Hotel review: The Vine, Funchal, Madeira
AOL Travel reviews the sleek design hotel The Vine in Funchal, Madeira
Written by: Roshina Jowaheer
The Vine hotel
Date published: 08/01/2011
4 / 5 stars
What's to love?
This super-sleek design hotel in the historical centre of Funchal is sophisticated and luxurious. The panoramic rooftop pool, Vinetherapy spa and gourmet restaurant with 360-degree views over Madeira's city make it the place to be seen for any urbanite or fashionista.
First impressions
Set inside one of Funchal's most recently built shopping centres, The Vine exudes style before you even reach its doors. A spiral aubergine staircase welcomes you to the uber-trendy hotel. Inside, you'll see how each detail of the hotel links to Madeira's unique features and the grapevine.
Impressive interiors
Designed by Nini Andrade Silva with the vision to create 'a hotel with soul, just like a good wine' you'll be inspired by everything you touch. The pebble flooring reflects that of the old streets of Funchal, each of the four floors of rooms represent a different season of the year and phase of the vineyards, and the ceiling of the Terra Lounge restaurant and bar places you in a Madeiran vineyard with its creative design.
This place is perfect if you...
...love modern luxury and want to stay in the coolest hotel in town. The rooms come in an open-plan, urban design and are complete with bathtubs, walk-in showers and king size beds - perfect for a romantic stay! Business guests can enjoy use of the meeting facilities and free Wi-Fi, and there's a baby-sitting service, children's toys and personalised food requests for trendy families staying at the hotel.
Best room in the house?
Each of the rooms and suites have a king size bed with Egyptian cotton bed linen, a 32" flat screen TV and luxurious Zenology toiletries. Check into a Double Junior Suite where you'll get a balcony view of Funchal's cobbled streets (great for people watching!), a huge bath tub opposite the equally huge bed, and a walk-in shower and fabulous sink where the water gushes like a waterfall (apparently to represent Madeira's levadas).
Where to eat
Dine in Michelin-starred chef Antoine Westermann's UVA Restaurant on the rooftop for spectacular views and world-class fusion cuisine using the best of regional produce. Wild sole with asparagus, roasted suckling lamb chop with goat's cheese and cappuccino and dark chocolate crème brulee are some of his specialities.
Don't leave without...
...relaxing on the rooftop. There's a bar so you can sip cocktails all day while you enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the heated jacuzzi and swimming pool. You can even have a spa treatment from the top floor! At night the rooftop comes alive with music and social events throughout the year where you can meet locals and guests who want to party the night away. In the spa on the bottom floor there's a extensive menu with a Red Wine Bath, Grapeseed Facial Glow and Rain Massage as some of the treatments.
Score out of ten?
9 - great location in the city centre, a fantastic rooftop and hi-tech facilities, like the multifunction light switches and air conditioning controllers by the door and bed (if you don't mind spending time figuring them out!) make this hotel one of the trendiest around.
Details
The Vine, Rua dos Aranhas 27-A, 9000-044 Funchal, Madeira. Visit hotelthevine.com
