Quintinha Sao Joao

When we stay in Funchal, our first choice is the Quintinha Sao Joao.

Located just outside the centre of the Madeiran capital, Quintinha Sao Joao is close when you want to be amongst the hustle and bustle of city life, but just far enough away when you want to relax and unwind.

There are forty rooms in total – they’re spacious and bright, and the décor has a cosy, classic Portuguese style. Outside, the enclosed gardens provide a calming retreat after busy day of exploration with their ever-present scent of aloe, bougainvillea and strelitzia. The hotel’s terrace bar is the perfect escape from the midday heat, in the shade of the Monterey pines and laurisilva, and in the evenings the Morgadinha restaurant has one of the best menus in Funchal. There’s also an outdoor pool and spa, a second heated indoor pool and a gym.

The quintinha is owned and managed by Senhor André Barreto – a leading member of “Quintas da Madeira” – an association working to preserve Madeira’s valuable architectural heritage, including the beautiful 150-year-old Barreto manor house which sits within the grounds of the hotel. Andre’s team are all hand-picked, and their friendly service and attention to detail makeone of the most-welcoming hotels on Madeira.