Estalgem da Ponta do Sol on Madeira is an excellent vacation spot in a stunning nook of this extraordinary botanical island.

A sub-tropical island not like some other, Madeira is exclusive. A land that stimulates the creativeness just like the low-hanging clouds, pierced by daylight, that moodily cloak the knife-edge mountains right here. In some components, it seems like one is nestled deep in a Hawaiian rainforest; timber are heavy with tropical fruit. In different areas, one may very well be viewing the ultimate mountainous level of an important unknown continent the place darkish azure waves pull towards an extended abandoned seashore of ochre-colored sand. Madeira is a magical paradise for the senses.

Situated on the southwest coast of Madeira, the gorgeous, pleasant seaside city of Ponta do Sol has a popularity for being one of many warmest and sunniest locations on the island. A mere 30-minute drive from the island’s capital Funchal this Fifteenth-century city arose out of the flourishing sugarcane business. Right this moment, it’s a draw for its pebble-beached seafront enveloped by cliffs, a wonderful church Nossa Senhora da Luz, and a small fistful of wonderful eating places and vibrant bars.

Bond-esque Lair

Perched above the city is the lodge Estalgem da Ponta do Sol. An unmissable landmark given its minimalist structure: a cloud-grey concrete pillar grips the aspect of the mountain and stretches a couple of hundred toes into the sky—and that’s merely the elevator shaft that wizzes you from sea stage to the lodge. It’s a dramatic entrance worthy of a Bond set, and what follows when it comes to design, sophistication, and ambiance doesn’t disappoint. Rising from the red-lit elevator automobile, one other pretty cinematic contact, you arrive on the property and are first welcomed by the lodge’s two canines, Stella and Poncha. The latter is known as after the revered Madeiran tipple constituted of citrus juice, honey, and native rum or ‘aguardiente.’

Initially a ‘Quinta’ or manor home, which as we speak holds the lodge’s reception space, a energetic bar, a comfy library, a surprising terrace, and a backyard the place tiny gold and emerald speckled lizards laze within the winter solar. The terrace overlooks Ponta do Sol and the expansive Atlantic past—we have been instructed whales are sometimes noticed from this vantage level. The seas off Madeira are unimaginably deep and are a preferred freeway for cetaceans. The trendy a part of the lodge, designed by celebrated architect Tiago Oliveira, was constructed on the encircling land. The stark swan-white buildings, with massive panoramic home windows, flood the interiors with gentle and prolong to the cliff’s edge.

There are 54 rooms. We stayed in a typical sea-view-facing room with a solar terrace. Backyard view rooms overlook Ponta do Sol and the banana plantations on the mountainside. We loved gorgeous ocean views, the rocky coast instantly beneath us, and the cliffs to our east. At evening, dots of sunshine from the villages within the hills above us lit up like fireflies because the crashing waves beneath lulled us to sleep.

The room was easy and spacious with gentle wooden flooring, white partitions decked out with black and white artwork images, and a snug mattress with striped linen sheets. The big lavatory got here with a bathe, whereas different rooms have bathtubs. All function air con, satellite tv for pc tv, and a minibar.

Madeiran delicacies

The lodge’s restaurant has a eating room that overlooks the city and the bay. It opens onto a small out of doors backyard terrace surrounded by verdant tropical vegetation the place you’ll be able to eat. The eating room serves lunch and dinner; the delicacies is native Madeiran and European. The meals is well-priced and attractive, significantly the steak and the scabbard fish; regardless of its satanic look, the latter is a scrumptious meaty Madeiran specialty. After dinner, many visitors head to the comfortable Foyer & Lounge Bar, which is open late and is a superb place to calm down and meet others. Two roaring fireplaces and the unimaginable balcony view solely add to its appeal. The breakfast buffet serves continental-style freshly baked bread, pastries, yogurts, and mouthwatering tropical fruits, from ruby crimson pomegranates to golden mangoes. There are German and Scandinavian delicatessen favorites in a nod to the lodge’s distinguished visitors. The breakfast additionally has a first-class à la carte menu that modifications every day.

Wild Atlantic, whales, and extra

The lodge’s centerpiece is undoubtedly the infinity pool set in a cliff-side backyard that drops in rocky layers to the ocean. The view is totally spectacular, and there’s an outside scorching tub, an indoor pool, a hammam, and a sauna. Massages could be booked in-house. Proper on the cliff edge within the pool space is the Poolside Kabo Bar, the place you’ll be able to serve your self a cocktail or pull a cool Tremendous Bock on draught. On weekends there are common sundown events right here with reside music and DJs from as far afield as Lisbon and Berlin.

Nearer to the reception among the many lodge rooms is a gymnasium. The very accommodating and educated workers can manage hikes, together with complimentary transfers to numerous trails you’ll be able to select from, whether or not you wish to see ‘levadas’ (canals), canyons, mountains, or waterfalls. Different actions embrace whale watching, paragliding, diving, and snorkeling. In summer time, you’ll be able to go on the lodge’s catamaran off the coast to go seal, dolphin, and whale watching. A non-public seashore, Faja dos Padres, has black volcanic sands and a restaurant. The lodge offers a free every day shuttle service to Funchal and to the airport.

The breathtaking location, trendy design, and relaxed vibes simply make Estalgem da Ponta do Sol considered one of Madeira’s prime boutique resorts. It’s a fabulous place for a romantic break, but shut sufficient to Funchal to see extra motion.