Quinta do Furão, Santana, Madeira

The hotel is framed in vineyards and has a stunning position on a headland with views along the cliffs and to Porto Santo, Madeira's sister island. It's on the northeast coast at Achada do Gramacho, near Santana, around 40 minutes from Funchal and 25 minutes from the airport. Santana is a popular stop on island tours due to its picturesque thatched A-shaped houses; you can see a mini-version by the entrance to Quinta do Furão. The area is well-placed for walking levadas (level paths that follow irrigation channels) such as Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Levada do Rei.

By plane: there are direct flights to Madeira from London and Manchester (4 hours). The hotel is a 30-minute drive from the airport. Free private parking on-site. Book flights to Madeira.

A station for cleaning your hiking boots by the hotel entrance sets the tone: most guests are active couples in fleeces, predominantly from Germany. Public areas are spacious with a stately fireplace and inviting armchairs; corridors have terracotta floor tiles with wooden chests and historical prints lend a manorial mood.

There is an indoor pool plus a jacuzzi, sauna, massage room, games room and a small fitness area. Most guests are couples but families are made welcome and will appreciate the pools and extensive grounds. This is a busy hotel yet the 70 staff remain friendly and enthusiastic with a genuine interest in making sure your stay goes well.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Swimming pool
• Gardens
• Fitness classes
• Spa
• Games room
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The rooms come in seven categories. Interiors are calm and comfortable with light hues and local notes such as cane lampshades and headboards with striped Portuguese textiles. Bathrooms feature granite tiles, a walk-in shower and monogrammed white towels.

Room types: Vineyard Room, Classic Room, Superior Room, Premium Room, Junior Suite, Suite, Villa

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Damana toiletries, bathrobe & slippers, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

Quinta do Furão's large restaurant is justifiably renowned for its Madeiran country cuisine and includes a plush 'pub', bakery and wine cellar. The wood and tile interiors are cosy and the dress code is casual, although you'll need to reserve your table. The main hotel building also includes the Four Seasons Bar, with a large selection of gins, and an indoor/outdoor area where a feast-like breakfast is served - look out for the delicious cheese shipped in from São Jorge in the Azores.

The restaurant: Madeiran and international cuisine. Mains from €19.50.

Pub: cosy restaurant, drinks.