The Vine is divine. Not only that, its cutting-edge chic is putting Madeira on the map for hip city breaks and luxury living.
There may not be a vineyard in sight, but it’s all about the wine here, from the first floor restaurant Terra, groovily themed to feel as though you’re dining amid roots and beneath vines, to the vinous photographs above the beds and the lush palettes of purple, green, pink and brown. The Vine is a design hotel par excellence: the underground spa is darkly seductive; the rooftop swimming pool, sundeck and levada-inspired Jacuzzi could be from a Vogue photo shoot. Lights come on and curtains glide at the merest touch, bathrooms have waterfall-effect showers, modish baths stand at the foot of the bed. Madeiran-Portuguese designer Nini Andrade Silva has won countless awards for her interiors; at last she's brought her talents home. Forget the old holiday cliches of golf and G&T: look for the high life and find it here.
Highs
- Lush sea views from the sundeck at the top, plus hidden jacuzzi, poolside bar with creative cocktails and infinity pool
- The decor oozes glamour, luxury and style - it's won many design awards
- The Spa has some unique treatments (red wine massages and milk baths)
- Staff are warm and friendly, professional yet unobtrusive
- An excellent super-central location
Lows
- Too cool for school? The lighting devices take some getting used to and the rooms may be a bit style-over-substance
- You enter via the La Vie shopping centre
- Many bedrooms are overlooked by neighbouring buildings and there's a certain amount of city-centre noise
- No garden - but the fabulous sundeck more than compensates
- While the rooms can be good-value, extras such as food and treatments may not merit their price tag
Best time to go
The hotel is open year round; go in spring, when the jacaranda is in full bloom, or autumn for some late sunshine. It’s a great place in summer though - and, because of its position, would be spectacular for the city's New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Our top tips
Visit Cabo Girao, the island's second highest sea cliff. It's famous for its wine lodges, so expect to go home with a crate of Madeiran wine.
Location
The Vine Hotel is in the centre of Funchal, above the new Dolce Vita shopping centre.
By Air:
Funchal (14.5km) is the closest airport, it's a 20-minute taxi ride from the hotel.
By Car
If you’re in Madeira for any length of time you would be advised to hire a car as public transport is limited. Parking is slightly tricky in central Funchal, but luckily the hotel has a free car park for guests. Look for the ‘Private Parking’ sign outside the shopping centre.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Madeira and getting around
Airports:
- Funchal 14.5 km FNC
Other:
- Beach 0.5 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Everything about our stay at The Vine was perfect. The service was amazing, everyone so kind and helpful. The breakfast was delicious - one of the next hotel breakfasts I’ve had, the fresh orange every morning was delicious. Our room was lovely and big and the bed so comfortable. The roof top pool and delicious cocktails were a real highlight for us. We had a wonderful relaxing girls holiday and we are already thinking about our return trip.
Great location overlooking the harbour in Funchal. Restaurant served us an excellent evening meal and service was outstanding but we were the only 2 diners that particular evening. Free parking in car park under hotel - use google maps to get you there.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape