THE VINE HOTEL FUNCHAL

Dazzling with design in the middle of Funchal, with views over the bay from its rooftop pool, Hotel The Vine was inspired by the island’s wine-making industry. Interiors, courtesy of local designer Nini Andrade Silva, mix volcanic rock with rich purple fabrics and furniture designed to resemble twisted vines.

Well located in the centre of Funchal, The Vine Hotel is overlooking the port and bay and accessed through a modern shopping centre. Sights including museums and churches are all within walking distance.

Funchal Airport is 11 miles away.

Designer Nini Andrade Silva has encapsulated her passion for the island’s fortified wine in the hotel’s interiors, adding full-bodied warmth to the ultra modern building by architects Ricardo Bofill and João Francisco Caires. Each of the four floors of the hotel represents a different season in the life cycle of the grape.

Service is friendly and knowledgeable with local staff willing to point you in the right direction. Food and wine are very much the focus here with a guided chef’s tour of the local market followed by a cooking lesson on offer. The poolside bar with its twice daily happy hour is not to be missed for its 360 degree views and introduction to local wines.

The spa offers vinotherapy treatments, including a red wine bath with antioxidant wine extracts and Turkish bath and whirlpool tub. There is a fitness centre and indoor and outdoor whirlpool tub as well as a heated rooftop swimming pool.

Rooms are sexy and warm. Free standing baths, often at the foot of the bed, are lit up by the lights of Funchal town shining through floor-to-ceiling windows. Colours are muted, from pale greens for spring to oranges for autumn with volcanic stone cobbles in the bathroom and good working desks.

An absolutely superb offering from French chef Thomas Faudry at UVA, from the starter of cucumber roll with tuna fish, Granny Smith apple, cucumber and wasabi sorbet to the main course of roasted rack of lamb with confit carrot on sugar cane honey. The Terra Lounge Restaurant offers light snacks throughout the day and a lavish buffet breakfast. The Sky and Poolside bar has to be the best place in town for an evening drink with the lights of Funchal twinkling below.

Madeira Holidays
Just a short flight away from the UK, discover a piece of paradise situated in the Atlantic Ocean. Its great location provides an amazing mild climate that varies between 25 ºC in the summer and 17 ºC in the winter making it perfect to visit during any season.

You currently don’t need to quarantine upon your return from Madeira*, meaning it’s perfect if you’re looking to get away right now. In order to make visitors feel even safer, the islands have adopted a set of security measures and in turn, have been recognised as one of the Safest Destinations to Visit in Europe 2020.

Madeira caters for all types of visitors with a wide arrange of activities and places to visit; local festivals, sightseeing tours, sports activities and several beaches with fresh and crystal waters are just a few. Those looking to relax and feel the fresh water, Madeira’s beaches are ideal to spend an afternoon diving in its crystal clear waters. A must place to visit is Porto Monix and Seixal’s natural salt water pools made by volcanic rocks. Located at the north of the Island provide a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and its magnificent coast.

For those seeking adrenaline, its mild climate allows to practice water sports such as Windsurf, Stand up paddle or snorkeling all year round making it a perfect destination for everyone.

Funchal, the capital of this Archipelago is located on the south of the island and it is a city full of history and culture being one of the most touristic areas of Madeira. Some of its key visit points are: Mercado dos Lavradores, located in the city’s historic center, offers local ingredients with a combination of Art Deco and Modernism; Carros de Cesto are their famous attractions handcrafted by their locals and at the old town visitors will find a good variety of restaurants and evening entertainment.

Madeira presents lively natural colours and a diversified flora and fauna attracting many visitors per year. Recognised by Unesco as a World Heritage Nature Site, Laurissilva Forest is famous for its large-scale trees and unmissable landscapes.
With numerous green areas all around the island guests can explore and practice activities such as walking, bike and jeep tours and for the most adventurous paragliding will be the perfect option.

Madeira is a marvellous place to discover all year round, that is why it has recently been awarded “Best Winter Sun Destination”, by “European Best Destination”. As temperatures drop in most countries in Europe and overseas, you can bet they’ll be pretty balmy on this sub-tropical island, making it the perfect time to get out and explore its wonders. From surfers looking for the best waves to passionate walkers, there is everything for everybody. In addition, Madeira has different micro-climates that let you experience 4 seasons in a single day.