I had high hopes for this hotel given the glowing reviews, but it just wasn't for us. The price is very good and our room was nice, but it feels like you are staying in a British or German retirement community. Most guests were elderly, and the whole vibe of the place feels tired. In addition, "sea view" is a bit of an exaggeration. We could see a small sliver of sea but mostly saw other people's balconies (people in their robes...) and the pool decks. The place is a labyrinth with lots of dead-ends and it was hard to find our way around. A lot of things come at an extra charge - for example, they advertise sauna and steam room but you must reserve it and pay 5 euros/pp. Finally, our check-out experience was not the best. We were told at check-in that we had 20% off all consumables because of my Porto Bay status. But at check-out, the woman gave us a hard time about that when we asked, had to make multiple calls to confirm, etc. Overall, not a very fun stay. I liked the sister hotel Cliff Bay more.

Lovely hotel with great aminities. Great view from the room and a well kept pool area and pool, with lots of different areas to choose from. There's also an indoor pool available if the weather is a bit cooler. And, a lovely extra touch: they have a small orchid garden in the hotel area!

Wonderful hotel. We paid for a sea view so once we requested to move to a sea view room it was perfect! Pros - Staff were wonderful everywhere, you can really see why so many guests come back. Food was great, service great and pool cappuccinos great. We loved happy hour and love music and great stay for couple with a baby. Downside - Italian restaurant attached to the hotel was underwhelming and housekeeping weren’t forthcoming with restocking bathrooms

Beautiful hotel, lovely location, great rooms, great food and wonderful staff - will definitely be going back. Our visit was made better as we went with another couple who are part of the hotels Privilege scheme, which gained us benefits and discounts which grow each time you return to the hotel. We were also spoilt by the weather, dry, sunny and 18-22⁰C, while Britain was sub zero, but we're assured this is not unusual for January, but it can be wetter... The hotel is a 20min taxi ride from Funchal airport, no idea of yhe cost as it was part of the Privilege deal and arranged by the hotel. There are multiple swimming pools (outdoor one I tried not heated) and several restaurants. The food is wonderful. Going in January, there was not too many people about. Will definitely be returning.

Was probably the best hotel stay of our lives. Not only is the complex designed like an oasis, with its own flower and herb garden, but the staff is so incredibly accommodating and friendly that we are considering coming back when we feel like a hotel holiday again. There are various pools, several bars where they also mix drinks that are not on the menu. The service staff are quick and are happy to have a chat without being intrusive. The musical evening entertainment is of the highest quality and really makes your day. We spent our honeymoon here and when we told them about it, a few hours later there was a chilled Prosecco in an ice bucket in our room, which we were allowed to enjoy on the house. A small but nice gesture from the great staff. We were completely satisfied and don't really know why the hotel doesn't have 5 stars. We are happy to give them here.