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 FeedAirlines
Aug 18, 2026Air India Selects JFK’s New Terminal 6 For Future Operations
JFK Millennium Partners, the company building and operating Port Authority of New York & New Jersey’s John F. Kennedy International Airport’s new Terminal 6, and Air India recently announced the airline chose T6 for its operations beginning in 2028, aligning Air India with other Star Alliance member carriers in the new terminal. Sixteen leading international carriers have now selected T6 for their operations, including Air Canada, All Nippon Airways, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines and TAP Air Portugal.
Sponsored Content
Why Japan Is Best Explored by Sea with Princess
Japan is a destination that rewards repeat visits because no two regions — or seasons — feel quite the same. One moment, you’re wandering through centuries-old geisha districts in Kanazawa. The next, you’re watching neon reflections dance across Tokyo streets long after midnight.
August 2026
Aug 18, 2026Pamper Your Passion for Barefoot Luxury in the Seychelles
Imagine a place where the weather is always warm and the sun forever shines upon groves of towering palm trees and unspoiled white-sand beaches, where a vast expanse of turquoise water surrounds you as far as you can see. When I first landed in the Seychelles last spring, I knew I’d discovered a hidden Eden. Known as the Land of Perpetual Summer, the archipelago consists of 115 islands scattered in the western Indian Ocean, north of Madagascar and 1,000 miles east of mainland Africa.
Daily
Aug 18, 2026North Carolina’s The Art of Living Retreat Center to Host Creative Living Workshop
The Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina, is inviting travelers to relax, unwind and form a deeper connection to themselves with a restorative retreat experience.
Sponsored Content
Elevate Your Journey with TAP Air Portugal’s New Economy Prime
Exciting news ahead for TAP Air Portugal, as Portugal’s flag carrier prepares for the launch of its brand-new Economy Prime cabin, offering customers more space, additional privacy and a superior travel experience. Flights boasting the new cabin take off June 1; booking for Economy Prime is now available across all TAP channels and travel agents.
Daily
Aug 18, 2026Portugal Hotels Partner with MOKE International Electric Vehicles
Looking for an environmental angle for your next excursion to lovely Portugal? Now you can charge up your MOKE for stays at Bomporto properties in Lisbon and Porto. And in case you’re wondering what on earth a MOKE might be, we’re happy to elaborate: Created by British luxury motor brand MOKE International, these iconic vehicles were designed in the 1960s by the same Sir Alec Issigonis, regarded as the father of the Austin Mini.
Puerto Rico by Water: Beyond San Juan
Destinations
Aug 17, 2026
August 2026
Aug 15, 2026St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, Unveils New Appearance
St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London, completed extensive renovations, revealing a new appearance across its entrance and ground and first floors. The hotel also boasts a new established bar, 1897 The Bar & Cigar Lounge, as well as new lounges and other multipurpose rooms, and expanded Taj the Chambers Club and ballroom.
Sponsored Content
The World Awaits with Turkish Airlines’ Global Access
Turkish Airlines enjoys the unique position as the airline flying to more countries than any other airline. Its unrivaled global reach is only the beginning of the experience that awaits passengers with Turkish Airlines.
Daily
Aug 14, 2026MGallery Collection Debuts in the Maldives
It’s official: V Villas Maldives at Mirihi –MGallery Collection is open, welcoming guests to a private island experience rich in Maldivian heritage. The all-villa property is set upon Mirihi island within the South Ari Atoll, where the setting includes sparkling azure lagoons and sugary white-sand beaches. Accessed by a 30-minute seaplane crossing from Malé, guests arrive to discover a world of luxury comprised of 42 expansive villas, including four new opulent overwater villas, each with an ample private pool and direct lagoon access. Villas were crafted by the renowned experts at multidisciplinary design firm Studio Gronda, who fashioned each to fit harmoniously into the surrounding tropical landscape.
ShareThis