Certain vacation destinations are awash with themed hotels that run the gamut from the region’s history and culture to the tastes of their intended clientele. However, when the idea is executed with refinement, inspired use of materials and careful historic research — as have interior designer and native Madeiran Nini Andrade Silva and RH+ Architects— the resort provides a palpable sense of place and a greater appreciation for what lies beyond it.

This creative collaboration resulted in the 4- to 5-star Savoy Saccharum Resort & Spa, nestled into the hills and cliffs abutting Calheta, 30 minutes and a world away from buzzing Madeira capital Funchal. While RH+ Architects devised the structure as a sharp, modern extension to the area’s eons- old geography, Andrade Silva’s furnishings and accents make the interiors an extension to the Sociedade dos Engenhos da Calheta (The Sugar Cane Museum), a working sugar cane processing plant a 15-minute walk from the property’s front door. Galeria 1425 adjoins the lobby bars and check-in, and features century-old photos, machinery parts, and vintage rum bottles that underscore the industry originally putting Madeira and Calheta on the map.

As Saccharum was originally conceived as a wellness-oriented destination, the convergence of industrial-chic, tropical elements, and minimalism makes perfect sense. With the exception of the airy, sunlit presidential suite (with its impressive kitchen), most rooms are small but efficiently laid out. Brown chaise seating connected with a small desk are built into the wall. Sugar cane photography wallpaper, modular storage and a king-sized bed complete the vibe. More than a third of a room’s space is dedicated to its outdoor terrace, not only echoing Madeira’s unusual landscape, but also allowing for spectacular daytime views and soothing sounds of the Atlantic Ocean by night.

Public and private areas are bathed in a fresh and calming palette of greens, pale beiges and deep browns, while the infinity pools mimic the steep, terraced cliffs that define Madeira’s unique geography. In the main lobby, halls, dining areas and outdoor bars, Andrade Silva’s clever repurposing of sugar cane processing plant machine elements, various found objects, rum-aging barrel hoops, and wooden floor carpeting and upholstery design sets the tone for the kind of back-to-nature guest management intends to attract.

© Elyse Glickman

On the whole, the resort offers 4-star, family-friendly lodging that also draws non-outdoorsy types, those seeking a quieter alternative to capital city Funchal and others wanting to pose along one of the world’s most Instagrammable pools. More discerning travelers, however, should spring for the Premium Experience package, which elevates Saccharum to a 5-star experience. Game-changing amenities include pools and relaxation areas only for premium guests (including the chef’s garden); free access to a business meeting space; constantly refilled minibars; made-to-order breakfasts at the eighth-floor private club; authentically prepared Madeiran fare at Onda Azul in the Savoy Calheta Beach across the road, or poolside Saccharum restaurant Trapiche, with both a general menu and a vegetarian menu serving flavorful dishes that can be modified for vegan diners.

While Funchal is admittedly more of a foodie destination, several excellent restaurants lie a short walk or cab ride away from the front door. Jaqueline Freitas, founder, Madeira Exquisite Food on Foot Tours, recommends Manifattura Di Gelato for delicious Italian food with a touch of local flair, Leme Marisqueira for simple local seafood, and fine-dining restaurant O Farolim. While the spa is Saccharum’s marquee amenity, it swaps the girly glam found in many hotel spas for straightforward simplicity that continues Andrade Silva’s creative interpretation of Cahleta’s natural and manmade attributes. Based on the comings and goings of the guests, the setup clearly appeals to both active men and women looking to spend more time outdoors and hit the spa for a post-flight sauna circuit session, a pre-hike swim or a post-ride massage. That said, guests will find pampering and luxury where it counts: the superb aromatic massages and treatments perfectly executed by the spa’s thoughtful therapists.

Saccharum Resort and Spa

Rua da Serra D’Agua n°1
9370-087 Arco da Calheta, Madeira, Portugal
tel 351 291 820 800