Tag Archives: Atlantic Ocean

Madeira: Nature, Road Trip and Dinner At The Vine

Posted on August 11, 2015 | Leave a comment

Pico do Areeiro

9 a.m. Departure From Funchal In Jeep

to Pico do Areeiro (1818 m), the third highest peak of the Madeira island (above photo). Different landscapes on the road (photo 1). And the view is stunning when we come to Pico do Areeiro! I think to serenely enjoy (-to avoid tourists-), you need to be there really early in the morning.

We get into the Jeep to go to Ribeiro Frio, for an easy 45 minute walk that follows the Levada de Serra do Faial. The Levadas are canals built between 1461 and 1966, to carry water to irrigate cropland. We get into the Laurissilva Forest unchanged since Prehistoric times (photo montage below). Lovely panorama of the valley from the Ribeira da Metade point of vue (on the photo montage below: the penultimate picture)!

Driving To Santana

Heading To The North Coast of Madeira

to visit Santana. The road runs along the ocean! And I love Ocean! Steep coast, hills that plunge in water: bright green on the ultramarine blue with emerald hues. Happiness! We cross Faial, one of the first places to have been populated in the North coast.

Returning to Funchal

My Favorite Scenery!

I also love this part of the road leading to the most Eastern point of the island of Madeira. Where you can find the nature reserve Ponta de São Lourenço. Desert scenery and vegetation tormented by strong winds! I feel like in Sergio Leone movies… a palm tree here and there and this incredible light!

Miradouro Ponta de São Lourenço

Dinner @ The Vine

Back To Funchal In Late Afternoon

A quick stop at the Pestana Casino Park and now I’m ready to go dinner to UVA, the restaurant of The Vine hotel. I’m very excited to discover the decoration of the hotel designed by Nini Andrade Silva.

I could spend hours on the lovely terrace deck, bathed in a golden light and views over the rooftops of Funchal (photo below). At night it’s even more beautiful! Excellent fish and vegetables at the UVA restaurant (on the last photo montage. The restaurant pictured in the penultimate photo montage is not the UVA).

Then we enjoy the Festival do Atlantico‘s fireworks from the lazy terrace of The Vine (photo montage below). Followed by a glass (no poncha for me!) to the Venda Velha. Followed by a music vintage disco … LOL!

Informations

Visit Madeira, Visit Portugal & TAP

Jeep safari tours : Mountain Expedition

Related posts : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks for this beautiful invitation to Visit Madeira, Visit Portugal and TAP. As always all my opinions are mine.

Saccharum Hotel – Resort & Spa in Madeira, Portugal

Posted on July 11, 2015 | Leave a comment

Good Morning Madeira!

What a view from my deck! It’s been a while since I haven’t been excited by a new hotel! The Saccharum Hotel – Resort & Spa is opened for few months. As I’m not jaded, just a little demanding, it’s always nice to discover a new place I really enjoy!

The room is spacious and minimalist as I like: impeccable bedding, well thought out large shower and separate toilet spaces, with sliding panels. Mix of gross concrete, tinted glass and wood. And the view! Yes I am a girl “of the sea”, I grew up on a beautiful island! So nothing will ever equal the pleasure of watching the sea or ocean!

Terraces and Swimming Pools

Here are my preferred spots to enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and the small marina! The hotel is located in Calheta on the southwest coast of Madeira. Not forgetting the beautiful infinity pool on the fifth floor, surrounded by hills! Then difficult to take off to visit Madeira. Lazy Mademoiselle Le K, LOL! Believe or not, I didn’t have time to go to the spa!

The Saccharum By Night

A monumental entrance, “the diva way“! The interior design of the Saccharum is signed by Nini Andrade Silva that I had the luck to interview during my trip! I like her way of dramatizing the space with few elements, gigantic photos and playing with chiaroscuro lighting (I hate places with strong lights!).

Creativity, simplicity and elegance. And most important is you feel good and welcome!

Informations

Saccharum Hotel – Resort & Spa, Visit Madeira, Visit Portugal & TAP

Related posts : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks for this beautiful invitation to Visit Madeira, Visit Portugal and TAP. As always all my opinions are my own.

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel: A Room With A View

Posted on November 9, 2014 | Leave a comment

I like this kind of surprise.

By opening the door to my room, I am won by a kind of euphoria and I head straight to the window. I opened wide the curtains to enjoy the warm golden light of early evening, the last weekend of August.

Spectacular panorama for nature lovers ! A stunning 180 degree view of the Atlantic Ocean and Sagres cliffs. A part of wild Algarve in the extreme south of Portugal: the beautiful Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel is located in a protected natural park.

Yes I love the feeling of being both outside and inside. The decor is very simple and stylish, with a 50’s twist and a Nespresso coffee machine.

But the icing on the cake: falling asleep under a moonlit night, lulled by the sound of waves … in an incredibly comfortable bed (lol). I tried to do a podcast, it did not work. Dizziness ! A thousand words: here are some amazing pictures !

Pictures below: panoramic overview from the room, left (pictures 1 & 2) to right (pictures 3 & 4). Pictures 5 & 6, the building rooms with ocean views. Last picture: my room.