Savoy Palace Madeira
portugal, portugal · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
If Reid's Palace is Madeira's grande dame, the Savoy Palace is its sleek, glass-sheathed heir apparent. Opened in 2019 after a total rebuild, this 352-room five-star is the most contemporary luxury hotel on the island — a curved, plant-draped tower cantilevered over Funchal's seafront promenade with a rooftop sky bar that has become the island's most photographed sunset spot. For honeymooners who want modern design, a serious spa, and the buzz of being able to walk into town for a Fado night or a Mercado dos Lavradores market breakfast, the Savoy Palace is a genuinely exciting alternative to Madeira's more traditional grand hotels.
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
89/100
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
The Presidential Ocean Suite is the dream — two bedrooms, a vast wraparound balcony, and the best sea view in the building. For most honeymooners, the Premium Ocean Suite (about 80 square metres, floor-to-ceiling Atlantic views, generous balcony with loungers and dining table) hits the sweet spot. Avoid the entry-level City View categories, which look back over the town; upgrade at least to Ocean View Deluxe to make the view count.
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 $800/nt) | $5,600 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $600 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $8,400 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $600 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $1,120 |
| Total estimated | $17,220 |
Book Your Stay
Check availability
We compare Savoy Palace across partners and redirect to the cheapest option.
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival and Galáxia sunset
Transfer from Madeira airport (around 20 minutes) and check in to your Premium Ocean Suite. Unpack, open the balcony doors, and order the welcome bottle of Madeira wine. Head to the Galáxia SkyBar on the 17th floor for sunset cocktails — arrive by 7pm to claim a cabana seat. Casual first-night dinner at the Japanese restaurant, Nikkei.
Funchal on foot
Slow breakfast at the buffet in the Mercado Restaurant. Walk along the seafront promenade into Funchal old town (about 15 minutes) — Rua de Santa Maria's painted doors, the cathedral, a poncha stop at Venda Velha. Lunch at a tasca. Return to the rooftop Sky Pool for the afternoon, then the Laurea Restaurant (Michelin-starred) for dinner.
Spa ritual and thalasso
Full morning in the Laurea Spa — couples' thalassotherapy suite, followed by a 90-minute Ayurvedic massage. Light lunch in the spa garden. Afternoon in the indoor thermal circuit (salt room, Turkish bath, sensation showers). Sunset on your balcony with a private chef dinner arranged by the concierge.
Pico do Arieiro sunrise
Early start (4:30am) for a private driver up to Pico do Arieiro — Madeira's third-highest peak — to watch sunrise above the clouds. Breakfast back at the hotel. Rest of the day at the rooftop Sky Pool and Galáxia SkyBar for lunch. Easy evening: in-room dining and a movie.
Boat day on the Atlantic
Private half-day catamaran from Funchal marina — dolphins and whales are commonly sighted off this coast — with swimming stops in sheltered coves and a seafood lunch on deck. Return for a poolside afternoon. Dinner at the Terreiro restaurant for modern Madeiran cuisine.
West coast drive
Self-drive or private driver along the dramatic west coast — Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão glass skywalk, the black volcanic beach at Seixal, lunch at a rustic seafront restaurant in Porto Moniz, where you can swim in the natural volcanic pools. Evening cocktails back at the Galáxia and late dinner at Nikkei.
Botanical garden and farewell dinner
Morning at the Jardim Botânico da Madeira — a short taxi ride. Afternoon shopping in Funchal for Madeira embroidery, wicker, and a few bottles of 20-year-old Boal from Blandy's. Final dinner at Laurea — ask for the tasting menu with wine pairing — and one last cocktail watching the ferry lights from the SkyBar.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
The Savoy Palace is urban luxury, not a resort in a garden — the building sits directly on Funchal's seafront promenade, so you trade subtropical acreage for walking-distance city convenience.
The hotel is family-friendly and runs a kids' club; the Galáxia SkyBar and Laurea Spa stay calm and adult, but the main pool deck can get lively on sunny summer afternoons.
There is no beach on property — swimming is from the rooftop Sky Pool, two heated pools, and direct sea-platform access; Funchal doesn't have natural sand beaches, so plan a day trip to Porto Santo if soft sand is a must.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Savoy Palace Madeira Hello Savoy Palace Reservations, My partner and I are planning our honeymoon in [MONTH, YEAR] and would like to book seven nights at the Savoy Palace. We are interested in a Premium Ocean Suite on a high floor, with the most unobstructed Atlantic view available. Could you please confirm: - Availability and best honeymoon rate for seven nights, breakfast included - Any honeymoon inclusions (welcome champagne, couples' treatment at Laurea Spa, chocolate-covered strawberries) - Options for a private dinner on the balcony or in the wine cellar for one evening - A reservation at Galáxia SkyBar for sunset on our arrival night - Airport transfer pricing Thank you — we are excited to celebrate with you. Warm regards, [NAME]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Savoy Palace different from Reid's or Cliff Bay?
Savoy Palace is the newest and most contemporary of Funchal's luxury options. Design-forward rooms, a 17th-floor rooftop sky bar, a proper thalassotherapy spa, and multiple modern restaurant concepts (Japanese, Michelin-starred Portuguese). It's the choice for couples who find traditional grand hotels a bit formal.
Is the Galáxia SkyBar open to non-guests?
Yes — it's one of Funchal's hottest tables and non-guests can book. As a hotel guest you get priority and don't need to reserve for cocktails, but book ahead for dinner on the rooftop, especially in summer and around the New Year fireworks.
What's the best suite for a honeymoon?
The Premium Ocean Suite is the sweet spot — about 80 sqm, huge private balcony with loungers and dining table, separate living area, and unobstructed Atlantic views. For a splurge, the Presidential Ocean Suite has the best corner-view balcony in the building.
How does the spa compare to other Madeira hotels?
Laurea Spa is the largest and most serious on the island — a full thalassotherapy circuit using local Atlantic sea water, a dedicated couples' suite, salt room, Turkish bath, and a menu that includes Ayurvedic treatments. Book signature rituals at least a week in advance.
Is the hotel walkable to Funchal old town?
Yes — about a 15 to 20 minute walk along the flat seafront promenade to the old town, Mercado dos Lavradores, and the cable car to Monte. A hotel shuttle also runs to the main square several times a day, and taxis are quick and cheap.
Can you arrange a vow renewal or private proposal?
Yes — the concierge team is experienced with both. Popular options include a private candlelit dinner on the Sky Pool deck after hours, a chef's table in the wine cellar, or a flower-and-candle setup on your balcony. Mention any plans at booking so the team can brief the florist.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
