traditionally furnished and most look out over the sea. Their balconies have pink walls and chequered flooring with grey grills reflecting the stripes of the palm trees’ fronds. There are common rooms on several floors and jazz is played in the bar. The ‘done thing’ is taking high tea on the ‘balcony’ overlooking the amazing gardens below which have seductive cobbled paths full of exotic plants including ‘jade vine’.

Signature Prussian blue towels are provided by the white uniformed pool attendants with two large pools swimmable even in February. There’s even a ‘tidal pool’ refilled daily by the ocean. Nature and luxury spectacularly interwined.

The hotel’s Ristorante Villa Cipriani has a traditonal, rustic, traditional feel with red gingham tablecloths and the freshest of seafood. Its Michelin-starred ‘William’ has panoramic views of Funchal’s sparkling lights reflecting in the windows and an impressive menu and wine list. A hotel with a high level of sophistication.

Adam Jacot de Boinod