Madeira, PortugalPonta do Sol
Estalagem da Ponta do Sol
Clifftop modernist estate
Ponta do Sol Madeira, Portugal
Opened
2001
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Wellness SocialOutside the door
Clifftop modernist estate
Modernist white pavilions step down the volcanic cliff, surrounding terraced gardens that host summer concerts and sunset DJ sessions.
What it’s good at
Notable
Low-slung modernist white pavilions stepping down terraced cliffs, connected by outdoor elevators.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Interiors are chic in the current minimal style, with hardwood floors in the public spaces and plenty of whitewash and designer furniture.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Ponta do Sol village sits directly below the cliff, with whitewashed streets leading down to a quiet pebble beach.
The rooms
Monochrome rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass, opening onto private balconies that face the ocean or hillside banana plantations.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
An outdoor infinity pool runs along the cliff edge, and a heated indoor pool looks out through picture windows.
The gym
Cardio machines face floor-to-ceiling glass above the ocean, and the hotel runs regular yoga and Qi Gong classes.
Restaurant
Restaurante da Estalagem
The glass pavilion and stone terrace serve grilled tuna and regional Madeiran dishes looking out over the water.
At the table
The lounge bar serves drinks on a covered veranda with wicker chairs, looking across the lawn toward the headland.
How it began
The property began as a 19th-century sugarcane estate, positioned high on the cliff so merchants could monitor cargo ships below.
Madeira
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.