Santana Hotels with Pools

After a lot of research looking for somewhere to spend the first week of our Madeiran honeymoon, we choose to escape to the amazing Hotel Quinta do Furão. We could not have chosen better. The team in the hotel were amazing, with daily personal touches, that made our stay very personal. They stepped in to help when we had a problem with our hire car company, they were generous with their time and provided some great tips about how we could get more from our own plans. The rooms were of a very high standard and, from its commanding position on top of cliffs, we could enjoy the view for miles along the coast from our balcony. Breakfast at the hotel is an absolute treat. The breakfast room is large and stylish, making a perfect place to start the day calmly. The choice of individually cooked meals and/or a very extensive buffet was ideal for us. With the of having breakfast outside, if you wish. We are serious explorers and normally spend very little time at hotels, the standard of the food at the Quinta do Furão drew us back several times, including our final lunch at the end of our honeymoon, as we had such happy memories there. The food available at the hotel is excellent and very generous. We would recommend trying anything that includes the local Santana sweet potato bread. In the evening there is the option to eat in the hotel’s restaurant, which is a very short walk (c100 metres) from the main hotel. The restaurant balcony gives great views of the wooded slopes down to the sea. For those wanting to rest and recuperate the hotel would a great place, being often the beaten track and having a wide range of facilities on site (spa, indoor and outdoor pools, gym, etc). It is also a great place for the more adventurous and we used the location has a launch pad to explore the north-east part of the island and the central mountains. We were able to drive out into the mountains and explore the stunning laurel forests, along the network of well marked footpaths, as well as travelling around an hour into Funchal. We would definitely recommend this hotel to family and friends, and it would be a definite place for us to stay on a return trip.

Had a good nights stay in Hotel O Colmo as part of a group walking trip. Very quirky, with lots of old memorabilia around hotel. Our room was large and had 4 single beds for the 2 of us! Nice indoor pool and jacuzzi to use after a day walking, but both had quite cool water. Well stocked and priced bar (including a delicious banana beer, poncha and Madeira wine). We had a group dinner which was excellent, beautifully presented, and delicious. Good selection at breakfast but there was a very large group so felt crowded and rushed. Great location for the town and easy walk to see the traditional huts.

While this location is not far from the airport in miles, it feels like a different world. The gardens at the Quinta are gorgeous! Worth the visit alone. The 2(!) pools are lovely, although the loungers were a bit used. The staff was so helpful and nice. But, our room was odd - functional and large, but not all that comfortable. Hard bed, no place to unpack other than an armoire...We had a sea view room. The view was OK, but I would not pay extra next time. There are few food options nearby; the hotel associated restaurant is OK, not great. (Same for breakfast, adequate but not really good.) Our room didn't have a refrigerator, but I believe some of the rooms do have that. If I returned, I would get a room with a refrigerator, glasses, etc. and pack dinner in. There are a lot of outdoor seating areas in the gardens and poolside. Then eat breakfast, venture out to nearby towns for lunch. The roads to get to the area are very twisty and at times, one lane. But, that means little traffic and peace and beauty.