The Vibe: Bright and light.

The Area: Perched high on a cliffside overlooking the pretty village of Ponta do Sol on Madeira‘s south coast and the Atlantic Ocean. In the village is a small pebble beach (boasting Madeira’s most hours of sunshine) and a diving centre which can be reached by elevator. Funchal is a half-hour drive.

The DNA: Estalagem da Ponta do Sol is a design hotel is set in a renovated traditional farmhouse with modern wings added. It offers a stunning infinity pool and hot tub with panoramic views. The hotel offers a restaurant, a poolside café, a tennis court, and an indoor swimming pool. A range of outdoor activities, including hiking trails over the levadas can be booked through the reception. The Spa & Wellness Centre has a sauna and a range of massages and therapies can be booked.

Suite-Me-Up: Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, designer furniture and feature a minimalist black and white décor. All rooms have balconies, either overlooking the ocean, the lush subtropical gardens or the village below.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 54 rooms (25m2) (269 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2001 • architect: Tiago Oliveira • interior design: Carvalho Araújo ✅ pets allowed on request, no charges ✅ free parking available • 24-hour front desk