Madeira’s five‑star scene has expanded well beyond its Edwardian roots: today you can choose from heritage grande‑dames, sculptural design resorts, Michelin‑starred coastal hideaways and a brand‑new 366‑room all‑inclusive by Hyatt. Most of these properties cluster around Funchal’s south‑facing amphitheatre, but a growing handful tempt travellers to Calheta’s beaches and Caniçal’s new marina.
1. Heritage Icons
| Hotel | Opened | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Reid’s Palace – A Belmond Hotel | 1891 | Tea service on rose‑pink terraces, subtropical gardens, two ocean‑view pools; Churchill wrote his memoirs here. |
| Quinta Jardins do Lago | 18th‑century manor | 500+ botanic species, resident giant tortoise, 40 rooms for an intimate, country‑house feel five minutes from Funchal centre. |
| Quinta da Casa Branca | 1840s wine estate | Cubist glass‑and‑slate suites hidden in a banana plantation; Relais & Châteaux gastronomy. |
Why choose a quinta? You sacrifice scale for tranquillity: expect bespoke excursions, home‑made passion‑fruit jams at breakfast and staff who remember your poncha order after day one.
2. Statement & Design Resorts
| Hotel | Rooms | Design Signature | Stand‑out Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savoy Palace | 352 | Nini Andrade Silva’s sinuous curves echo Madeira’s levadas | 3 000 m² Laurea Spa inspired by the Laurissilva forest; six restaurants & rooftop infinity pool. |
| The Reserve @ Savoy Palace | 45 | “Hotel‑within‑a‑hotel” occupying two top floors | 24/7 Guest‑Experience Personal Assistant, private Jacarandá Club pool & à‑la‑carte breakfast. |
| Saccharum Resort & Spa – Calheta | 243 | Raw‑sugar & basalt palette by Paulo David | Ocean‑facing rooftop pool, mural‑lined spa and direct access to golden‑sand beach & marina. |
Design resorts suit travellers who want Funchal buzz or beach sunshine without sacrificing Instagram‑ready architecture and spa depth.
3. Oceanfront & Culinary Classics
| Hotel | Michelin Stars | Direct Sea Access | Notable Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cliff Bay (PortoBay) | 2 (Il Gallo d’Oro) | Lift to private jetty | Les Suites at The Cliff Bay share facilities, giving suite‑guests a boutique bubble inside a resort. |
| Les Suites @ The Cliff Bay | – | Shared with main hotel | 23 duplex & penthouse suites, exclusive infinity pool, Avista fine‑dining restaurant. |
These properties dominate Madeira’s culinary awards; book “gourmet half‑board” packages if you plan to roam but don’t want to miss a tasting menu.
4. Next‑Generation All‑Inclusive
| Resort | Opens | Location | All‑Inclusive Twist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dreams Madeira Resort, Spa & Marina (Hyatt Inclusive Collection) | Oct 2024 | Caniçal (east coast) | Unlimited‑Luxury®: premium spirits, 24‑hr room service, kids’ & teens’ clubs, marina water‑sports hub. |
Dreams targets multi‑generational and wedding groups that once defaulted to Caribbean resorts—expect butler‑served cabanas rather than buffet lines.
5. Quick‑Glance Comparison
| Property | Best For | Starting Rate* | Signature Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reid’s Palace | Old‑world glamour | €480 | Sunset Champagne & Oysters aboard a classic yacht |
| Savoy Palace | Design + mega‑spa | €300 | 11‑stop hydrotherapy circuit under jade‑green “forest” ceiling |
| The Reserve | Ultra‑private service | €650 | Off‑menu dining anywhere, anytime via personal butler |
| The Cliff Bay | Gastronomy | €350 | Chef Benoît Sinthon’s seasonal 9‑course menu with Atlantic pairing wines |
| Saccharum | Beach + wellness | €220 | Sugar‑scrub ritual in the Saccharum Spa |
| Dreams Madeira | Hassle‑free families | €260 (all‑in) | Catamaran dolphin cruise included on 7‑night stays |
*Indicative low‑season double‑occupancy rates, 2025.
6. Booking Tips
- Festival surcharges – Flower Festival (Apr/May) and New‑Year fireworks push luxury rates up 40‑50 %; suites at Reid’s and Savoy Palace sell out 9‑12 months in advance.
- Butler floors – The Reserve and Les Suites each include private check‑in, pillow menus and unpacking services—ideal after long‑haul flights.
- Dining plans – Half‑board is often à‑la‑carte, not buffet, and can save ~€60 pp/day at gourmet properties.
- Transfers – All hotels can arrange Mercedes or Tesla transfers; Dreams and The Reserve include them in suite categories.
Final Word
Whether you crave century‑old elegance, swooping glass architecture or a fully‑catered family cocoon, Madeira’s luxury hotels deliver sense‑of‑place and standout service in equal measure. Use the comparison tables above to match your travel style, then dive into our in‑depth property pages for suite‑by‑suite breakdowns, room‑tour videos and insider dining tips. Boa estadia!