Hotel Lifehacks

One great way to make your stay worthwhile is by enjoying the small luxury of observing the sunset from your private balcony. Being located at the west side of the island, it has the best kind of sunsets as compared to the rest entire island. Another neat trick is to pick up a bottle of ‘vinho verde’ – a young Portuguese wine that is very inexpensive – from the local shop, and sit back on your balcony and watch this astounding daily show when the sun ‘drowns’ into the Atlantic Ocean.

You’ll never forget about testing some of the ‘levada’ walks to come to know and enjoy the whole natural beauty of the region. The island is fully covered with this unique method of irrigation canals known as ‘levadas’ and walking beside them is the only way to be attracted towards the green, stunning interior. The hotel forms a convenient base for some of the best walks in the southwestern coast, including the Levada Prazeres-Paul do Mar route. Inquire with the amicable hotel people on their favorite picks for hiking as well as how one can reach the starting points.

Make sure you stay one evening at Joe’s Bar, right around the corner from the hotel for an unpretentious, very friendly local affair that’s very simple. Very inexpensive to knock over a jug of beer or a glass of ‘poncha’ (the local rum drink), and rub shoulders with local inhabitants, surfers and other travelers with the lilt of the ocean in the background.

While the hotel’s Italian venue is great, true traditional Madeiran seafood can be tasted just by driving a little way to the village of Paul do Mar, the neighboring fishing village. Here you’ll find no fuss, great little restaurants right on the water’s edge that dish up incredibly fresh grilled fish and ‘lapas’ (limpets), for a pittance. It’s a very yummy and real food experience to have while staying at Jardim do Mar.