Quinta da Casa Branca

Hotel review

Quinta da Casa Branca is quietly situated just above the centre of Funchal and a 15 minute walk to the port, restaurants and shops. It’s an oasis of calm and tranquility from the city's buzz, with glimpses of the sea visible through the arboretum and banana plantation which envelop the manicured and botanically interesting gardens. The main part of the hotel is contemporary, low rise, glass, steel and black slate blending harmoniously into the garden and is in direct contrast to the traditional and imposing manor house. The Garden Rooms are super comfortable, simple with large king size beds, fine Madeiran linen and solid marble bathrooms. The Premium Rooms are the same but larger and the Manor House suites by contrast are individual and grand. All the rooms have a private terrace, some opening on to the lush garden. A warm temperate climate provide the perfect conditions for growing exotic plants from all over the world and over the years the Casa Branca gardeners have surpassed themselves with over 250 species to identify. Generously, the hotel provides a detailed plan to help but you can spend many happy hours wondering round, sniffing, touching and debating what is what - is it the Lemon Bottlebrush or the Weeping Bottlebrush, the Chinese Hibiscus or the Rose of Sharon ! Perhaps tiring of this sport, retire to one of the two pools, the Quinta da Casa bar or Garden Pavilion restaurant. Save the formal Dining Room restaurant for the evening and either sit in the grand dining room or on the terrace enjoying inventive and contemporary cuisine. Come to the Quinta da Casa Branca to relax, unwind and rejuvenate - 5 unstuffy stars.

Hugh Graham-Watson Review published: 25/10/2024