insideKENT Magazine Issue 90 - September 2019 | Page 102

TRAVEL
Discovering unique spa treatments, mountaintop peace, stunning landscapes and
gastronomic delights; Samantha Ready embarks on the ultimate wellness weekend in
MAGICAL MADEIRA
MENTION MADEIRA AND YOU’D BE FORGIVEN FOR GIVING A STEREOTYPICAL REPLY THAT MENTIONS WINE, A
CERTAIN CHRISTIANO RONALDO, AND ITS FORMER GUISE AS A PERENNIAL WINTER SUN DESTINATION FOR THE
SIT-BACK-AND-RELAX RETIREE ONSLAUGHT. A PLACE WHERE THE ONLY THRILLS COME FROM THE SOMEWHAT
PRECARIOUS LANDING IN FUNCHAL (AFTER A SHORT 3.5-HOUR FLIGHT FROM LONDON), WHERE PILOTS BATTLE
NOTORIOUS CROSSWINDS TO LAND ON ONE OF THE SMALLEST RUNWAYS IN THE WORLD AND THEN HERALD
YOUR ARRIVAL WITH A SHARP SLAM ON THE BRAKES TO STOP YOU CAREERING INTO THE ATLANTIC.
SANTANA SÃO RORQUE DO FAIA ©Francisco Correia
Whilst the latter is actually still true,
Madeira – an island in the Portuguese
archipelago along with Porto Santo
and the Desertas – has shaken off its
sleepy reputation by its young and
thriving population (40% are under
25 years old); the harnessing of
its UNESCO World Heritage-
recognised rugged volcanic landscapes,
tropical subclimate and crystal clear
waters; and by a natural passion for
good food, good wine and good
company. It has reinvigorated itself
as the go-to destination for thrill
seekers, adventurers and wellbeing
enthusiasts who also appreciate the
finer things in life.
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For this is an island that has had the
most stylish, adventurous and
luxurious reputation overhaul,
recognised most recently by beating
the likes of Cyprus, Malta, Crete and
the Balearics to be crowned Europe’s
Leading Island Destination for 2019!
Whilst I can appreciate a beautiful
hiking trail, the rush of adrenaline-
fuelled activities and the allure of scuba
diving and other aquatic adventures,
I have to say I am a tad lazy when it
comes to me-time mini-breaks. So
when there were mentions of boat
trips around the archipelago, indulgent
spa massages, unique therapeutic
sand treatments and mindfulness
soundbaths combined with fresh mountain air and delicious fresh local produce
at the best local restaurants, I began my love affair with this island idyl.
Arriving for a weekend trip, capital Funchal is the perfect base; a short trip from
the airport, centrally located, right on the harbour, its own cable cars to deliver
you to the top of the rugged mountains that dominate its inland landscape and
a hive of laid-back activity that means whether you have 5 minutes, 5 hours or
5 days to explore the city; you would come out of the beautiful, narrow, hilly,
art filled streets, fulfilled - not least by the Pastéis de Nata - those glorious Portguese
custard tarts and a glass (or six!) of Poncha - the justifiably popular (and slightly
lethal) local Maderian rum based cocktails.
For those seeking the ultimate in sleek, contemporary hotel luxury, then
The Vine Hotel www.hotelthevine.com is the perfect pitstop. Interior spaces
are beautiful and epitomise modern style, from the white reception desks to the
backdrop of artworks, rich colour palettes to the bold clean line architectural