Welcome to Belmond Reid’s Palace Escape to a lush, private peninsula lapped by the Atlantic waves on the island of eternal spring. CHAPTER ONE Discover Madeira ------- Deep in the Atlantic Ocean, 400 miles off the northwest coast of Africa, discover a ravishing and timeless Portuguese island With its ancient laurel forest, dramatic volcanic peaks and lush, plummeting valleys, Madeira showcases nature at its most pristine. Footpaths lining more than 1,000 miles of irrigation channels, or levadas, make it a hikers’ heaven. Yet within the wilderness, life is refined. Interrupt your trek for tea in a hillside café or detour to a vineyard to taste the nectar-like Madeira wine. Pass grand mansions whose immaculate lawns cry out for a game of croquet and visit botanical gardens overflowing with blooms. The balmy climate that has earned Madeira the name “island of eternal spring” means exotic produce abounds. In colourful markets, flower sellers dressed in rainbow hues match the cornucopia of fruit – don’t miss the opportunity to sample monstera deliciosa, a banana-pineapple hybrid. Elsewhere, feast on honey cake, black scabbard fish, bolo do caco flatbread and poncha, the local rum and honey hooch. In Funchal, the capital, where steep lanes still beg to be descended in traditional wicker toboggans, you can dance in chic clubs and be wowed by dazzling fireworks displays. It’s here, on a private promontory overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean, that you’ll find Belmond Reid’s Palace. Our legendary hideaway is like a microcosm of the island: spectacular scenery, stunning gardens and sensational cuisine await. BELMOND REID’S PALACE BELMOND.COM/REIDSPALACE BELMOND REID’S PALACE BELMOND.COM/REIDSPALACE “I should think the situation of Madeira the most enviable on the whole earth. It ensures every European comfort with almost every tropical luxury.” - HN Coleridge BELMOND REID’S PALACE BELMOND.COM/REIDSPALACE CHAPTER TWO A Warm Welcome ------- Over the decades we’ve honed the art of pampering with activities and indulgences that appeal to all ages The days have long passed since our arriving guests had to be carried up the cliff in hammocks by strapping porters. But our desire to ensure your stay is exceptional remains the same. Today, you step into our bright, airy lobby, where vintage photographs and explorers’ artefacts, testament to our distinguished history, are set against inviting views of the sea. Enter your elegant room to discover a tasty Madeiran treat – and a cuddly monk seal, named Zarco, if little ones are with you. There’s so much to enjoy here. How can we entice you first? Perhaps sip a drink on the black-and-white marble terrace overlooking the ocean while you decide where to explore. Stroll through our gardens admiring exotic palms and orchids or make your way to our tidal pool down by the waves. Sign up for a dance class or a reviving treatment at the Spa, then plan which of our inviting restaurants you’ll dine in tonight. Tomorrow you might go dolphin spotting, take a ride in a classic car to Funchal or even have breakfast up on a mountain. For now, relax and savour the understated ambience that Discover more about what has been luring discerning travellers for over 125 years. makes our hotel unique. You’ve arrived. Take a look inside our walls at belmond.com/ reidspalace BELMOND REID’S PALACE BELMOND.COM/REIDSPALACE BELMOND REID’S PALACE BELMOND.COM/REIDSPALACE A Living Legend In the late 19th century, a young Scotsman named William Reid came to Madeira in the hope of improving his health. And so our story begins… William was just 14 when he left his homeland for balmier climes. He worked in a bakery before switching his interest to wine and built up a successful import and export business. Having married, and wishing to expand into the hotel industry, William bought a swathe of land on a rocky promontory known as Salto do Cavalo (Horse’s Leap), where Belmond Reid’s Palace now stands. He ordered tons of rich soil to nurture the gardens that are a radiant feature of the hotel today. Sadly William did not live to see his hotel completed, but his sons continued his work and it opened to guests in 1891. The Reids managed the hotel for many years and the Madeira-winemaking Blandy family owned it for nearly 60. Belmond took the reins in 1996. Many illustrious guests have passed through our doors. A white-bearded George Bernard Shaw learnt to tango in one of our dance classes. Winston Churchill retreated here before becoming the UK Prime Minister for the second time. He sought somewhere “warm, bathable, comfortable and flowery” to write his war memoirs and paint. The suite named in his honour, with its magnificent views over William Reid’s lush gardens, still inspires and enchants in equal measure. BELMOND REID’S PALACE BELMOND.COM/REIDSPALACE Double Rooms The hypnotic light of Madeira pours into our enchanting rooms, each a relaxing