Madeira's Wildlife Wonders, Peaceful Coast And Fragrant Gardens

Like a glittering gem in the Atlantic, Madeira-with its wildlife wonders, peaceful coast and fragrant gardens-is the perfect tonic to the stresses of the past year.

- Justine Picardie

As soon as we walk through the entrance of the legendary Reid's Palace hotel in Madeira, I breathe a sigh of relief, with the reassuring sense that we've chosen the right place for a much-needed escape from the challenges of a difficult year shaped by the coronavirus pandemic. The doors of the lobby open out onto a wide veranda with a magnificent view of blue skies and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean; and without further ado, we are whisked to our suite, where I feel instantly at home. The curtains and upholstery are of the finest white linen, pristine alongside pretty floral-print wallpaper and handsome wooden antique furniture. On the table stands a decanter of Madeira wine and freshly baked cake; through the French windows is an inviting balcony, looking out over the hotel's gardens towards the sea. A chorus of birdsong forms a counterpoint to the sound of the waves, and an enchanting scent of late roses mingle with that of jasmine and pine trees.

The subtropical gardens at Reid's Palace are renowned for their beauty and are one of the reasons that a substantial proportion of guests return here year after year. The hotel stands high on a clifftop above Funchal harbour, and pebbled paths wind down through tiers of terraces, flower borders and lawns. Our visit is in October, when a dazzling variety of plants are on display, from spiky cacti to delicate orchids, graceful palms and frangipanis. As we soon discover, there are so many secluded gazebos and leafy bowers that you can always find a place to be entirely alone in the 10 acres of hotel gardens.