ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: My husband and I visited the tropical island of Madeira, Portugal, for the final stop of our honeymoon. We took a 20-minute taxi ride from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (named for Madeira’s most famous resident) to the Pestana Carlton Madeira. We were immediately impressed with the sprawling exterior of the hotel lined with palm trees and tropical vegetation. The interior lobby had a contemporary beach feel with ample tan and cream-colored seating options, exotic floral arrangements and a captivating amber chandelier. Although we checked in at a busy time, we received prompt and excellent service.
PHOTO: © PESTANA CARLTON MADEIRA
GUEST QUARTERS: We were blown away by our accommodations and the view, as the hotel sits atop a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Our suite included a living room and dining area, and just past the living room the bedroom included a king-sized bed and office area for those looking to get some work done while still enjoying a view of the ocean. The housekeeping staff surprised us every day with an artistic towel arrangement in the shapes of fish, a heart, swans and rabbits, adding in fresh flowers and foliage along with chocolates.
The room was decorated in muted earth tones with a combination of dark and light wood furnishings, while the surprisingly spacious balcony offered comfortable wicker furniture. Additional room amenities included a mini bar with soft drinks, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a tea/coffee station. The expansive marble bathroom featured a sizable stand-alone bathtub as well as a shower with the perfect water pressure to soothe tired muscles. The bathroom additionally boasted a private toilet and bidet alcove along with a double vanity with substantial mirrors. We settled into our new space by relaxing on the balcony while enjoying the complimentary Champagne, fruit and cookie platter waiting for us.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: The hotel, located in a quiet area, lies within walking distance of the main downtown area. Choose from a plethora of intimate restaurants surrounding the hotel or opt to enjoy the four restaurants on property. The rustic Taverna Grill serves classic Portuguese food, and The Pub lets you grab a pint to enjoy with bar food while watching a football match. The Arcos Restaurant offers an expansive breakfast buffet and alfresco dining on the ocean-view terrace, or you can grab a quick lunch at the casual Garden Restaurant and Bar which adjoins two outdoor pools.
The hotel offers a variety of activities including certified on-site scuba classes followed by a guided scuba tour. Other amenities include full gym access, a game room, tennis court, mini golf, a library, The Venus Spa and a hair salon.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- The Pestana Carlton Madeira offers an excellent place for couples and families to enjoy a kid- friendly yet also romantic getaway.
- With amazing food and natural beauty, Madeira should be a top destination for anyone who has never visited.
- You are guaranteed a killer view from any of the rooms, with a choice of views of the ocean or mountains.
PESTANA CARLTON MADEIRA
Largo António Nobre, No.1
9004-531 Funchal, Portugal
tel 351 291 239 500
pestana.com
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
May 27, 2025Plan a Legendary Gathering in Honolulu
Myths and origin stories form a powerful framework for the history of Hawai‘i. Marking the horizon behind Honolulu, the ancient volcanic formation of Lē‘ahi — technically a volcanic tuff cone more commonly known to the world as Diamond Head — provides a constant physical reminder of the tales that shaped the history of this location. While researching legends for my Hawai‘i-based Dark Paradise Mysteries series (Kensington Books), I learned the tale of the demigod Maui, who used his enchanted fishing hook to reach into the sea to heave the Hawaiian islands, including Diamond Head, above the surface of the water.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
Daily
May 27, 2025Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia Introduces Sky Garden Floor
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center recently announced plans for a new Sky Garden floor, set to open in December. With help from architecture firm 1508 London, the new floor will offer a unique experience complementing the hotel’s prestigious reputation.
Daily
May 27, 2025Go Glamping at This Colorado Ranch This Summer
The snow has melted, the sun is out and fans of the great outdoors gear up for summer camping. Historic Arapahoe Valley Ranch in Granby, Colorado, is a great destination choice. The ranch has a fascinating history involving aviator Charles Lindbergh, who became a close personal friend of former ranch owner and pilot Harry Knight. During his tenure as president of the St. Louis Flying Club, Knight formed a personal friendship with Lindbergh, and went on to build a private airfield at his ranch, used by Lindbergh for his weekend visits to Colorado.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
Slideshow
May 27, 20256 Reasons to Put Wellington, New Zealand, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Wellington, New Zealand, with us.
Explora Journeys Announces Summer 2027 Offerings
Daily
May 26, 2025Delta Air Lines Adds Flight to Kona, Hawai‘i
Airlines
May 25, 2025Daily
May 23, 2025Up Your RV Game with All-Electric Luxury RV, New Gear
If you’re chomping at the bit to head into the wilderness and set up camp, we’re with you. For a dose of luxury, enjoy an off-grid adventure for up to seven days with the new Pebble Flow. With a sleek, aerodynamic futuristic profile, the Pebble Flow also boasts a dual-motor Active Tow Assist System to allow for pulling with an electric vehicle. Features include lightweight composite and sustainable materials; panoramic windows with a 270-degree view; convertible furnishings; and a modern, minimalist design aesthetic. The chef-inspired kitchen, silent HVAC system and spa bathroom provide travel comfort, and nature-inspired colors including Sky, Fern, Poppy and Sand add to the overall sense of serenity. Bonus: The Pebble Flow can sight, align and hitch all on its own, while The Pebble App and dual-motor drivetrain let you maneuver, reverse, park and position with ease.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
May 2025
May 23, 2025Relax, Rejuvenate and Heal at StolenTime
At the namesake luxury, 5-star all-inclusive resort in Saint Lucia, the concept of “stolen time” used to be reserved for couples escaping to canoodle, reconnect and perhaps rekindle in sumptuous accommodations during a romantic getaway on the lush Caribbean island. But when StolenTime by Rendezvous rebranded in late 2022 to welcome all adult guests and focus more on wellness, the philosophy expanded to encompass self-reflection, personal growth and enrichment. After all, time is our most precious commodity, one that’s finite and too quickly slips through our grasp; we need to find those moments that matter and make them count.
ShareThis