Reid’s Palace – Timeless Luxury Hotel on Madeira

Sitting in the Atlantic, some 860 km (535 miles) off the cost of Europe is the Portuguese island of Madeira. It is a subtropical paradise that, throughout history, has been a favorite stop over for navigators exploring the seas, as well as a playground for Europe’s elite. Perched high atop a cliff, overlooking the bay of Funchal is the classic Reid’s Palace, a Grand Dame of hotels as timeless as the island itself.

Built in 1891, Reid’s Palace has been a home-away-from-home for many distinguished guests. Winston Churchill spent time here while writing his war memoirs. Cuban General Fulgencio Batista and his entourage took up residence on the third floor following defeat by Fidel Castro. John Huston and Gregory Peck called the hotel home during filming of “Moby Dick.” And, a parade of royals from Prince Axel of Denmark and King Umberto of Italy, to Empress Zita of Austria and King Carlos Gustav XVI of Sweden, have all enjoyed the superior service and spectacular views.

There are 128 rooms in this grand hotel, each individually decorated to evoke classic elegance while boasting modern comforts. There are a variety of room choices ranging in size from 19-to-31 sqm, and offering garden or sea views. Deluxe rooms offer balconies or semi-private patios, ideal for romantic in-room dining. Every room is elegantly appointed with crisp white embroidered bedspreads and rich marble bathrooms.

To upgrade your stay, choose from one of the 35 luxurious suites…but you may want to treat yourself to one of the two Presidential Suites: the Churchill Suite; and the George Bernard Shaw Suite. Here, the spacious accommodations are decorated in sumptuous fabrics, Chinese hand-painted wallpapers and silk curtains. Each suite offers one spacious bedroom with private bath, plus an oversized sitting room, but can be expanded by connecting the adjacent Junior Suites. Oversized verandas provide awesome ocean views. Presidential Suites also include a guest bath and kitchenette.

Gastronomy at Reid’s Palace is as abundant as the ocean views. The hotel has numerous restaurant options depending on your mood and time of day.

William Restaurant, which opened in 2015 and was awarded a Michelin star less than two years later, is a formal tribute to more elegant times: starched tablecloths, besuited servers, intricate tasting menus, including one devoted to lobster.

Afternoon tea at Reid’s Palace remains a civilized custom. From 15:00-17:30 every day, traditional high tea is offered in the Lounge and on the Terrace. Scones, cakes and finger sandwiches accompany a wide selection of specialty teas. It’s a relaxing experience in an almost timeless setting.

For further indulgence, step into The Spa. Signature treatments based on elite brands such as La Prairie, LaStone, and Ytsara can last for two-to-five hours, and include a hot tub soak, full body, rain shower experience in the privacy of your treatment suite, relaxing scalp and foot massage, and a lunch served on the veranda of your treatment suite. The spa also has a menu of services for the face and body, as well as special treatments for men and kids. Facilities include private whirlpool, dry sauna and steam rooms and fitness center.

Luxury accommodations come with luxury prices; but fear not, Reid´s offers package specials. Half board and full board rates are also available.