Belmond Reid's Palace

Our family had the privilege of ending a 10-day European holiday at Reid’s Palace in Madeira—and to call it magical would be an understatement. Perched high on a cliff with winding steps leading straight down to the ocean, Reid’s combines breathtaking views with timeless elegance. Every corner of the hotel radiates history and charm, while the service and dining were nothing short of perfection. What made our stay truly unforgettable was the care and attention of guest experience manager Helga de Sousa. She thoughtfully listened to our needs and curated a holiday that was especially meaningful to us, as our 17-year-old son will be heading off to school in just one week. Alongside Laura and Alice, Helga ensured that we were treated like royalty, surrounding us with warmth and impeccable service. Dining at Villa Cipriani was a highlight—the food was exquisite, and the sunsets were pure magic. Reid’s also arranged a half-day jeep tour that took us above the clouds for a bird’s-eye view of the island. Our guide, Hugo, was not only fun and engaging but also gave us a deep appreciation of Madeira’s beauty and culture. We are already dreaming of our return. Thank you again, Helga, for creating memories that made this holiday our favorite yet!

Shame about the price though, its so high we only stay for two nights, but we wish could have stayed longer. 3 out of 5 because this booking was an indulgence. No one can convince me a room is worth the price we paid. Aside from that fantastic.

Top class, beautiful hotel, with superb facilities and wonderful staff. Three different pools, sea swimming, beautiful gardens and historic hotel beautifully cared for. Will definitely be back to this very special place.

We landed at Reid’s Palace for my extended 50th birthday celebrations and were whisked away into a check-in so flawless and beautifully intimate, it felt like stepping into someone’s gracious home—Jason orchestrated it all with warmth and unerring polish. From that moment onward, the staff made us feel effortlessly cared for, always ready to help and anticipating our needs before we could even voice them. It’s that rare kind of hospitality where nothing is too much trouble, and every interaction feels genuine. Our birthday dinner at the Michelin-starred William’s restaurant was, quite simply, the meal of our lives. Every dish, elevated by local ingredients and inventive techniques, paired with its dramatic coastal view, made for a moment we’ll never forget. When not indulging in gastronomic magic, we found the pools—heated to perfection—and the sprawling subtropical gardens utterly enchanting. With lush verdant beauty and hundreds of plant species to explore, it was easy to lose ourselves in quiet wonder. Each morning’s champagne breakfast, served amid spectacular dual-aspect views of the sunrise over Funchal, was a gently extravagant ritual we looked forward to. Our room, with its sweeping balcony and outlook over sea and sky, felt like something out of a cinematic dream. If Wes Anderson ever set out to design a hotel in a tropical paradise, this would be it—an exquisite blend of romantic old-world charm, cinematic composition, and whimsical elegance.

Reids Palace is easily the best hotel I have ever stayed in. Attention to detail was exceptional. I would happily stay there again. All of the staff were friendly and nothing was too much trouble. We had missed the garden tour and were thoroughly disappointed to have missed it. Daniel took us around the garden in his own time until long after his shift had finished. It was these little things that made the holiday unforgettable.