SARAH WILLIAMS @ HAYS TRAVEL
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MADEIRA SELECTION HOTELS MADEIRA FAM TRIP
13thNovember –17thNovember 2023
Our Itinerary
DAY 1/13th November 2023
It was an early start with a 5am meeting at Gatwick with the other 9 agents and our host Craig from Galaxi, after a quick breakfast at Weatherspoons it was onto the flight! Flying time is around 3 hrs 20 mins. Once arrived met by the lovely Vanessa from Madeira Collection and transferred to our first hotel the Sentido Galosol, which was stunning with the most amazing views! It also has it's sister hotel next door the Sentido Galomar where we went for an inspection and a beautiful lunch. I was staying here at the Galosol for 2 nights. Visit the hotels website here: https://www.galoresort.com/Sentido-Hotel-Galosol
Both these hotels are in the resort of Canico which took just over half an hour in a private minibus transfer. It is considered one of the most beautiful and pleasant parishes of Madeira, perhaps because it offers visitors a bit of everything: beautiful landscapes, pleasant climate, fabulous beaches, unique nature, fantastic conditions practicing various sports, excellent hotels, and restaurants.
Caniço is much sought after by tourists visiting Madeira, whether in summer or winter. It is enjoyed as a place of fun but also as a resting place. One of the strengths of this parish is the Garajau Partial Natural Reserve. It is the only exclusively marine reserve in the country, which thanks to its extraordinary biological richness and its crystal blue waters, offers unparalleled conditions for snorkelling and diving.
Beyond the Garajau beach (where a visit is recommended to the Cristo Rei lookout point), the beaches of Galo and Reis Magos (very popular for surfing) are other fabulous places to go for a dip.
Blessed with good hotels and restaurants, Caniço combines modernity with the rural side of the parish, featuring agriculture, particularly the cultivation of onion, as an important economic activity.
If you are interested in religious heritage, you can visit the Matriz do Caniço Church in the centre of the parish, commissioned in 1783, which stands out for its architecture somewhere between Baroque and Rococo in style. It has a long floor plan and a single nave, a gable cornice main façade with a full arch portal, finished with large windows and royal weapons. Inside, the white and gold decorations and paintings by Nicolau Ferreira catch the eye.
Other points of interest:
Nossa Senhora da Consolação Chapel: Built in the eleventh century, this small chapel still celebrates Sunday Mass, and hosts a religious festival in early November.
Mãe de Deus Chapel: It is located in Mãe de Deus and is a fine example of the Portuguese late gothic style and Manueline decoration. It was classed as a listed building in 1940.
Forte dos Reis Magos: Situated in the beautiful Praia dos Reis Magos, this small military fortress, built in the 18th century, played a very important role in the defence of the Madeira archipelago from attacks by pirates and privateers. Today it lies in ruins.
After the opportunity to relax for an hour it was off to Funchal to the stunning 5* Se Boutique Hotel for a site inspection and very nice dinner. This hotel is simply STUNNING and the rooftop bar is something else with views over Funchal and the port where many cruise ships enter and depart, breath-taking does not come close and its a very boutique concept along with the whole hotel so you won't get hundreds up here as their is not the room! If you want a table get in early as it is open to non residents as well as hotel guests. This hotel does have a small intimate indoor pool which you can rent out for a period for a max of 8 guests, so you will need to prebook. Visit the hotel's website here: https://www.seboutiquehotel.com/en/
DAY 2 /14thNovember 2023
We had breakfast at our hotel the Sentido Galosol, plenty of choice available with freshly cooked omlettes and pancakes to order! Then it was off into the mountains with the most stunning scenery and waterfalls I think I have ever seen. On the way we stopped on route to a traditional "Poncha" bar, which is the islands drink, and have to say it was delicious! Poncha is a traditional alcoholic drink from Madeira Island, Portugal. Poncha is made fresh with citrus juice, honey and rum. We had both flavours the traditionally "Fishermans" which has lemon and another option with Orange, very strong but very lovely!
