Quinta da Casa Branca

Quinta da Casa Branca is an avant-garde and elegant haven right in the heart of Funchal on the floral island of Madeira. Owned by the Leacock family, who originally pioneered the Madeira wine trade with England in the 18th century, the Quinta is a surprisingly unique hotel. The owners" architectural project was a bold yet successful gamble, a far cry from the concept of a traditional Portuguese quinta, representing instead the expression of a modern and committed Portugal. João Favila Menezes broke radically with classical conventions by erecting a metal and glass structure that is perfectly integrated into the natural site and completely hidden upon arrival. There are 41 rooms and 2 suites enhanced with wood finishes, all facing a vibrant tropical garden with the ocean as a backdrop. The Quinta offers every dreamed-of amenity: a spa and gym, a lounge-library, a large heated outdoor swimming pool, a smaller pool reserved for adults, 1 bar, and 2 restaurants, one of which is fine-dining. Since 2015, guests have had the option of staying at The Manor House, the owners" family home. This elegant manor houses 5 individually decorated suites, all equipped with a balcony or terrace. Nearby, an early 19th-century villa will delight travellers seeking privacy. Quinta da Casa Branca is the ideal starting point for exploring the 'laurissilva', the finest surviving relic of the subtropical forest that once covered Southern Europe in the Tertiary period.