“We try to avoid ever saying ‘No’,” said the affable General Manager, as we strolled through the immaculate gardens of this tranquil, elegant hotel. Certainly a bold claim, but it proved to be an understatement by the time we left. With impeccably trained staff who remember your name and greet you with indefatigable warmth, even a short stint here left us feeling like a pampered VIP. Many other guests were on their 10th visit or more, and we quickly saw why. In a world of gimmicks and flashy tricks, Quinta da Casa Branca has managed to curate a delectable environment of casual refinement and old-world glamour.
The 49 rooms and 2 restaurants are spread between the original Manor House and a modern glass-walled Quinta. Acres of surrounding botanical gardens and banana plantations mean you can always find a quiet corner. Unwind with sumptuous treatments in the spa, eat exquisite food (scabbard fish with Champagne mousse, scallops over asparagus puree), read books by the heated outdoor pool. This is the kind of elusive retreat where you can vanish entirely from the clamour of daily life - yet should you want it, the fun of Funchal is just a 15-minute walk away, beyond the high, ivy-clad walls.
Highs
- An excellent fine-dining restaurant, plus a casual garden bistro and bar
- Two heated pools (one adults-only) and a lovely spa for relaxation-to-the-core
- The 5 Manor Suites in the original Manor House, with beautiful antique furniture, 18th-century paintings and modern luxuries
- The staff are polite and professional; the place runs seamlessly
- Close to the centre of Funchal, within walking distance of the sea and Old Town - yet it feels like a hidden retreat
Lows
- Pricey but worth the splurge
- On the larger side (49 rooms), but there's masses of space
- Won't suit those who want a buzzy scene; it's popular with couples seeking peace
Best time to go
Madeira’s gentle sub-tropical climate makes it a lovely destination for sun, year-round. Funchal is at its vibrant best from mid-December until the New Year, when the city and hillsides are aglow with technicolour fairy lights for the festive season.
Our top tips
Visit the charming fishing village of Camâra de Lobos and sit in the sun at one of the seafront cafes to sample the local ponchas (a small but potent cocktail of sugar-cane spirit and fruit juice). Take a taxi rather than drive; it's likely to go to your head!
- Boutique Hotel
- 49 rooms
- Restaurants and bar open daily
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Heated Pool
- Spa
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
Most of the rooms are set in the striking modern Quinta, and vary from the cheapest Garden Rooms up to more spacious Premium Rooms, then Deluxe Suites. Décor is classic rather than innovative, but they are very comfortable, and each has a private slice of terrace overlooking the gardens.
If you can afford a splurge, the fit-for-a-king Manor House Suites are worth every Euro. Set in the original Manor House, 100m from the main hotel, each of them is different, with individual character and unique original furniture - this building was once the personal home of the Leacock family, of Madeira wine fame. Expect top-end toiletries, high thread-count sheets and Nespresso machines, as well as a balcony or terrace, fabulous antique features and 18th-century paintings.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Central heating
- Coffee / tea making
- Hairdryer
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is a sumptuous buffet, served in the Garden Pavilion, with the quality of food being the standout shining feature. We ate our fill (and then some) of melt-in-the-mouth blue cheese focaccia, avocado and tomato salad, and (of course) homemade Madeira cake. There's a full menu of hot options in case you can't live without a bacon and egg fix.
For lunchtimes and evenings, the hotel has a couple of options, from laid-back a la carte in the Casa da Quinta Restaurant & Bar to world-class fine dining in the opulent Dining Room restaurant in the Manor House. In the name of research, we sampled the best of the latter’s excellent culinary delights (scabbard fish with Champagne mousse, scallops over asparagus puree, Madeiran banana pie) and declared it the most divine dinner we had in Madeira. We absolutely recommend following the house’s suggested Portuguese wine pairings, too.
On our most recent visit, we had a lovely relaxed lunch in the Casa da Quinta Restaurant; a fancy fish finger sandwich, basa fish and king prawns on a bed of seaweed rice, and some ovos rotos ('broken eggs' served with potato and Iberian ham) appeased our mid-afternoon cravings.
Other restaurants are a walk away; ask reception to advise.
Features include:
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Spend a morning in the beautiful Frangipani Spa: they have a great range of Elemis treatments, plus a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi
- Or have a Shiatsu massage in the garden
- Swim in the heated outdoor pools, or lounge in the sun, bask in the peace and read
- Walk the cobbled streets of Funchal’s charming Old Town, with its winding rows of quaint shops and restaurants, and historic buildings and churches
- Picnic in Funchal’s world-famous tropical Botanical Gardens
- If you’ve a head for heights, take the scenic cable-car journey up the hill to the village of Monte
- Spend a day on the beach (the closest is 2km away and pebbled) or go sailing
- Hike one of Madeira’s stunning levada (irrigation canal) walks, high up amongst the clouds; reception can advise
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Plantlife / flora
- Sailing
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Walking tours
- Well being
Kids
While families are very welcome, there are no specific facilities or activities for children and the atmosphere is very calm. Quinta da Casa Branca’s quiet elegance is best suited to small families with babies or self-sufficient teenagers. There is a large heated main pool and acres of gardens, which kids will love.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
Garden and Premium Rooms can fit a baby cot or extra bed for a child aged 2-12. Older children/additional adults will need a separate room. Manor House Suites are for 2 adults only.
Families Should Know:
There are a number of steps and uneven pathways on the property.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Quinta da Casa Branca is in the leafy Lido area of western Funchal, surrounded by shops and restaurants. It is a quick walk to the sea and 15 minutes’ walk to the Old Town.
By Air:
Funchal (23km) is the closest airport, a 30-minute taxi ride from the hotel.
By Car:
If you’re in Madeira for any length of time you'd be advised to hire a car as public transport is limited. Parking is tricky in central Funchal, but the hotel has a free car park for guests.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Madeira and getting around
Airports:
- Funchal 23.0 km FUN
Other:
- Beach 1.0 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 6 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape