Reid's Palace – A Belmond Hotel

Once upon a time, people traveled for weeks to different countries. And therefore they didn’t book a few nights in a hotel, they stayed for a month or two or even longer. A hotel was much more than just a place to sleep, it was home. It had to fulfill other needs, it had to welcome their guests as they were family. A hotel was were people met again and again, where friends and traditions were made. It was a sanctuary for happy and carefree times.

This is exactly what we look for in a hotel or a place to stay. Nowadays, we’re only a few hours flight away from everywhere. And once you arrive at a new place, you want to squeeze in as much as possible. Our lives became so fast that we forgot to enjoy and stay in one place for a longer time. But no matter how long we stay in a hotel, we like too feel at home, to be pampered and feel like we belong. Walking into Belmond Reid’s Palace is like stepping into a world of timeless elegance. Located on the breathtaking island Madeira and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean it is truly a retreat for body and mind.

For more than 120 years this graceful hotel, set in 10 acres of lush gardens, has delighted guests with its mix of refined luxury, discreet service and superb and contemporary cuisine. Each of the 123 rooms and 35 suites is beautifully designed, offering old-world charm and sophisticated elegance.

History

Discovered by two Portuguese explorers in 1419, Madeira became an important stopping point on the main trade routes. During the 19th and 20th centuries, its mild climate and lush botanical gardens attracted thousands of Europeans. Some came for serious rest and recovery, while others had more business goals. Among the latter was William Reid.

Born on a farm in Scotland, William was advised by the doctor that, for health reasons, he should look for a warmer place to live. At the age of 14, he arrived in Madeira and started working in a bakery. At the age of 25, he moves to the wine industry, building a highly successful import-export company.

He married an English woman, Margaret Dewey, with whom he started a house rental business, before opening his first hotel. William wanted to attract the richest visitors to the Island, so he bought the land known as “Salto do Cavalo”, on the rocky cliff where Reid’s Palace now stands. First, William commissioned tons of rich soil to build the lush gardens of bougainvillea, geraniums, orchids and palm trees that surround the property today. Construction began in 1887, but William died in 1888, before his dream was realized.

The hotel opened its doors on November 1, 1891, managed by William's two sons, William (Willy) and Alfred Reid. It remained in the hands of the Reid family until 1925 when it was sold to an English company, Reid's Palace Hotel Ltd. In 1937 and for almost 60 years, it became Island Hotels (Madeira), owned by the Blandy Family, owner of Madeira Wine. It was purchased by Belmond (formerly Orien-Express Hotels) in 1996.

Many distinguished politicians, royalty and celebrities have stayed at Reid's throughout its history. Empress Elizabeth I of Austria was one of the first guests at the newly opened hotel, as were writer Bernard Shaw and several members of the British Royal Family. Winston Churchill visited the Hotel in the early 1950s to write his memoirs and paint. The Winston Churchill Suite, on the 6th floor of the hotel, remains one of the most sought after places to stay.

So, for everyone interested in hotels with an old, fascinating history this is a place to stay at. Walk through the hotel and discover its details and pictures of ancient guests. And sometimes you’ll also get lost in its corridors.

Our stay

We stayed in a beautiful Junior Suite with a stunning view over the Atlantic Ocean. Entering the room was like going through time – you’ll feel a bit royal yourself (wink). Reid’s Palace was the first hotel we stayed at after arriving from a very early flight to the island. We enjoyed being spoiled by the weather and the pool area (specially the one down next to the ocean) and regained some energy for the beautiful hikes on Madeira ahead.

The majestic surroundings and gardens of the Reid’s Palace is impressive. You can always find a place to hide and read your book if it’s too crowded by the pool (which actually we never felt). Or it is also peaceful to walk through the beautiful gardens after breakfast and smell the so many unknown flowers.

The stunning gardens of Reid’s Palace

Interior details

Natural pool area

Restaurant Villa Cipriani

We tried their restaurant Villa Cipriani that offers a slice of Italian life on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The open-air terrace affords stunning sea views and invites for a long dinner. Influenced by Tuscan Chef Daniele Sera, their Chef Marcelino Fernandes creates timeless Italian classics with a modern touch. We started our dinner with a tasteful Caprese con mozzarella di bufala and went for the main courses Linguine with lobster sauce and sauteed prawns and Beef fillet “tosca” with creamy potatoes, mushrooms and black truffle. It was very delicious. And there is no end to an Italian dinner without the traditional Tiramisú.