Review of Belmond Reid's Palace

Perched elegantly atop a dramatic Madeira cliff and surrounded by ten acres of lush, subtropical gardens, Belmond Reid’s Palace epitomizes timeless luxury. Since 1891, this legendary sanctuary—originally established by Scottish entrepreneur William Reid, whose legacy lives on in the region’s renowned wine trade—has welcomed discerning travelers to an enclave of sophistication. With 158 beautifully appointed rooms, including 47 exquisite suites, guests enjoy a choice of four distinctive restaurants, refined bars, the celebrated Afternoon Tea Terrace, and the acclaimed Michelin-starred William Restaurant. The property’s amenities include two heated outdoor pools (one seawater, one freshwater), a vibrant children’s club, a world-class spa, a modern fitness center, boutique shopping, and tennis courts.

The resort curates a wealth of immersive experiences, from scenic mountain hikes and guided botanical explorations to championship golf, ocean cruises, water sports, and 4x4 island adventures—all designed to showcase Madeira’s natural allure.

Reid’s Palace proudly belongs to the Belmond collection of luxury hotels.

Nestled in the heart of the Atlantic, Madeira is located 720 kilometers from the African coastline and 480 kilometers north of the Canary Islands. This island, often celebrated as the “Garden of the Atlantic,” is famed for its year-round mild climate, abundant flora, and dramatic landscapes. Its lush environment and temperate weather have earned it descriptors such as “island of eternal spring” and “floating garden.” 

Belmond Reid’s Palace enjoys a privileged setting just 20 minutes by car (approximately 20 kilometers) from Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, a short 10-minute drive to Funchal’s city center, two hours by ferry to Porto Santo Island, and less than an hour from the breathtaking Pico do Arieiro. 

Guests benefit from a complimentary shuttle to downtown Funchal, perfect for exploring vibrant markets, museums, and the island’s rich cultural tapestry.

The hotel offers 111 elegant guest rooms and 47 suites, each blending classic design with contemporary comforts. Private balconies or terraces, furnished for leisure, provide sweeping views of the Atlantic or lush gardens. Interiors are awash in calming tones, with marble bathrooms, satellite TV and DVD players, complimentary minibars stocked with soft drinks and water, luxury bath amenities, in-room safes, daily fresh flowers, and a gourmet breakfast included. 

Accommodation options range from 22 classic rooms (partial ocean views), 38 superior rooms (garden or ocean views, interconnecting possible), and 51 deluxe sea view rooms—each tastefully styled with dark wood accents, pastel or floral fabrics, and plush cream linens. Junior Suites are split between 12 Garden Junior Suites (garden wing) and 18 Deluxe Junior Suites (main building or garden wing). For elevated indulgence, there are 12 Superior Suites (average 43 sqm), three Deluxe Suites (53 sqm), and two Presidential Suites (80 sqm), all in the main building. 

The Presidential Suites, named after illustrious guests Winston Churchill and George Bernard Shaw, are a masterclass in understated grandeur—featuring soaring ceilings, Bose sound systems, bespoke hand-painted Chinese wallpaper, floor-to-ceiling windows, and expansive balconies overlooking sea and gardens. Each suite includes a kitchenette, opulent marble bathrooms adorned with Portuguese tiles, separate showers and soaking tubs, and the possibility to connect to adjacent Junior Suites for added space.

Guests are greeted with a wealth of five-star facilities, including two heated outdoor pools—one saltwater, one freshwater—as well as direct ocean access via the hotel’s private tidal pool. Families can enjoy the dedicated children’s pool for younger guests.

The state-of-the-art fitness center, equipped with the latest Technogym equipment, supports both cardio and strength training, and personal trainers are available upon request. The spa, partnering with Aromatherapy Associates and Natura Bissé, offers a sanctuary of tranquility, with five treatment rooms (including a couple’s suite), private whirlpools, and separate steam and sauna facilities for men and women. 

Tennis enthusiasts can take advantage of two on-site courts, with professional coaching available. Twice-weekly guided tours led by an expert horticulturist unveil the hotel’s century-old gardens, alive with rare subtropical flora, vibrant bougainvillea, and towering palms—a true haven for botanists.

The concierge crafts bespoke experiences, from sunrise mountain picnics atop Pico do Arieiro to whale-watching excursions, scenic cable car journeys to Fajã dos Padres, and exclusive wine tastings of historic Malvasia vintages. Guests can also book intimate culinary workshops with Michelin-starred chef Luis Pestana and renowned local designer Patricia Pinto, merging haute cuisine with Madeiran artistry. 

