WHY GO?
Encircled by dramatic coastal cliffs and coddled by blue waters off the Moroccan coast, Madeira is as breathtaking as it is appealing. The largest island of a small Portuguese archipelago, it has a colourful historic capital, Funchal, and a wild centre forested with laurel. Walking trails, whale watching and spa hotels make it an ideal spot for a relaxing spring break.
COASTAL BEAUTY
It’s impossible not to be wowed by the scenery, where jutting volcanic cliffs meet crashing surf. There are calm swimming beaches at Calheta to the west – as well as on the neighbouring Porto Santo island – but with many hotels offering outdoor infinity pools, you never need to go far for a dip after a day’s exploring.
Head out to a high-vantage island viewpoint and you’ll likely be peering out to the water through sculptural native plants, such as the purple-flowering Pride of Madeira. A stay at Yeotown (yeotown. com), a retreat specialising in nourishing food, yoga and massage, offers superb views and all the health benefits of the ocean air. It’s right by the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest where walking trails follow water channels that crisscross the landscape.
MARINE LIFE
Denne historien er fra April 22, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 22, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
FAST & THRIFTY DINNERS
Filling family meals to save you time and money
ARE VIRAL FITNESS TRENDS WORTH THE HYPE?
Keen to know if the workouts she sees online can actually make her fitter, Rachel Tompkins, 44, gives them a try
GO OUT OF SEASON
While some European cities seem to go into hibernation over winter, others just get better in the colder months
MY LIFE IN MUSIC
Monica Cafferky, 55, reveals how certain tunes bring back special memories
THE DECISION THAT CHANGED MY LIFE
After trying diets without success, Breanne Concannon, 31, was left feeling hopeless
MY TOY ΒΟΥ KEEPS ME YOUNG
For Trish Hughes, 44, the thrills of being married to a man 20 years younger is worth all the judgement
'THAT'S NOT MY BABY'
Lying in the hospital bed, my husband Michael had tears of happiness in his eyes as he showed me a photo on his phone. 'Here she is,' he said proudly. 'This is our beautiful baby girl.'I stared at the photo and shook my head. 'No, that's not my baby,' I said. 'There must be a mistake.'It was August 2010 and I'd not long before had an emergency caesarean. I'd not had a chance to see Winnie when she arrived as she'd been whisked away for tests because she was nearly two months premature.
CAUGHT IN THE ACT
Hayley, 45, has her son to thank for crucial evidence
'I'D LOVE TO DO EASTENDERS'
Loose Women's Linda Robson on the daytime show, dating and her next career move
Beckhams INSIDE THEIR PROPERTY EMPIRE
We take a look at the power couple's posh pads