Quinta da Casa Branca, Funchal, Madeira

Set on a hill on the west side of Funchal, this is a luxurious hideaway with impressive botanical gardens and two pools that make it hard to leave. A 20-minute downhill walk gets you to the centre of Funchal or a taxi costs around seven euros. Transfers to the airport take 30 minutes. Everything of interest, including the best restaurants and museums, lies down by the sea or in the historic centre of Funchal.

By plane: there are direct flights to Madeira from London and Manchester (4 hours). The hotel is a 25-minute drive from the airport. Free parking on-site. Book flights to Madeira.

The hotel's bold, light-filled rooms, inspired by the famed American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, are set alongside a traditional manor house, creating a winning mix of the historic and the modern. A quartet of Egg chairs in the sleek, wood-and-glass reception set an elegant, mid-century tone that continues in a long, L-shaped building looking onto splendid gardens.

The leafy grounds include two heated outdoor pools, including one that's adult-only (with the most sun), with wooden loungers and white parasols. There's also a large fitness centre, jacuzzi, steam room and relaxation room. The manor house has a library, and there's a comfy lounge where you can read or work in the premium wing.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Botanical gardens
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Most guests stay in the ground-level garden rooms which have a floor-to-ceiling window and a compact bathroom decorated with copper-coloured tiles. The larger, upper-level premium rooms have a balcony, double washbasin and separate bath and shower, while the manor house has another five suites individually designed in a classic style with a sitting room.

Room types: Garden Room, Premium Room, Deluxe Suite, Manor House Suites

Key amenities: ensuite shower or bath, Prija toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, TV, air-con, free Wi-Fi

In the early evening, guests gravitate to the Casa de Quinta bar for Happy Hour cocktails, including a house negroni made with local malvasia wine. An à-la-carte dinner is then served in 'The Dining Room' in the manor house, a formal affair with live music, antique furniture and waiters in black waistcoats lifting silver cloches.

The Dining Room: à la carte, set menu.

Garden pavilion: buffet breakfast, light meals and snacks. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Casa da Quinta: evening drinks.