Fodor's Expert Review Quinta Jardins do Lago

One of Madeira's most romantic hotels, Quinta Jardins do Lago is set in an immaculately maintained botanical garden, which can be admired from the large balconies in all rooms. A library, billiards room, and a breakfast room with an exceptional 16th-century ceramic wall panel on its veranda give this beautiful 18th-century quinta a timeless quality. During the Napoleonic wars, General Beresford, commander of the British forces on the island, chose the quinta as his residence, and his magnificent sideboard still adorns the dining room. Colombo, a giant tortoise, has lived here since 1949. Among the mango trees is a large heated swimming pool.