november-2011

INDULGENT ESCAPES
68JetAway
Reid’s Palace, Funchal, Madeira
You don’t usually find the words “luxury” and
“family” in the same sentence, let alone next to
each other. But the iconic Reid’s Palace hotel, which
is about 20 minutes drive from central Funchal, likes
to surprise – especially rare for a place so steeped in
tradition. After all, this is where Sir Winston
Churchill used to come and paint.
Irish playwright and wit George Bernard Shaw
was equally inspired by the romantic views
overlooking the Bay of Funchal. In fact, so relaxed
was GBS by his three-month holiday at the hotel
that he took up tango lessons in the grand ballroom
and came out with his classic line: “When a lady
says ‘no’ she means ‘perhaps’. If she says ‘perhaps’
she means ‘yes’. If she says ‘yes’ then she is no lady!”
This was in the 1930s so one assumes it was only the
offer of a dance that was being turned down.
Now the hotel, which has just celebrated its 120th
anniversary, is looking after a new generation – and
the future generations who will visit the property –
by offering free internet access, complimentary soft
drinks, sodas and juices in all the minibars in its
rooms and suites, and free use of the DVD library.
There’s even a sound-proofed den for guests aged
9-19, which is equipped with flatscreen TVs, Mac
computers, PlayStation and Wii consoles, and
stays open until 9pm.
Younger visitors (aged three to nine years) get
their own welcome pack and can hang out at the
kids’ club, which has indoor and outdoor play areas,
traditional toys, as well as electronic games and
a children’s pool. Then, after you’ve worn out
the little ones, book the hotel’s 24-hours-a-day
babysitting facility to enjoy a peaceful fine-dining
experience on the terrace.