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Quintinha Sao Joao

In Portuguese ‘quinta’, originally meant a farm and house let out at a rent of one-fifth of its produce, from Latin quintus, ‘one fifth. Today, it has an altogether different meaning, and, in the case of Madeira, refers to former colonial manor houses that have been converted to luxury hotels enclosed within their own grounds. Logically, then, a quintinha, is a small quinta, and such is the case with the Quintinha Sao Joao on the hillside above Funchal, overlooking the city at around 70 metres above sea level

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Il Gallo D'Oro

Il Gallo d’Oro. Funchal

A number of Madeiran restaurants are striving to achieve that elusive, and well-earned, Michelin star. So far, only one has reached those culinary heights, Il Gallo d’Oro restaurant, in the Cliff Bay hotel, Funchal awarded in 2009.

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NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento Hotel

It’s not every day you can boast you’ve sat on a 3,000 year old piece of history, but I’m not ashamed to say I did just that on the front garden of Rome’s brand new NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento Hotel

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Guide to Madeira CR71 A framed houses Santana

Essential Guide to Madeira. Stunning views and outstanding cuisine.

Often cited as a destination for Saga louts, or a welcome port in many a cruise ship’s storm, Madeira has come in for some unfair criticism over the years for, it is claimed, favouring the more mature rather than the 18-30 brigade and families. Here is my personal guide to Madeira, a very special drop in the ocean.

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Quinta do Furao

The word Quinta in Portuguese means a piece of land to farm on or a rustic property, however these days, in Portugal and Madeira, a Quinta means luxury colonial manor house. The added bonus for me is, Quinta do Furao on Madeira’s north east coast, also happens to be a pretty productive vineyard, so pretty much a win win scenario all round.

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botanico2

Hotel Botanico Tenerife

I was fully expecting to encounter Agatha Christie or the aristocratic ladies of Downton Abbey, transported by time capsule here to the 5* Hotel Botanico’ elegant terraces sipping afternoon tea, nibbling on finger sandwiches or snooping among the sumptuous gardens of the Grand Dame Hotel.of Tenerife

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