Quinta da Casa Branca

Quinta da Casa Branca has a uniquely beautiful setting in a botanical garden, bursting with life in the form of exotic trees and plants. The grounds are split into three areas: an arboretum, home to some huge tropical and subtropical trees, an agricultural area where banana, avocado and mango trees are grown, and a peaceful landscaped garden.

Reflecting the natural beauty of the hotel’s surroundings, the rooms and suites at Quinta da Casa Branca have an organic feel thanks to the extensive use of real wood in the furniture and walls. The modern design and use of light wood gives the Quinta rooms an almost Scandi feel, while the Manor House suites have a much more traditional vibe. Each of the rooms looks out onto the gardens with either a private balcony or terrace. All rooms have modern facilities and beautiful marble bathrooms, some with Jacuzzi bathtubs.

Much like the rooms and suites, dining at Quinta da Casa Branca is a two-sided coin. On the one hand, there’s the modern Garden Pavilion restaurant, an informal space where a la carte lunches, buffet breakfasts and afternoon tea are enjoyed al fresco. On the other, there’s the Dining Room restaurant, a traditional space in the Manor House where you’ll find exquisite regional cuisine – try the turbot with lemon and tomato risotto, or the duck magret and gooseberries.

After dinner, the Casa da Quinta Bar is the perfect place for a nightcap overlooking the lush gardens.

The outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by the strange and beautiful plants of the garden, is a spectacular spot for an afternoon swim and is heated in the colder months, and there’s another (adults-only) pool in the banana plantation. In the health club, meanwhile, you’ll find a sauna, a Jacuzzi and a gym among the facilities, while wellness treatments are on offer at the spa.

Funchal is famous for its landscaped gardens and beautiful architecture. Must-sees during your time here include the Se Cathedral, which dates from the 13th century and has a beautiful wooden ceiling, and the Santa Clara Convent, clad in striking azulejo tiles. Among the city’s many beautiful gardens, be sure to visit the Jardins do Palheiro, home to plants from across the world, and the Madeira Botanical Garden, where parrots and parakeets swoop amid thousands of plant species in a hillside spot offering panoramic views of Funchal.