The Jewel of the Atlantic

Madeira’s most famous hotel, the classically elegant Reid's, has recently benefited from a programme of refurbishment including the addition of a new spa with extensive aromatherapy treatments and two large swimming pools with a pool deck, giving guests the choice of fresh or salt water swimming. What has not changed is the hotel’s idyllic situation in 10 acres of mature semi-tropical gardens in a dramatic cliff-top etting with views over Funchal, the standards of excellence it has set over the past 100 years and the sense of occasion the hotel invariably evokes. Built at the end of the 19th-century Reid's rapidly became the preferred haunt of Madeira’s visiting rich and famous. Today, as you sweep into the drive leading to the discreet porch which is the entrance to the hotel, you are drawn into an atmosphere of classic elegance rarely found elsewhere.

High tea is served on the tea terrace with outstanding views of the Atlantic Ocean. Dinner may be taken in the elegant main dining room or gourmet  restaurant Les Faunes in winter and Brisa do Mar, overlooking Funchal Harbour, in summer. In addition there is a pool restaurant serving a daily buffet and a la carte menu. A pianist plays each evening in the Cocktail Bar and there is a resident dance band. As tradition dictates the hotel has a library, bridge room and snooker room. For the energetic there are two tennis courts and watersports can be arranged. Golf is also available at the Palheiro and Santo da Serra courses where Reid’s guests benefit from guaranteed starting times and discounted green fees. There are 163 rooms in both the main building and the newer extension: spacious, tastefully decorated, equipped with air-conditioning, cable television, mini-bar and hairdryer all guest rooms also have balconies with views over the gardens towards the ocean.