Perfectly positioned between Old Town and the sea, Savoy Palace boasts an enviable Funchal address. Though flanked by smaller, more boutique properties, the largest hotel in Madeira proves that size doesn’t mean compromising on style.
The lobby sets the stage for a bevvy of unforgettable experiences with its daring centerpiece: a 33-foot-tall chandelier made from nearly four miles of matte metal chain. Beyond that jaw-dropping sight, Belle Epoque-themed interiors inspire a sense of grandeur with stellar service to match. Pink top-hatted doormen greet you with warm smiles while details inspired by Madeira’s rich history are cleverly interwoven throughout the 352-room hotel’s design.
Lest you think Savory Palace is all style and no substance, take a look at the posh property’s superb spa, two rooftop pools and full menu of sumptuous eateries waiting at your beck and call.
- Savoy Palace’s bold interior design is the brainchild of Madeira-based architect Nini Andrade Silva. Be on the lookout for botanical motifs throughout the hotel. Flower-shaped light fixtures dotting public spaces, an artsy screen of leafy greenery lighting up the bar and laurel patterns in the spa are all nods to Madeira’s culture.
- Laurea Spa is among Portugal’s largest with 11 treatment rooms, a Kneipp water path, hammam, halotherapy room and sensory showers. Drawing inspiration from Madeira’s Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest laurel forest, the herbaceous design is as enticing as the muscle-melting treatments.
- Not typically the case with hotels of this size, Savoy Palace’s breakfast buffet is a rave-worthy affair praised by locals and visitors alike. Mouthwatering offerings range from house-cured meats and smoked salmon to a plethora of locally sourced fresh fruit for which the island is famous.
- Thoroughly modern rooms are well-lit through wall-sized windows overlooking the sea or cityscape with the mountains beyond. Sturdy materials like marble and polished walnut wood juxtapose beautifully with softer design details like bronze lattices motivated by Madeira’s traditional flower-patterned lace.
- The hotel’s main pool is no afterthought. The beautifully designed space features a lace-inspired bridge spanning the turquoise waters with plenty of loungers (plus a few partially submerged options) and manicured greenery surrounding the sea-facing pool.
- Perched atop Savoy Palace is Galaxia Skyfood, an upscale eatery dishing out experimental plates with views to match. While five- to seven-course menus of wagyu beef skewers and fermented fish with tropical fruit are a highlight, extensive a la carte selections are also available for those who’d rather choose their own culinary adventure.
- Dine on Portuguese cuisine in the casual bistro-style surroundings of Pau de Lume. House-cured meats and local cheeses are among the mouthwatering highlights both for brunch and dinner.
- Japanese-Peruvian fusion fare is on full display at Nikkei. Opt for the five-course kaiseki menu for a little taste of everything, or go a la carte to savor hand-rolled sushi, sashimi, ramen and more.
- Enjoy casual Mediterranean plates and pleasant sea breezes at the alfresco Alameda Restaurant. Surrounded with lush greenery and shaded by swaying palms, the poolside eatery offers refreshing cocktails and wood-fired pizzas that are best enjoyed between dips in the sparkling waters.
