Hotel The Cliff Bay

Guests could be forgiven for feeling a little underwhelmed upon their first sight of the Cliff Bay -- its unassuming modern architecture fronted by super-manicured flora hardly wows. Inside, the scene is impeccably presented with swaths of polished marble, neatly arranged potted plants, and pastel tones that create a high-end yet slightly characterless ambience. As guests step farther into the property, however, and get a glimpse of the hotel's tiered gardens cascading dramatically down the cliff-side setting to the expansive sun terraces overlooking the shimmering blue of the Atlantic Ocean, they might quickly forgive all that came before. The back gardens are also lush and attractive, brimming with colorful flowers, palm trees, and tropical plants. The attention to detail impresses too, with every corner of this large resort showing the same degree of polish that combines with first-class service to create a  refined experience that appeals mainly to well-heeled vacationing couples.

The hotel's setting is undeniably striking -- it's perched on a natural cliff-top promontory in the Sao Martinho District of Funchal. While there's a fair amount in the immediate area in the way of restaurants and shopping, most of the city's main attractions center around the marina, which is about a mile away. The hotel provides regular free shuttle service to the center, and there's also a taxi stand right outside. Madeira Airport is a 25-minute drive away, while Funchal's Ecological Park is about half an hour's drive. 

The hotel's 200 rooms are all bright, spacious, and elegantly decorated in neutral tones with traditional touches in carved wood and rattan. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi (two devices per room), minibars, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players, while upgraded rooms and suites add such luxury touches as fresh flowers, fruit, wine on arrival, and a pillow menus. All rooms open to furnished balconies or terraces, with most offering sea views. Marble bathrooms have double sinks and separate tubs and showers, plus quality toiletries and bathrobes. Room service is available around the clock.

Dining at the Cliff Bay undoubtedly a major event -- its Il Gallo d'Oro restaurant garnered Madeira's first and only Michelin star. As would be expected in a Michelin-star restaurant in a luxury property, meals are expensive. More casual dining can be found at the Rose Garden restaurant, which provides a free buffet breakfast each morning and and alfresco dining on the terrace, while the Blue Lagoon serves lunch against fine sea views. The hotel features two pools, one saltwater and close to the seafront, and one freshwater that's half-inside and half-outside, with particularly stunning panoramas. Kid-friendly amenities include an indoor playroom and an outside playground, as well as a splash pool. A private jetty offers direct access to the sea, and an on-site spa has a sauna, steam room, and indoor or outdoor massage treatments.