Les Suites at The Cliff Bay
Twenty-three suites in two century-old villas on a promontory, with a two-star kitchen next door.
On a promontory on the outskirts of Funchal, above the sea, PortoBay took two century-old villas and added a modern wing between them. The result is 23 suites, which makes this the smallest hotel at this level on the island by a wide margin.
The suites are the point. They are generous, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Atlantic and bathrooms in Greek marble, and the sense throughout is of a private house rather than a hotel wing. There is an infinity pool, a spa, gardens and direct access down to the sea.
The arrangement with the neighbouring hotel is what makes the proposition unusual. Guests here have the run of The Cliff Bay next door, which is where you find Il Gallo d'Oro, holder of two Michelin stars and a Green Star under chef Benoît Sinthon, who reworks Madeiran recipes using produce from the hotel's own garden. Very few 23-suite hotels come with a two-star restaurant attached.
The Michelin Guide gave Les Suites two Keys, putting it alongside Reid's Palace at the top of the island's list, and it does so at a fraction of the scale.
Funchal centre is a short walk or a very short drive along the coast, and the airport is around twenty minutes.
Couples who want the smallest luxury address in Funchal and access to a bigger hotel's facilities.
Twenty-three suites, so it books far ahead. Several facilities and the Michelin-starred restaurant are at the neighbouring Cliff Bay rather than here.
Amenities
- Pool
- Heated pool
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Gym
- Garden
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Lift
- Sea view
Book direct where you can
The hotel’s own site is the first link on purpose: a small hotel keeps more of what you pay there, and requests — a particular room, a late arrival — reach someone who can act on them. Compare it against the aggregator before you decide; neither link earns this site anything.
Nearby
All of Madeira →Casa Velha do Palheiro
An 1804 hunting lodge in the Blandy family's gardens above Funchal, Madeira's only Relais & Châteaux.
Quinta da Casa Branca
Forty-nine rooms in glass and stone among a working banana plantation, ten minutes from Funchal.
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel
An 1891 palace on the cliff above Funchal bay, where Churchill painted and everyone took tea.