Allegro Madeira

The Allegro Madeira is in Rua do Gorgulho, in the Lido area of Funchal, the coastal strip of São Martinho where the city stretches west along the Atlantic promenade. Gorgulho beach is five hundred metres away, the shopping area one kilometre, the cathedral a little further on. It is a four-star hotel of the Barcelo group, completely renovated, reserved for adults throughout.

The rooftop, the pool and the wellness centre

The distinguishing mark is the Rooftop Bar 360, the panoramic terrace from which the eye turns to the ocean on one side and the amphitheatre of Funchal's houses on the other: that is where nearly every evening ends, between a cocktail and a tropical fruit juice. There is a single pool and it is outdoors, on the sun deck, with the bar at the poolside; the hotel has no indoor pools, so anyone looking for winter swimming should know that before booking.

The wellness centre is included in the stay and is not charged for: inside there are cabins for massages and body treatments, alongside a fitted gym. The property states clearly that access to the spa starts at eighteen and that there is no area at all open to the youngest guests, consistent with the adults-only formula of the whole hotel.

The rooms range from the double to the Junior Suite Deluxe with a front view over the ocean, furnished in shades of blue along simple lines. Meals are at the Lido restaurant, local and international cooking with island produce, and there are two bars. Breakfast is included, wifi is free, parking is paid and subject to availability. Pets are not allowed. The right address for a couple who want Madeira without giving up city life on foot.