After a few of these (and trying to get back on the coach), it was time to visit the Quinta do Barbusano for wine tasting experience and traditional Espetada lunch which I have to say was delicious, and the views were something else. Walking through the vineyard and hearing how the wine was made was very interesting and a trip I would highly recommend. Meal consisted of cheese and meat with bread, followed by the biggest skewers you have seen with fresh meat from the BBQ and potato's, very nice indeed. Of course we had several wines to try along the way too! To find out more about the winery click here: https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/tourist-entertainment-associates/quinta-do-barbusano/
Then it was off to Porto de Abrigo do Seixal beach. Seixal Beach is an authentic living postcard, with its black sand beach bathed by the Atlantic, sheltered by escarpments and green mountains. Come explore the beauty of nature and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Plus, you can also rent kayaks and do some bodyboarding, canoeing or stand up paddle. To find out more click here: https://visitmadeira.com/en/where-to-go/madeira/north-coast/porto-moniz/seixal-beach/
Next up I had the pleasure of visiting the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz on the Island of Madeira - and what an incredible experience it was! Being so close to the ocean and listening to the waves crash, I could have stayed there all day and the rock pools themselves were crystal clear with the most beautiful blue water! Not to mention the stunning landscape with a panoramic view of the maritime coast and its rocks. Plus, with the playground, sun loungers & parasols, bar, and first aid post, it's the ideal place for the whole family. Visit the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz and experience its incredible beauty and comfort for yourself - it's an experience you won't forget! Visit here for more info: https://visitmadeira.com/en/where-to-go/madeira/north-coast/porto-moniz/natural-pools-of-porto-moniz/
Following on from this we had a site inspection of both of the Aqua Natura Hotels in this stunning location! Each offering something unique. Look no further than Hotel Aqua Natura Madeira! Located just above the famous natural pools in the picturesque village of Porto Moniz, this accommodation offers the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort with the beauty of the surrounding Laurisilva forest, the crystalline blue of the Atlantic and the nearby Madeira Aquarium. It really was a stunning hotel with a rooftop pool to take in the views as well as a lovely spa area, ideal to chill out! To find out more click here: https://www.aquanaturahotels.com/en/Aqua-Natura-Madeira
We also visited the Aqua Natura Bay the neighbouring hotel (same resort), and have to say I think this one was my favourite, the sea view room had the most amazing views of the ocean, with the rooftop bar area and grand plans to extend this for 2024, it really is something to sea. Visit here for more info: https://www.aquanaturahotels.com/en/Aqua-Natura-Bay
In the evening it was time to visit The Views Oasis for a site inspection & dinner. Located right on Reis Magos beach in the picturesque village of Caniço, The Views Oásis has everything you need for a relaxing stay. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Ilhas Desertas and Ponta de S. Lourenço, direct access to the Passeio Marítimo (Promenade) and a fine and diversified cuisine. Plus, it's conveniently situated between two golf courses in Madeira and only 2 km from the Garajau Nature Reserve. This hotel had a lovely promenade right in front of the hotel ideal for a stroll, and a large pool area, for this meal it was different as rather than the traditional 3 course served dinner we had experienced, we had our meal from the buffet, with the hotel guests. I have to say it was a nice change, and there was plenty of choice including pasta, meat, vegetarian, salad and more! Definitely something for all eaters without any problems at all! To find out more about this hotel click here: https://www.theviewshotels.pt/en/oasis/
DAY 3 /15th November 2023
Time to move to our 2nd hotel of the trip the Melia Madeira Mare Hotel in Funchal. We had the best welcome with superior rooms that were spacious and had a huge balcony with furniture and two sun loungers. Plus, the views of the Atlantic Ocean were breathtaking! Plus, the hotel has a large pool area with plenty of loungers and entertainment space. With access to the sea-front promenade and Gorgulho cobblestone beach, this hotel is in the perfect spot. Only ten minutes from Funchal city centre and twenty minutes from the airport, it's an amazing place to explore and relax. Once settled in our rooms it was time for lunch on site, which I have to say was so good! Then it was time for the full hotel site inspection, and to see the wealth of rooms on offer was an eye opener as they were all stunning in their own right with those views! Click here to find out more:
Once completed our site inspection it was time to hit Funchal city centre! From its historical buildings to its world-renowned museums, this city is filled with culture, entertainment, and unforgettable views. Whether you're looking for a perfect spot to take in the scenery or a place to explore the history of the region, Funchal has something for everyone!
First stop was the market where you literally can get everything from fresh meat, fruit, vegetables (shop with the locals!), to souvenirs, handbags and more! After the market visit it was time to visit Blandy's Wine Lodge, in the centre, which is actually on the site of an ancient Monastery, Blandy’s Wine Lodge has been the heart of the family’s wine business for 7 generations, ageing the finest Madeira wines using traditional canteiro method.
