33 Best Hotels in Madeira, Portugal

This large glass-fronted hotel overlooking a spectacular stretch of oceanfront has modern and tastefully appointed, if generic, guest rooms, most with balconies offering water views. Rates include breakfast and dinner; guests can choose from five restaurants, including Portuguese, Italian, and sushi. Other amenities include a stunning sea-level platform featuring a bar and two seawater swimming pools; a kids' pool and an indoor pool; a thalassotherapy (uses the benefits of seawater) spa; and a well-equipped fitness center with a variety of classes. The hotel is also more family-friendly than many others on the island, offering Aquatica Kids' World for children up to age 11 and 24-hour babysitting services (for a fee).

About 4 km (2½ miles) from Vila Baleira, the Vila Baleira Suites have their own pretty pool surrounded by sunny yellow lounge chairs, but most guests head just beyond that to one of the nicest stretches of beach on the island. The squat modern building itself is a bit of an eyesore, but the place makes up for any shortcomings with good amenities and a perfect location.

Funchal's first design hotel, with ultramodern decor by influential local architect Nini Andrade Silva, hits the spot if you want a chic vibe and a location right in the center of town. The Vine's aesthetic takes its inspiration from Madeira's landscapes and vineyards: black cobbles, frosted glass, and dark stones set the tone. The spa specializes in vinotherapy (grapes, grape seeds, and grape skins are used in treatments).