Choupana Hills Resort & Spa

With its shingled rooftop bungalows set on stilts, it's easy to forget that this clifftop property is on Madeira. Built by French architect Michel de Camaret, Choupana Hills Resort & Spa, sometimes seems as if it belongs in the remote jungles of Asia. The resort's 42 acres of eucalyptus trees are subtly perfumed and lush, and interiors have an equally exotic look. The A-frame main building, designed by Didier Lefort, uses lots of stone and wood, and its large windows overlook Funchal. The lounge is done with purple-and-cream colored sofas has details like bamboo boxes on coffee tables, wooden pillars, and intricately carved mirrors. At night, the property turns romantic, with accent lighting in the pool and on terraces. A tiki cabana sits on the edge of the cliff, offering beautiful sunset vistas over the coast. This hotel appeals most to families and couples seeking a quiet vacation.

The hotel’s location on a clifftop provides great views of Funchal and the Atlantic, though there's not much else in the neighborhood. This is a residential area, traversed by a winding and steep road that can intimidate drivers with its hairpin turns. The area isn't tremendously walkable, but there's a levada (an ancient irrigation channel unique to Madeira) that leads to the Monte Cable Car and Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Guests can hop on the hotel’s free shuttle that goes to Funchal’s museums, the marina, shops, restaurants, and bars -- it's about a 20-minute drive from the hotel and space is limited on the shuttle. Praia Formosa beach can be reached in 20 minutes by car. The drive to the Madeira International Airport takes 25 minutes. The front desk can arrange airport transfers on request and free parking is available on-site.

Choupana Hills Resort & Spa's 62 bungalows are a stylish blend of rustic and urban features, all with a distinct modern edge. Decor includes wood-beam ceilings, four-poster beds, pops of red, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead to nicely furnished balconies with sea or garden views. Expect to see handsome Asian wall art with bodhi-leaf motifs plus handsome hardwood floors, bamboo details, and attractive contemporary furniture with neutral upholstery. Deluxe Family Bungalows with interconnected rooms that can sleep up to four adults and two children are available, and cribs can be requested. All bungalows have Nespresso machines, kettles, minibars, flat-screen TVs with CD/DVD libraries, safes, slippers, and free Wi-Fi. There is a fee for extra tea and coffee. Beds are orthopedic, though some king beds are simply two smaller mattresses placed together Suites have separate sitting areas and whirlpool tubs on large balconies. Urban-chic bathrooms have modern fixtures, hairdryers, bathrobes, and shower/tub combos next to windows. They are outfitted in lots of matte stone, giving them a sexy appeal, and chrome fixtures are all contemporary.

Choupana Hills Resort & Spa has a nice range of amenities, though some don't live up to the hotel's own five-pearl claims. The outdoor infinity pool has lovely views of the coast, but unfortunately it's not heated. The indoor pool, with its purple walls and pillars that convey a Zen-like calm, is warmed year-round. The gym, equipped with a treadmill, rowing machine, elliptical machine, bike, and Pilates balls, is small and simple for a resort that claims luxury status. The spa has a sauna, a Turkish bath, and treatment rooms. 

Breakfast is included in the room rate and is served in the Xopana restaurant -- it has plenty of hot and cold options and is well-liked by most guests. More casual dining -- like salads, light meals, and fruit drinks -- is offered at the pool bar. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge, and the Basalt Bar, located above the restaurant, serves cocktails and snacks. Travelers going on day trips or hikes can order picnics.

The hotel has an attractive meeting room that’s about 644 square feet with wood-beamed ceilings. The library offers international book titles and free internet access at a computer station. Free, reliable Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. The hotel also runs a free shuttle into Funchal several times per day, though it must be booked ahead of time and has limited seating.