Quinta do Lorde Resort, Hotel & Marina

Quinta do Lorde Resort, Hotel & Marina is outside Canical village in a secluded oceanfront area next to a marina, situated on well-landscaped grounds with palm trees. With its cobbled walkways, central square with fountain and chapel, and bright locally influenced architecture, the resort is convincingly like a Madeiran village. Interiors have a sharp look that blends modern and classic styles, with handsome furniture and art, and ample wood details all creating a polished look. Guests gather around the pools and in the many seasonal bars, especially by the huge natural seawater pool that draws its water from the ocean. With its limited entertainment and distance from Funchal's nightlife, the resort can be quiet (too quiet for some). However, the mostly European couples and families that come here are generally happy with the extensive leisure options and away-from-it-all atmosphere. 

Quinta do Lorde Resort is at the eastern end of Madeira, on the Ponta de Sao Lourenco peninsula. The number 113 bus stops outside the resort, but it come infrequently, so it's helpful to have a car while staying here as there's little of interest nearby. The village of Canical is about a 10-minute drive away, and has restaurants, bars, a soccer team, and the Madeira Whale Museum. For stunning coastal scenery, it's a three-minute drive or 10-minute walk to both the Ponta das Gaivotas and Ponta de Sao Lourenco viewpoints. Funchal -- with its attractions, shops, and nightlife -- is about a 30-minute drive or 90-minute bus ride away. Madeira Airport is 15-minute drive from the resort.

Quinta do Lorde Resort has 143 spacious rooms, suites, apartments, and villas. The rooms have a pleasant, modern look, with sharp dark wood furniture, taupe and cream accents, and island landscape pictures on the walls to add a little local flair. All rooms have air-conditioning, mini-fridges, electric kettles for instant coffee and tea, free Wi-Fi, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs. Keep in mind that there are fees for coffee and tea after the first day. Some rooms have balconies and/or ocean views. Suites feature sitting rooms, while apartments and villas have kitchens. Some villas offer small private swimming pools. The spacious bathrooms all come with shower/tub combos, though some have separate showers and bathtubs. There's a good amount of counter space, and all come with bathrobes and slippers, make-up mirrors, hairdryers, and bidets.

With its village-like layout, this resort has plenty of features, including a small pebbled beach. Even so, one of the highlights here is massive infinity-edged seawater swimming pool that's fed by the ocean. Keep in mind that this pool will include seaweed and small fish. There's also a big, two-tier pool with a shallow children's section and a third pool that's good for swimming laps. It's worth noting that all pools are unheated. A spa is available for treatments, while a tennis/soccer court and basic fitness center are on offer for those wanting a more active escape. 

While the resort has all-inclusive rates, they do carry limitations depending on where you're dining in the resort. All told, there are six drinking and dining options, though some are seasonal. Lord's serves a la carte Portuguese and international fare in an elegant space with ocean views, while Flor de Sal offers buffets for all meals, with themed buffets and live cooking stations. Variety is excellent, but the buffet quality can be a bit inconsistent. Casual options are located near the marina, pool, and beach. The hotel provides limited entertainment, with live music, karaoke, and organized games at N'tonic, its main bar.

A free round-trip shuttle to Funchal runs once a day (mid-morning drop-off, late afternoon pick-up), though space is limited. A dive shop next to the marina rents equipment, and the resort can arrange kayak tours, scuba diving, dolphin and whale watching, and yacht trips. Other extras include a library, game room, chapel, general store, meeting rooms, and free parking. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort.