Reid’s Palace in Funchal is one of the world’s most famous hotels. Without doubt, it has been setting the standards for luxury hotels on Madeira for over a century. Over the years it has had its fair share of famous guests. Names such as Roger Moore, Winston Churchill and even the deposed Austrian emperor, Karl von Habsburg have all stayed here.
Renowned for its luxurious interiors, its imposing position looking out onto the Atlantic as well as its beautiful sloping gardens, it is no wonder that people dream of visiting the hotel.
For those who are not (yet) fortunate enough to stay at the hotel as a guest, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy its many facilities; from relaxing days by the pool, indulgent spa treatments and of course, the traditional British Afternoon Tea.
It was the latter that brought me to Reid’s Palace during my stay in Madeira. As a Brit and committed Afternoon Tea lover, I felt that it was my duty to ‘force’ myself to experience the atmosphere, undergo the associated pandering and follow in the footsteps of the great and the good (and stuff my face with goodies!)
Afternoon Tea Reid’s Palace Funchal: A Review
“Afternoon Tea at Belmond Reid’s Palace remains a truly special, elegant affair.”
Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace has become quite an institution in itself and has become popular with the island’s many visitors. I mean, who can complain about a civilised afternoon, perched on quaint wicker chairs scattered along the monochrome-tiled Tea Terrace with a view like this?
We opted to indulge ourselves on the Sunday before we flew home and it was a very pleasant way to mark the end of our busy visit to the island.
Arriving a good ten minutes before our reserved slot of 3pm, we took the opportunity to do a bit of exploring. The hotel staff were very willing to point us in the direction of some/the many exceptionally decorated rooms as well as the small gift shop, where (high-quality) souvenirs associated with your visit can be purchased. We eventually made our way back to one of the lounges, before we were promptly greeted by a friendly waitress.
Our reservation was taken and we were showed to our table where the menu was explained. With over twenty different types of tea on the menu to choose from, we were given a few minutes to make our decision.
Soon after ordering, our generous pots of jasmine and Ceylon tea arrived, along with a tiered stand offering a mouth-watering selection of sandwiches, delicious and tempting cakes as well as traditional English scones. It was all almost too good to eat!
We started with the sandwich selection – a generous portion, in a variety of flavours; avocado, shrimp, smoked salmon, cheese and cucumber – before moving onto the scones with lashings of cream and locally produced jams.
It came as a very nice surprise when we were offered a second helping of the sandwiches, scones and more pots of tea – of course, we did not refuse!
Eventually it was time to divide up the petits-fours, and when they looked as pretty as this, it was a difficult task.
Reid’s Palace: The Grounds
When we had finished our Afternoon Tea, we enjoyed some time just sat on the terrace enjoying the views of the azure coloured sea, the sapphire-blue sky and the lush green hills which shot up from the coast, heading inland.
Before we left the hotel, we took the opportunity to explore the grounds – something that had been recommended to me by a good friend – and once again we were not disappointed. The garden is full of exotic plants, palm trees and peaceful seats and benches looking out over the sea and to the town. Definitely worth a look around!
Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace comes in at €45 per person and for the generous portions, high quality ingredients and ‘second-helpings’ along with that view, I think that it is a very fair price.
The Hotel serves Afternoon Tea every day of the week between 3 and 4.30pm.
For more information, a look at the menu, or to book (which is recommended), visit Reid’s website.
Reid’s, it was a pleasure. Until the next time!
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Other posts that may help you:
- What To See and Do in Funchal, Madeira
- The Painted Doors of Rua de Santa Maria, Funchal
- 7 Reasons To Visit Madeira
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Love, Victoria X
