5th July 2021 – Discover Madeira has firmly shaken off its image as a place just for retirees and has emerged as a leading hip short-haul destination, being referred to as ‘The Style Isle’ by The Times in December 2020.
There is a hive of creative high-end activity afoot, with innovative new companies catering for chic travellers opening across Madeira. This reflects the increasing demand for this lush and subtropical jewel, long appealing to those who yearn for the great outdoors.
Okulus, Funchal – Seaside barefoot luxury
Renovated and designed by writer and designer Cristina Abreu with her husband Ricardo, this villa overlooking the Atlantic was made to co-exist with nature and is a masterpiece in relaxed living. Designed to complement the cliff it sits on top of like a sculpture, light streams onto the concrete-ceiling living room through large windows. The villa features custom furniture as well as classics, a rooftop infinity pool and luscious greenery pays homage to Madeira’s famous botanical gardens.
The Wanderer – A convivial discovery of tastes, flavours, colours and textures
A culinary journey using hand-picked ingredients, some foraged in the wild, masterfully combined to offer a standout tasting menu. The dishes created by Chef Selim Latrous celebrate seasonal produce from Madeira infused with influences gathered from years wandering around the world.
This new all-suite hotel is an extension of one of Madeira’s most iconic properties, Cliff Bay. The building is connected to beautiful gardens with an infinity pool, views across the Atlantic and the dining is top notch with Avista Restaurant – Cliff Bay is home to the only two Michelin Star restaurant on the island, Il Gallo D’Oro.
Sunrise Breakfast with Reid’s Palace
No trip to Madeira would be complete without time in the mountains, which are easily accessible from Funchal by jeep. And for the ultimate in stylish experiences, Belmond Reid’s Palace arranges sunrise trips, complete with a private butler who serves up breakfast as the sun comes up over this subtropical gem.
Private Yacht Charter with VIP Dolphins
Madeira is renowned for being one of the best places in Europe for dolphin and whale watching, with the volcanic island dropping off dramatically into the sea, meaning that all manner of cetaceans come close to the shore. For those seeking a luxurious ocean experience, VIP Dolphins offer day long fully catered private yacht charter, with three dedicated crew members and a chef for up to 17 people.
For more information contact madeira@gribbonberry.com
About the Madeira Archipelago
Considered The Best Island Destination in the World (World Travel Awards), Madeira is a small Portuguese paradise located amid the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean. Of volcanic origin, its privileged location provides a mild climate and sea with pleasant temperatures all year round, in addition to impressive sceneries of mountains, valleys and cliffs, all covered by the exuberant Laurissilva vegetation, named Natural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco. The archipelago is formed by a set of islands, the main and only inhabited being Madeira and Porto Santo. There are excellent options for spas, historic monuments and great hotels and restaurants, where you can sample delicious cuisine and award-winning Madeiran wines.
For more information, visit www.madeiraallyear.com.