Families are exceptionally well catered for, with welcome amenities for children, extra beds available in most accommodations, dedicated menus, and the complimentary Fun@Reid’s Kids’ Club for ages 3–9. Babysitting and spa treatments tailored for young guests are also available. 

Pet lovers will be delighted to know that small dogs are welcome in rooms, suites, and throughout the hotel’s gardens and corridors, ensuring every member of the family can enjoy the Reid’s Palace experience.

Reid’s Palace stands among the world’s most storied hotels, born from the vision of William Reid—a Scottish entrepreneur who arrived in Madeira as a teenager seeking better health. After building his fortune in trade, he acquired a sweeping promontory at Salto do Cavalo (Horse’s Leap), now home to this iconic property. Since its founding, only two ownership transitions have occurred: first to the famed Blandy family, central to Madeira’s wine heritage, and then to Belmond (previously Orient-Express) in 1996. 

Each steward has invested significantly in preserving and enhancing the hotel’s grandeur, maintaining its reputation as a preferred retreat for global luminaries. Over the decades, a distinguished guest list has included literary giants and statesmen—such as George Bernard Shaw and Winston Churchill—adding to the hotel’s enduring mystique.

Reid’s Palace boasts five sophisticated dining and drinking venues, each celebrating the island’s rich culinary traditions. The Michelin-starred William Restaurant showcases innovative Madeiran cuisine under the direction of Chef Luis Pestana—Madeira’s first chef to earn a Michelin star—set against panoramic Funchal vistas. The wine cellar features both local and Portuguese labels, expertly paired with each course.

For Italian flair, Ristorante Villa Cipriani offers al fresco dining with sweeping ocean views, serving contemporary takes on classic dishes crafted from local produce and fresh seafood. The Poolside Terrace is ideal for relaxed breakfasts, grilled lunches, and light daytime fare, all enjoyed mere steps from the water.

Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace is legendary, served on a sun-dappled marble terrace with views over the Atlantic. Guests indulge in delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones, and pastries, accompanied by a curated selection of 24 teas or a flute of Champagne—dress code smart casual.

The Gastrobar, helmed by long-serving Head Barman Luis, offers both classic and signature cocktails—such as the Fine Poncha and Bago—alongside live music and a tempting light-bite menu, perfect for savoring Madeira’s balmy evenings.

Belmond is dedicated to sustainable hospitality, striving to minimize its ecological footprint and positively impact the communities it serves. The group is acutely aware of its responsibility to protect natural resources, particularly in areas of outstanding natural beauty and near heritage sites.

All Belmond properties actively invest in local initiatives—sourcing ingredients from sustainable suppliers, supporting educational programs, and implementing eco-friendly practices to reduce operational impact and maximize energy efficiency.

Belmond’s food and beverage operations undergo independent assessment by the UK-based Sustainable Restaurant Association, making it the first global luxury hospitality brand to achieve this ongoing third-party certification and ensuring guests enjoy a truly responsible dining experience.

• The Property: Every corner of Reid’s Palace exudes superlative luxury and charm. From attentive service and gourmet cuisine to world-class amenities and jaw-dropping vistas, the experience is consistently exceptional.
• Signature Afternoon Tea: Nowhere on Madeira rivals the hotel’s Afternoon Tea—served with Champagne and featuring an array of freshly baked scones, pastries, and sandwiches. The extensive tea menu is a delight (the Earl Grey is a personal favorite), and the sweeping ocean views elevate the ritual to a must-do.
• The Panoramas: The views over the Atlantic are nothing short of spectacular. The word “breathtaking” is routinely uttered by guests—an apt descriptor for the entire Reid’s Palace experience.Varun SharmaEditor-In-ChiefBusinessclass

• The Tea Terrace: The most iconic spot in the hotel. Each visit, gazing across the endless Atlantic, evokes the pioneering spirit of Mr. Reid and a sense of boundless possibility.
• Our Hospitality: Genuine warmth and authentic Madeiran hospitality define the guest experience. We welcome every visitor as family, creating a true home-away-from-home atmosphere.
• William Restaurant: Our Michelin-starred restaurant is a proud achievement, born from teamwork, passion, and unwavering dedication. It stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence and inspires us to continually raise the bar.Ciriaco Campus General Manager Reid's Palace, a Belmond Hotel, Madeira