Madeira-obsessives that we are, for the last few weeks we couldn't wait to get back to the island to start our next trip, and with the keys to a holiday rental in the centre of Funchal. Going by the decor online, the apartment would be exactly the kind of place I would choose to live in London or anywhere - never mind that this city apartment has its own private swimming pool and a large terrace with views of pretty much everything.
Being a former local and now regular visitor to the island, I can call myself quite an expert on researching and locating true gems.
As we arrived, our friendly agent, Heliodoro, explained the very high-tech way to enter the building - I started imagining that I was James Bond and Q Branch was explaining how to enter the building. A chip is put in your windscreen to be read by an outside scanner and, once recognised, you enter the car-lift that takes you directly to your designated parking underground
Our agent then took us through our sophisticated apartment - a whopping enclave of 295 m2 to enjoy as ours for a week. Walkie-talkies might be required, was my first thought.
Maintaining my cool while bubbling with excitement on the inside we followed Heliodoro around while he showed us the apartment and explained all the functions, starting with the kitchen and its large island, the massive living/dining room double aspect views of the harbour and the city (I’m buying, where do I sign…).
This four bed apartment has 270 degree views as it only shares the floor with one other smaller apartment. The three well decorated bedrooms along the east side of the building have en suite bathrooms (albeit one is linked and shared between two rooms), and all have patio doors onto their own terrace. Then, at the end of the long corridor, there is the master suite - a good size apartment of its own in London - down another corridor in fact which forms the walk-in wardrobe, so it is possible to shut the rest of the world out when you want to. This room does not, however, have its its own outside space but it is still the room you will fight over with your other guests.
The apartment has heaps of indoor space, stylish modern decor and is well appointed with independent air-conditioning in every room, and a connected Sonos sound system throughout. Then there is the outside pool area which is simply enormous. The pool itself is large enough to swim in (rather than just, say, a ‘plunge pool’) and there is plenty of space for entertaining with sun-loungers and dining for eight.
I travelled to the island this time for a family celebration and whilst I was looking forward to seeing them it was hard to leave what we called our Bond apartment. The best memories were made drinking in the views of the hills of Funchal from around our pool while sipping (excellent) Portuguese sparkling wine and sunbathing to ambient music.
Those few days have been quite an experience and I felt right at home from the minute I entered the apartment. As I’m currently planning refurbishing my own apartment in London this was the perfect place to get some extra ideas - surely the husband will love the high-tech but I personally will steal the master bedroom idea of an extra large bed where I can gracefully disappear under the huge duvet.
It’s funny how, sometimes, usually on holiday, in that split second before opening your eyes upon waking, you can completely forget where you are. And then you get that lovely sensation as you remember what a star you are at researching and booking such amazing holiday accommodation.
The apartment is located in a white low-rise building in the centre of Funchal so don’t expect country idyllic. This is also the perfect location for those not wanting to rent a car but still want to be close to all of the city’s amenities and action. All windows have double glazing, so you are nicely cocooned inside. However, there is a road outside that can be quite noisy during rush hour if you are sitting on one of the bedroom or kitchen terraces. That said, all the time we spent on the pool terrace, we barely noticed it.
The apartment is suitable for individuals, groups and even families with children (the pool is the only extra-care requirement); same for people with disabilities, (access to the pool itself is the only stairs in the property)
A few days of drinking bubbly by the pool, delicious al fresco meals, sunbathing for vitamin D and late night Bond movies on the living room’s large TV (we took our own Apple TV to connect) left us ruminating that the apartment is ideal for:
- foodies, either couples or groups that would like to sample Funchal’s lifestyle without having to go far or driving - perfect for sharing lots fun and meals together but large enough to have individual privacy;
- families - same reasons above - families with children (extra care needed with the pool as it is quite deep)
- disabilities - the apartment is in one level and wheelchair accessible; the pool is the only area with a few steps as it is raised.
Overall, now back to a cold and wet June in London, the memory of my latest holiday in Madeira was fantastic and made extra special by this stunning rental - particularly for the design-obsessed among us.
Whether you would like a small oasis in the middle of the action, a James Bond & Q Branch, a country idyllic or family retreat with fabulous sea views, Madeira Household Management has fabulous properties all over the island to all tastes.
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