Hotel da Vila
Ponta do Sol, Madeira
Cheap and chic beachside hotel in Madeira's sunniest town, designed with real wit
We were thrilled when Estalagem da Ponta do Sol, one of
our favourite hotels on Madeira, opened their little sister hotel
in 2011. The little town of Ponta do Sol is the island's sunspot
and this hotel is one of many putting Madeira in the spotlight for
its design. If you're after gin and golf, this ain't for you.
Just 20m from the beach, Hotel da Vila has 16 rooms, and was
designed by Portuguese architect Duarte Caideira. Once the town's
prison, it now feels like it's been crafted from Madeira itself,
using its stones and wood with quirky touches like plastic and
wheat headboard pillows. It's not the kind of design that suits
everyone, but it references the arresting and edgy Portugese
interior design movement.
Apart from the restaurant and dining terrace, there's not much more
to the hotel than its rooms. But take a short walk up the hill and
you'll find Estalagem da Ponta do Sol, with its glorious infinity
pool, sundecks with sea views, spa and restaurant, all of which are
at your disposal. Fantastically priced and perfect for a
ray-catching autumn or spring break, we loved our stay at HDV.
Highs
- It's small and informal, with really friendly young staff
- A sleek and classy restaurant serving excellent food
- Airy rooms have sea views and are so close to the water that waves lull you to sleep
- There's more sun in Ponto do Sol than anywhere else in Madeira
- Use of the facilities at Estalagem da Ponta do Sol makes this a great bargain
Lows
- Rooms are on the small side, and are all twins, so couples will have to be content with beds pushed together
- The restaurant service is on the relaxed side
- If you're coming in a rental car, which most people will, parking is tricky - the hotel only has 3 spaces
