A stunning 6.4 acre garden full of rare trees and exotic flowers surrounds this gorgeous property, now rightly regarded as one of Madeira's best hotels. A quiet and beautiful country-house hotel, the Jardins do Lago has an intimate atmosphere enhanced by excellent service and first class food and comfort.

On a hill with views across Funchal, it was built for a well known English family in the middle of the 18th century and is furnished with antiques and beautifully decorated. Breakfast can be taken on the veranda of the charming Pink Room in the original house. Dinner can often be enjoyed al fresco in the elegant Beresford Restaurant, where Madeiran specialities vie with international cuisine.

Swans grace the pond in the gardens, which have been home for 50 years to 'Colombo', a giant tortoise. Amongst the mango trees there's a large Oriental-style partly covered and heated pool with bistro-bar. A courtesy mini-bus runs four times each weekday to Funchal centre.

Relax by the pool

The views overlook Funchal

The pool is heated

Restaurant

Extensive gardens