Quinta da Bela Vista ★★★★★

Technically still Europe, despite it being just off the coast of Morocco, Madeira is an idyllic holiday destination, with all-year-round warm climate, exotic flora and fauna, striking beaches, quaint Portuguese architecture and heavenly food.

On this gem of an island, the rooms of the Quinta de Bela Vista are large and airy with a plush king-size bed, a sleek television, a safe, a minibar, and both luxury amenities and a bathtub in its bathroom. All this wrapped in bright, old fashioned charm that extends to the cosy armchairs and antique furniture, which echoes the style throughout the entire premises. This period aesthetic is by no means ostentatious or overbearing, however. On the contrary, it breathes a fresh feel of adventures across the sea, of afternoon tea and croquet on the lawn and of sweet, lazy summer days in the lush garden – a haven of rich colours, sumptuous flowers, tall trees and sweet perfumes.

It is easy to fall into your luxurious life here in this quiet area of Portugal – lazing by the gorgeous pool, sipping on something long and cool, gorging on the local food and delighting in the hotel's own delicious cuisine and exploring the extraordinary volcanic nature of the island, such as the mythical Laurel Forest. You can even swim with dolphins, a truly rare and magical encounter! It seems everything about this place is made to enchant, not least the wonderful hotel that will leave you in no doubt as to why it won the Portugal Leading Boutique Hotels from the World Travel Award. Every detail is excellent and by the time you leave, you'll be mad about Madeira!