I and my partner came to this resort on an owner referral and were not really ever convinced that it would be for us. Madeira has a reputation for being for the elderly and a tad boring. However, we wanted a stress free relaxing break, in the winter sun. Well you could have blown me away. The staff were gracious, attentive, authentic and simply couldn’t do enough for us. They were prepared for pretty much any eventuality and tried to anticipate all our needs including a few unforeseen ones…i.e. the spontaneous gift of a bottle of Madeira after a challenging day out sightseeing. I would like to pick out Louisa the guest relations manager and Petra for being so tolerant of our requests and banter. We did have a slight problem with ants in our apartment, but the hotels housekeepers dealt with the problem efficiently and effectively. I would recommend this resort and Island to all ages (although it is true most guests were older than us) the recommendation is based on the fact that there is plenty to keep you gainfully occupied whatever age or interest you have. I would say be prepared to walk as town is not the 20 min walk they say it is, more like an hour to the town of Funchal. Also don’t worry if the restaurant empty’s at 9 pm as wave one goes to bed, before the fun seekers and locals come to eat. Well done Pestana!

Although this is suppose to be the flag ship of the Pestana hotels, after visiting the grand last year I was a bit disappointed. I have stayed there before however, the last time will be my last. The hotel bar area was in total darkness on a night and I had to try to feel my way through to the outside bar area, yes they closed the indoor bar area! For a 5* that's a bit terrible. also you had to be down by the pool early if you want a sun bed or a umberella, as there aren't many and if there is any they are all broken. The Shop is very overpriced, however it is close to some amazing resteraunts, for example real conoe! Overall just OK.

Just returned from three weeks here. Excellent hotel, situated right on the coast with access to the coastal promenade, Beautiful gardens, indoor and outdoor pools, spotlessly maintained. Hotel runs a bus 12 times a day into Funchal. The rooms are very spacious and well kept; breakfast in the restaurant - buffet style - everything you could imagine, and well organised. We were there last year also, and standards are still excellent.

Great location! Lovely and quiet though not too far from the centre of Funchal, but off the main drag. They offer a courtesy bus into the town, which is a godsend. The hotel is luxuriously appointed and the staff are pleasant and helpful. Large hotel, international and discerning clientele - lots of Germans, Scandinavians, Austrians, Swiss and French. Most people 50+ so perfect for early retirees (like us!).

We stayed for bed and breakfast. The room was large, with a nice balcony looking over the sea. The bed was huge and every bit as comfortable as our own bed at home. The TV had BBC News and BBC 1. Breakfasts were large, buffet-style with lovely hot breakfasts. Only one criticism - Lipton tea, so take your own British tea bags as I did. Difficult to fault the place apart from this. We went with Co-op travel - v. good service and good value.