oasis with its own balcony or patio. Contemporary comfort is paired with antique-style flourishes in our rooms, which offer unforgettable views of the Atlantic Ocean or our gardens. Classic Rooms, perched above Funchal Bay, enjoy partial sea views, as well as dark wood furniture, floral drapes and inviting cream linens. Our Superior Rooms, dressed in delicate pastel shades, exude serenity. The balcony or patio is perfect for alfresco dining as you soak up the scenery. Our expansive Deluxe Rooms boast unparalleled views of the sparkling ocean or verdant gardens. All rooms offer marble bathrooms and king-size or twin beds. Suites Relaxing sanctuaries with ample space to unwind, our suites blend timeless charm with contemporary comfort. Junior Suites, decorated in tranquil hues to complement the sea and garden views from your balcony or terrace, can be interconnected for even more space. Beautifully styled Superior Suites, with exquisite floral fabrics and warm tones, include a sumptuous seating area. Deluxe Suites offer pure luxury overlooking the Atlantic, with two generous rooms offering captivating views. All also include a pantry. BELMOND REID’S PALACE BELMOND.COM/REIDSPALACE BELMOND REID’S PALACE BELMOND.COM/REIDSPALACE Presidential Suites Named after our distinguished former guests, the Churchill Suite and the George Bernard Shaw Suite offer understated luxury and sublime comfort. Unwind in light-filled spaces with lofty ceilings, rich woods, hand-painted wallpapers and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows. Admire beautiful Portuguese tiles in the generous bathrooms, elegant antiques and plush furnishings throughout. Feel the gentle sea breeze waft through your windows. Step onto your balcony to soak up breathtaking views embracing palm-filled gardens and the wild sea. Explore our sumptuous accommodation at belmond.com/ reidspalace BELMOND REID’S PALACE BELMOND.COM/REIDSPALACE CHAPTER THREE Within Our Walls 1 ------- Feast on Michelin-starred masterpieces overlooking the coast, take a refreshing dip in our oceanfront pool and swing on down to a jazz evening Relaxing days and exhilarating evenings make life at our hotel a dream. With three beautiful swimming pools, a heavenly spa and tennis courts, there’s plenty to keep you entertained during the day. Punctuate your activities with a poolside lunch or sumptuous afternoon tea. Before dinner in one of our enticing restaurants, gather in our Cocktail Bar for a stylish aperitif. Make sure to visit our Boutique on the fifth floor of the main building. Browse artisanal gifts, such as hand-painted tiles and embroidery, or pick up an exclusive Belmond Reid’s Palace memento of your stay. Peek into our world of fine dining and unforgettable experiences at belmond.com/ reidspalace BELMOND REID’S PALACE 2 3 4 6 5 7 1 Ristorante Villa Cipriani 6 Pool Area 2 William Restaurant 7 Sea Platform 3 Tea Terrace The Spa 4 Pool Restaurant Tennis Court 5 Palm Garden Fun@Reid’s Kids Club BELMOND.COM/REIDSPALACE Memorable Dining A destination in its own right, our Michelin-starred restaurant celebrates Madeira’s glorious produce in exquisitely crafted dishes William Restaurant ------- Named after the enterprising Scotsman who founded our hotel, William Restaurant is a showcase for Chef Luís Pestana’s imaginative creations. Each dish is a feast for the senses, celebrating the island’s rich bounty of ingredients. Enjoy a warm welcome from our team before indulging in ingenious takes on Madeira cuisine, such as crayfish with reimagined Portuguese stew, lobster with beetroot, cocoa and passion fruit or organic chicken with reinterpreted canja. Choose from a fine wine list, which includes Portuguese and Madeiran favourites – the local Malvasia makes a perfect accompaniment to our spicy honey cake, bolo de mel. The stunning plates are matched by panoramic views of the Funchal coastline: sparkling in the sunshine, mesmerising at sunset and dazzling after dark when the city’s twinkling lights are reflected in the bay. BELMOND REID’S PALACE BELMOND.COM/REIDSPALACE BELMOND REID’S PALACE BELMOND.COM/REIDSPALACE Memorable Dining From seafood pasta to Iberian ham, vegetable pancakes to delicate pastries, indulge in whatever your palate desires Ristorante Villa Cipriani ------- A romantic ambience and spectacular sea views await at our traditional Italian restaurant. Sit on the open-air terrace to be even closer to the vistas as you enjoy eggplant parmigiana, sea bass with fava beans or mouthwatering rum babas. Afternoon Tea ------- Relax in a wicker chair, sipping one of 24 tea blends from a china cup and gazing over the Atlantic Ocean. Exquisite finger sandwiches, warm scones and decorated fancies are accompanied by glasses of chilled champagne. Revel in an unhurried and timeless experience. Cocktail Bar ------- Open from morning to late night, our glamourous bar is the perfect place to sip an excellent signature cocktail.