Terrabona Nature & Vineyards, Boaventura, Madeira - Explore & Book
"There's something primeval about Madeira's north coast. Gnarled mountains cloaked in dense laurisilva forest tumble past steep ravines into the Atlantic Ocean, with a few smallholdings and scattered huts perched on what little flat land there is. Descending a single track lane below Boaventura, I felt as if I'd gone back a decade with each hairpin bend. So I was all the more astonished to find this sleek, new, eco-minded micro-resort, tucked between terraced vineyards and a triangle of foaming sea. From the road, the only sign of it is a minimalist grey cube house, the Design Villa. But beyond that are three more self-catering suites (or 'Wine Houses') tucked inside the tiered mountainside, one on each level for maximum privacy. Each has a cosy sitting room with kitchenette, a kingsize bedroom with freestanding bathtub, and an all-glass, oak-slatted facade facing the quasi-Amazonian jungle opposite. Outside are fat beanbags and a parasolled table for leisurely breakfasts or starlit dinners. And on the bottom level, perched above a mini gorge, is a sleek little heated pool and a secret sauna - utter bliss after a day's hiking. Terrabona is the passion project of Marco and Maria Joao, two charismatic ex-bankers based in Funchal, who will put the final sparkle on your stay with informal wine tastings (from their own harvest), sociable weekend suppers, a yoga session, or a sunset cruise on their private yacht. A spectacular and truly unique escape. Highs Utterly romantic, and perfect honeymoon material within 4 hours’ flight of the UK, at any time of year The suites are sumptuous and eco-friendly: like a blissful burrow with 5* comforts It offers a new level of secluded luxury on an island known more for mainstream winter sun We loved soaking in our windowside tub, with eucalyptus and rosemary oils Dramatic coastal, mountain and levada hikes abound; or borrow e-bikes if you prefer Lows This not a cheap holiday - but it's worth every euro No kids under 16: this is a couples' retreat It's 45 mins from the airport, or an hour from Funchal, the last part on winding roads And 15 mins' drive to (good) restaurants, unless you cook for yourself or book dinner with your hosts" - Michael Cullen
