Tailormade Azores

For a holiday on the island of Pico, we recommend staying in the charming coastal town of Madalena, which is a superb base for whale-watching trips. The Hotel Caravelas offers a refreshing swimming pool and stylish, comfortable en suite rooms, as well as lovely sea views. It is well situated, less than a five-minute walk to the harbour and local cafés, and a 10 minute stroll into the main town.

This 'Residencial' is located in a privileged spot with magnificent views over the Bay of Funchal.  Boasting 20 comfortable rooms, each with a private bathroom, the hotel also has a swimming pool and bar, but like many hotels in Madeira (that mostly come in the form of Quintas or Residentials), it has no restaurant and therefore only breakfast is served. A 25-minute stroll into town will allow guests to sample the delights of the local restaurants and cuisine. Bear in mind the walk back to the Residencial will be uphill, although taxis are available should you wish to ride back to the hotel each evening. The fare is around ten euros each way.

In the eastern Algarve municipality of Tavira, the well-appointed Hotel Rural Quinta do Marco is set amongst 18 peaceful hectares of countryside. This base allows easy access to both the extensive wetlands of the central Algarve and the steppes of the Alentejo.

Situated in the beautiful town of Mértola, the river-front Residencial Beira Rio offers comfortable, air conditioned en-suite rooms, some enjoying views of the Guadiana River and others of the picturesque, whitewashed town. The hotel serves delicious buffet-style breakfasts, which can be enjoyed either in the restaurant or on the terrace whilst watching the river flow by. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool, where one can cool off and relax after an exciting day spent exploring the region.

The Quinta do Barranco da Estrada, or ‘Paradise in Portugal’, provides a lovely and sustainably-minded accommodation option in southern Portugal. Set in a two-acre garden beside a beautiful lake and surrounded by unspoilt countryside teeming with local wildlife, this small and intimate hotel was designed to accommodate the keen naturalist. A warm welcome and comfortable rooms await, with a homely atmosphere and delicious local fare.

With a fantastic glassy infinity pool joining seamlessly with far-flung views of the surrounding countryside, this upscale eco-lodge is a hidden gem. Accommodation is provided in 10 modern, air-conditioned apartments, all with en-suite facilities. The lodge is perfectly positioned to explore the wildlife highlights of the Alentejo.

The Hotel Quinta da Penha de França is a modern 4-star hotel with 109 well-equipped air-conditioned rooms facing the sea or gardens. The hotel is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the Marina and centre of Funchal. There are two ocean-front pools, a lovely mature garden, three stylish bars and two restaurants serving a range of traditional Madeiran and international fare. The hotel also has private access to the sea.

Some might say the greatest attraction of Castelo Rodrigo is Casa da Cisterna, a small hotel of great charm. The hotel has been lovingly created by biologists Ana and Antonio, both of whom are heavily involved with the re-wildling at the nearby Faia Brava reserve, and have an incredible knowledge of the wildlife and habitat to be found there. Ana has permission to take guests out after dark to enjoy a private night time tour to see the famous rock engravings. The hotel itself has been created from a cluster of the citadel’s old houses and the ancient cistern which supplied the citadel with water. Today, the latter has been converted into a small swimming pool that sits within the hotel terrace and, like many of the rooms, enjoys spectacular views over the village and surrounding countryside. Rooms are very comfortable and tastefully decorated in a traditional style with modern flair.

For a holiday on the island of Pico, we recommend staying in the charming coastal town of Madalena, which is a superb base for whale-watching trips. The Hotel Caravelas offers a refreshing swimming pool and stylish, comfortable en suite rooms, as well as lovely sea views. It is well situated, less than a five-minute walk to the harbour and local cafés, and a 10 minute stroll into the main town.