Belmond Reid's Palace is the classic honeymoon hotel on Madeira: a pink-walled grand hotel on a clifftop in Funchal that has welcomed guests since 1891. Its terraced subtropical gardens run down toward the Atlantic, there are three outdoor pools, afternoon tea is served on an ocean-view terrace and William, its fine-dining restaurant, holds a Michelin star. For couples who love old-world glamour with a sea view, it is one of the most romantic hotels in Portugal.
There are 126 rooms and suites, most facing the ocean or the gardens. For a honeymoon, a sea-view Junior Suite gives you more space and a balcony over the water. The Maré Spa, several restaurants and bars plus easy access to central Funchal round out the stay. It suits couples who want a grand hotel with history, gardens and polished service. Couples who want contemporary design, a beach or a rural retreat in the mountains should look elsewhere on the island.
Highlights at a glance
- Clifftop grand hotel since 1891
- Terraced subtropical gardens
- Michelin-starred restaurant William
- Three outdoor pools above the Atlantic
- Famous afternoon tea on the terrace
Why Couples Love Reid's
Few hotels anywhere have Reid's sense of occasion. The building sits on a headland with the Atlantic on one side and the Bay of Funchal on the other. The gardens, planted over more than a century, are full of tropical flowers, palms and shady paths. Walking down to the pools at sunset feels like stepping into another era.
Reid's has hosted royalty, writers and statesmen. Winston Churchill famously painted here. The atmosphere is gracious rather than stuffy, with a mix of longtime regulars and younger couples. Afternoon tea on the terrace is a ritual, but you can also lounge by the pools in a swimsuit all afternoon. For honeymooners, it offers the feeling of a grand European hotel with a subtropical climate and an ocean view.
Rooms and Suites to Book
Reid's has four main categories.
- Double Rooms (79) range from 18 to 31 square meters. They are the entry level. Sizes vary widely, so check the view and size before booking.
- Junior Suites (31) are about 37 square meters and designed for two, the sweet spot for a honeymoon.
- Suites (14) range from 43 to 53 square meters, with more living space.
- Signature Suites (2) start at about 105 square meters and are the hotel's grandest rooms.
For a honeymoon, book a sea-view Junior Suite. It gives you a proper sitting area and a balcony over the Atlantic without the cost of a full suite. Garden-view rooms are quieter and cheaper but lack the ocean view. Mention your honeymoon when booking.
Food, Drink and the Spa
William, the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, is the place for a special dinner, with refined cooking and views over Funchal Bay. Ristorante Villa Cipriani serves Italian food in a garden villa, while Brisa do Mar offers relaxed al fresco dining. The Pool Terrace, the 1891 Bar, the Tea Library and Gelateria San Giorgio fill out the day.
Afternoon tea on the ocean-view terrace is the hotel's most famous tradition. Book it for one afternoon and arrive hungry. The Maré Spa offers massages and treatments that pair well with a day of levada walks. Three outdoor pools set among the gardens and cliffs give you plenty of space to swim, read and nap. Dress codes for dinner are smart, so pack a jacket and a dress or smart trousers.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
Madeira is a walker's island. The levadas, old irrigation channels with paths beside them, wind through forests and along cliffs. Some popular trails now charge a small fee, so carry some cash or check ahead. The ridge walk from Pico do Arieiro toward Pico Ruivo, about 40 minutes from Reid's, is spectacular at sunrise.
In Funchal, ride the cable car up to Monte and take the traditional wicker toboggan back down part of the way. Visit a Madeira wine lodge for a tasting, then wander the Mercado dos Lavradores for tropical fruit. Porto Santo, with its long sandy beach, is about two hours away by ferry. One of you can spend a morning hiking while the other takes a long spa session. Weather in the mountains changes fast, so pack layers.
Getting There
Madeira Airport (FNC) has connections from the United States through Lisbon and other European hubs. Reid's is about 20 minutes away by car. Central Funchal is about ten minutes from the hotel. Ask the hotel about arranging a transfer, or take a taxi from the rank outside arrivals.
A rental car is useful for exploring the island, but roads are steep and winding, so many couples use drivers or organized tours instead. Madeira is mild year-round, with average daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit, which makes it a good honeymoon choice in any season. Spring brings flowers, summer is warmest and December is festive, with lights and fireworks in Funchal.
Is It Worth It?
For couples who want history, gardens and a sea view, yes. Reid's delivers a grand-hotel experience with a Michelin-starred restaurant, three pools and a famous afternoon tea, often for less than comparable hotels in mainland Europe. A sea-view Junior Suite is the best value for a honeymoon.
The trade-offs are its classic style and its location. Some rooms feel traditional rather than modern. The hotel is also on the edge of Funchal rather than in the countryside or on a beach. Couples who want contemporary design or a quieter rural setting might prefer a quinta in the hills. Couples who want elegance, service and a famous address will love it.
Insider tips
- Book a sea-view Junior Suite rather than an entry Double Room, which can be small.
- Reserve afternoon tea and William before you arrive, especially in high season.
- Pack smart evening clothes for both of you; dinner dress codes are traditional.
- Go to Pico do Arieiro for sunrise and book a driver so you can nap on the way back.
