Belmond Reid's Palace Madeira
portugal, portugal · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Belmond Reid's Palace is the grande dame of the Atlantic — a pink-washed clifftop fantasy that has been seducing honeymooners since 1891. Perched above Funchal on ten acres of subtropical gardens that tumble down to the sea, it offers the kind of unhurried, old-world romance that modern resorts simply cannot manufacture. This is where Winston Churchill painted, where George Bernard Shaw learned to tango, and where today's couples find that the drama of Madeira — the volcanic cliffs, the Atlantic swells, the hibiscus and jacaranda in full flame — pairs beautifully with white-glove service and a cream tea on the terrace that feels almost outrageously civilised.
- ✓Trust couples-verified reviews
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Are willing to invest in once-in-a-lifetime
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
90/100
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
Book a Junior Suite with Sea View in the main Palace Wing, or if budget allows, the Churchill Suite — the two-bedroom corner suite with panoramic Atlantic views and the private terrace where Sir Winston famously painted. Junior Suites offer separate living areas, marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, and furnished balconies facing sunrise over the bay. Ask for a room on the fourth or fifth floor for the cleanest sightlines over the gardens and harbour.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $1,150/nt) | $8,050 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $600 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $12,075 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $300 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $1,610 |
| Total estimated | $23,535 |
Book Your Stay
Check availability
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Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival and Atlantic welcome
Transfer from Madeira airport (about 25 minutes), check in to your sea-view suite, and take the garden stroll down to the private sea-water pools. Settle in with a glass of Madeira wine on your balcony as the sun drops behind the cliffs, then keep it easy with dinner at Ristorante Villa Cipriani, the hotel's beloved Italian terrace.
Tea at Reid's and Funchal old town
Sleep in, then take a late breakfast on the Garden Terrace. Walk into Funchal old town (about 20 minutes downhill) to see the painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria and the Mercado dos Lavradores. Return by taxi in time for the legendary Tea at Reid's on the main terrace — scones, finger sandwiches, and champagne at 3pm sharp, dress code observed.
Monte, toboggan and cable car
Take the cable car from Funchal up to Monte, visit the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, then ride the famous wicker toboggans back down the cobbled streets with two straw-hatted carreiros steering. Lunch at a local miradouro. Evening: cocktails in the hotel's William Bar and tasting-menu dinner at William Restaurant (Michelin-starred, jacket required).
Levada walk and private picnic
Arrange a guided levada walk with the concierge — the Levada do Caldeirão Verde is a spectacular four-hour hike through laurel forest to a hidden waterfall. The kitchen will pack a hamper with Madeiran bolo do caco, regional cheeses, and a chilled bottle of vinho verde. Return for a long soak in the marble tub and room-service sushi at Tea Garden.
Spa day and sea pools
Book the couples' signature ritual at The Spa at Reid's — a four-hand massage using Madeira honey and volcanic stone. Lunch poolside at the brasserie, then spend the afternoon floating between the heated and natural seawater pools carved into the cliff. Sunset cocktails at Brisa do Mar bar, right at the water's edge.
Wine and the west coast
Private driver for a day along the dramatic western coast — Câmara de Lobos (Churchill's painting spot), the sea cliffs at Cabo Girão, and lunch at a seafront tasca in Paul do Mar. On the way back, stop at Blandy's Wine Lodge for a Madeira tasting flight. Quiet in-suite dinner with a bottle of 20-year Bual.
Gardens, farewell and Funchal sunset
Slow morning in the subtropical gardens — the hotel's horticulturalist leads a complimentary walk on request. Boutique shopping for embroidery and poncha souvenirs in Funchal. Final dinner on the Villa Cipriani terrace with the lights of the bay spread below, then a nightcap on your own balcony.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
This is a classic grande-dame property, not a modern design hotel — expect traditional decor, polished service, and a dress code (jackets preferred at William Restaurant and for afternoon tea).
The hotel is family-friendly in school holidays and over Christmas and New Year; honeymooners wanting a quieter vibe should target May, June, September or October.
There is no true sand beach on property — swimming is from two saltwater pools and direct-access sea platforms carved into the cliff, which can be choppy on Atlantic-swell days.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Belmond Reid's Palace Madeira Dear Reservations Team, My partner and I are planning our honeymoon and would love to stay at Reid's Palace for seven nights this [MONTH, YEAR]. We are looking at a Junior Suite with Sea View in the main Palace Wing, ideally on an upper floor away from the family pool. Could you please share: - Availability and best honeymoon rate for seven nights, half board - Any honeymoon package inclusions (afternoon tea, couples spa ritual, sparkling wine on arrival) - Options for a private dinner on our balcony or in the gardens for one evening - Airport transfer arrangements and any current promotions We'd also love recommendations for a Michelin-starred dinner at William and a guided levada walk during our stay. Thank you very much — we're very excited about celebrating with you. Best regards, [NAME]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do we get to Reid's Palace from Madeira airport?
The hotel is about 25 minutes by car from Funchal airport (FNC). Pre-book a Belmond transfer at booking, or use a licensed taxi for around 35 euros. Airport transfers by helicopter can also be arranged through the concierge for a dramatic arrival.
Is Reid's Palace adults-only or suitable for a quiet honeymoon?
Reid's is not adults-only, but the property is large (ten acres) and guests self-select into different zones. The main terraces, William Restaurant, the spa, and the clifftop pools skew adult and calm. Honeymooners should request a suite away from the family pool area when booking.
What is the best time of year for a Madeira honeymoon?
Madeira is mild all year (the Atlantic keeps temperatures between 17 and 26C), but the sweet spots for honeymooners are May-June and September-October — warm sea, dry days, flowers in bloom, and fewer children. April sees the Flower Festival, which is magical if you don't mind crowds.
Do we need to rent a car?
Not essential. The concierge arranges private drivers for day trips, the hotel runs a free shuttle into Funchal, and most dining happens on property. If you're planning several independent inland adventures (levadas, Pico do Arieiro at dawn), a car for two or three days is handy — the hotel can arrange delivery.
Can the hotel arrange a honeymoon surprise or vow renewal?
Yes — the concierge is genuinely excellent at this. Flag your honeymoon at booking and mention any specifics (a private terrace dinner, flowers, a cake for a vow renewal on the gardens belvedere, a photographer). Belmond offers a formal honeymoon package with champagne, a couples' spa ritual, and a private tea.
What dining is available on property?
Four restaurants: William (Michelin-starred fine dining, jacket required, tasting menus), Villa Cipriani (Italian terrace, the romantic favourite), Ristorante Brisa do Mar (seafood by the sea pools, lunch only), and the Garden Terrace for breakfast and afternoon tea. Plus three bars and 24-hour in-room dining.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
