The natural beauty of Madeira and Estalagem da Ponta do Sol's firm commitment to music perfectly combine the spirit of both our Cultural & Musical Destinations Series.
This Portuguese haven is situated in a idilic location just off the northwest coast of Africa, you are almost guaranteed good weather here. Madeira looks and feels like a Caribbean Island but is far more accessible and is even in the UK time zone, banishing any thought of jet lag. The hotel itself is perched 80m above the North Atlantic Ocean on the sunniest part of the volcanic Island.
Built at the end of the 19th century and modernised when it became part of the international group Design Hotels, the complex is composed of three buildings connected by vertical lifts and horizontal walkways. The three areas are the 19th century house, a modern building which houses the rooms, a glass sided restaurant and the pool house where you will find the spa and 24-hour honesty bar.
According to tradition the name Ponta do Sol was attributed by Zarco, who discovered Madeira. On his approach to Ponta do Sol on the rocks he noticed a round formation with lines emanating from it similar to the rays of the sun, the name stuck.
Said to be Madeira’s hottest spot, the hotel's clifftop elevation assures excellent views of the sea and village below. The village boasts 500 years of history, while the landscape varies from the rocky coast above the ocean to the hillside banana plantations and subtropical mountains.
Colonised since 1440 Ponta do Sol, was one of the first settlements of the island as it favoured the growing of sugar cane. So began a long history of sugar production with the original building used as a warehouse and head office for sugar companies. Indeed, sugar cane can be seen growing all around as can oranges, mangos, guavas, quince, bananas and passionfruit normally the preserve of the Caribbean which also makes for a varied and colourful breakfast spread.
At only 57 km long and around 22 km wide and almost 2km high in certain areas Madeira is anything but plain. Driving is a pleasure with new striking landscapes at every turn.
From this southern spot I would advise an overland drive through the dramatic, central forest terrain to the North. There are many tunnels which thread through the high rising volcanic rock which save a huge amount of time but the view above is breath-taking.
In the North visit the black sand beach at Seixal sheltered by the steep green mountains from which you can wash off the salt water with a perfect fresh natural waterfall.
Moving along the coast you must stop at Porto Moinz to bathe in the natural lava pools, a wonderfully relaxing experience. Don’t forget goggles or a snorkelling mask as reassuringly fish are everywhere to be seen.
Driving through Madeira is an experience, where you can breathe the fresh air of the leafy eucalyptus forest. The roads are lined with large and colourful alliums, ferns, and hydrangeas. It is a living breathing botanical garden with views to match.
Taking the route around the island you get to the lighthouse and dramatic cliffs of Ponta do Pargo, the most western point of the Madeira. Hugely imposing and impressive it’s not to be missed.
Back at the hotel there is time for a swim in the infinity pool and a visit to the sauna and steam room before our cultural break climax with L Concerts closing show of the year.
Estalagem has worked hard to be regarded as a cultural hub, the hotel is now renowned for holding unique intimate music and cinema festivals. Now in its 13th year,
L Concerts focuses on contemporary Portuguese and Lusophone projects with international acts also on the bill. The first independent music festival in Madeira, it is held in the gardens overlooking the ocean lending it a unique backdrop and feel. A wide variety of genres are catered for, electronic, rock, fado, blues, pop, jazz, and world music. Past artists include Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), Michael Rother (Kraftwerk), Imogen Heap, to name but a few.
Tonight's performance came from The Irrepressibles, the musical vehicle of Yorkshire-raised, Manchester based artist, composer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Jamie McDermott. Backed by his seven-piece band the evening was a triumphant extravaganza of moving orchestral pop arrangements. Read the full 5 star review
here.
Only 25 minutes from the capital Funchal and 30 minutes from Madeira’s International Airport,
Estalagem da Ponta do Sol is a rocky outpost that provides a relaxed and sophisticated setting for your exploration of Madeira. For music, nature, and culture lovers alike, this gem of a destination will certainly not disappoint. A feast for the mind body and soul.