Visit them to learn more about Madeira wine and the history of the Blandy Family, walk through canteiro ageing rooms and enjoy one of the many wine tasting options we offer. To find out more visit here: https://www.blandyswinelodge.com/en/blandys-wine-lodge/
Then it was off up to the top of Funchal to do what has to be done which was the Toboggan! Helpful hit time, when the cruise ships are in there can be a LONG wait for this so if you can try and do it another day, its one of the most favourite things to do on the whole of the island and fantastic fun! A thrilling and unforgettable ride of up to 30 Kms per hour is guaranteed. Truly a story you'll want to bring back home! The Monte Sledges are more than just a ride down snowy hills. They are a classic, handcrafted piece of art made by master carpenters and expert wicker-makers. Each Sledge is created with the utmost precision and care using the finest local wicker and wood.
The Toboggans Sledges are an incredible adventure! 🤩 Did you know that they are powered by two sledge drivers called “Carreiros”, who wear the iconic Straw boaters and rubber-soled boots to stop the sledge when needed? 🤸♂️ It is the trust and expertise of these people that have made the Toboggans Sledges so popular with the locals and tourists alike. 🤩 To find out more about this unforgettable experience click here: https://www.carreirosdomonte.com/v3/en/index.php
After a full day it was back to the hotel to get ready for our evening Quinta da Serra BIO Hotel for inspection & dinner. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take a break in a unique and luxurious retreat! At 820 metres above sea level, Quinta da Serra Bio Hotel offers you the perfect atmosphere to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature. Enjoy the comfort of a heated indoor pool, spa, sauna, massage cabin, and gym…all in the perfect combination of luxury and nature! With its organic agricultural system and impressive trees, this chic hotel offers a unique and unforgettable stay. Enjoy the renovated space with quality and personalised service, delicious organic cuisine, and much more! Plus it also has the The tallest tree in Madeira - the story goes as follows:
A long time ago, at the beginning of the 19th century, a young British man fell in love with this island and decided to stay. He was involved in the export of Madeira wine to the UK and was one of the driving forces behind this trade, having introduced the Sercial variety.
His interests went far beyond wine and vines and he also introduced the tea plant and many exotic tree species to the island. He acquired an estate of more than 115 hectares where he built his holiday home: the present-day Quinta da Serra.
To find out more about this stunning hotel click here: https://www.hotelquintadaserra.com/en/
After dinner it was back to the Melia Mare to recharge and get ready for another busy day!
DAY 4/16th November 2023
A chilled out morning awaited at our hotel the Melia Madeira Mare. Then at lunch it was time to visit the Dorisol Estrelicia a lovely hotel in a great location in Funchal. Located near the seafront, Hotel Estrelicia offers modern rooms, with garden and/or sea views, as well as a wide range of services available at the Dorisol Complex. The hotel is part of the larger complex and access to all facilities are included. We had a lovely lunch here as well after our extensive site inspection! Visit here for more information on the hotel: https://www.dorisol.com/en/dorisol-estrelicia/
After this it was time to visiti the traditional fishing village of Camara de Lobos. It's famous for its poncha and for the sea lions that live in its cove. Plus, it's full of historical monuments from the 15th and 16th century, like the Nossa Senhora da Conceição chapel, the old convent of São Bernardino, and the São Sebastião church. What an amazing experience! 🐬 Click here for more info: https://visitmadeira.com/en/where-to-go/madeira/south-coast/camara-de-lobos/
From here it was back to the hotel to get prepared for our evening site inspection and dinner at the Quintinha Sao Joao for a site inspection & dinner. What a beautiful place! Take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the unique history of Quintinha de São João! This five-star hotel, built from an old Madeiran “Quinta”, has been carefully preserved to pay homage to its history and bring alive its unique charm. Relive the past in 42 beautiful rooms and explore the gardens and interior nooks and crannies of the hotel. Visit Quintinha de São João and get a glimpse into the history of Madeira! To find out more about the hotel then click here: https://www.quintinhasaojoao.com/en/
After this incredible evening, it was back to the Melia for the final night before our departure on the Friday.
DAY 5/17th December 2023
After our breakfast & morning at leisure it was unfortunately time to check out of the Melia Madeira Mare. From here it was time for our final site inspection and farewell dinner at The Views Baia, and I have to say I think this was the best hotel from the whole trip! At special occasions such as Fireworks and New Years Eve, the rooftop bar is the place to be! Enjoy a peaceful holiday with all the amenities of an adults only resort, plus breathtaking views over the bay of Funchal and surrounded by the hills! It's the perfect getaway destination for the cosmopolitan traveller - get ready to be wowed!
To find out more about the hotel click here: https://www.theviewshotels.pt/en/baia/
The whole hotel was simply outstanding from rooms to the spa and beyond, with views literally 360 degrees! Our farewell lunch was delicious it was lovely to meet all the hoteliers we had met throughout the week. All too soon, it was time to leave for the airport and our flight home!
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