Ricardo Madias-Farinha shares Madeira’s most exciting luxury resorts with a select group of Australian media, writes Cathy Wagstaff
As demand for meaningful multi-generational travel continues to surge, Madeira is quietly emerging as one of Europe’s most compelling luxury destinations. Recently, Australian media were given a rare insider’s look at the island’s evolving high-end hospitality scene when Ricardo Madias Madias-Farinha, Chief Commercial Officer of Savoy Signature, visited Australia for The Leading Hotels of the World roadshow.
During his visit, Madias-Farinha met with key media to showcase Savoy Signature’s growing collection of luxury hotels and resorts on Madeira Island, with a particular focus on properties suited to family travellers, wellness seekers and luxury travellers seeking immersive experiences. Discussions also included the potential development of curated group touring experiences for the Australian market.
The Sydney presentation was hosted at the award-winning Capella Sydney, where guests gathered at Brasserie 1930 for an intimate lunch.
The long-table lunch reflected the same emphasis on elevated yet relaxed hospitality that defines Savoy Signature’s approach to luxury. Designed as a shared dining experience, the menu featured dishes including Little Joe beef carpaccio on toast with aioli and pickled onion, raw scallops with citrus dressing and chilli, burrata with roasted capsicum and pine nuts, Darling Downs Wagyu sirloin with pepper berry butter and spaghetti alla chitarra with king prawns, garlic and broccolini.
Among the standout dishes were the delicately balanced raw scallops and the richly flavoured beef carpaccio on toast, both paired with premium wines served throughout the afternoon.
For many Australians, Madeira remains relatively undiscovered. Yet the Portuguese island, located in the Atlantic Ocean closer to Morocco than mainland Portugal, offers something increasingly rare in Europe: a genuine year-round luxury destination with mild temperatures, dramatic landscapes and strong cultural authenticity.
“Unlike many Mediterranean destinations that effectively close during winter, Madeira remains open year-round and boasts a consistent climate all year.”
Madias-Farinha, Chief Commercial Officer of Savoy Signature
Photo by Ritvars Garoza
A destination gaining global attention
Madeira’s profile has risen steadily in recent years thanks to improved European air access, a thriving wellness movement and increasing international attention. Cristiano Ronaldo, Madeira’s most famous son, has also helped place the island firmly on the global map.
But beyond the football connection lies a destination rich in natural beauty and heritage, from the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest and famous levada walking trails to traditional wicker toboggans, embroidery and volcanic coastline.
Madias-Farinha described Madeira as one of Europe’s most exciting emerging luxury destinations, particularly for travellers seeking nature, wellness, gastronomy and nature-based experiences.
Savoy Palace leads the luxury offering
At the centre of Savoy Signature’s portfolio is the five-star Savoy Palace in Funchal, the group’s flagship property, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.
Designed as a contemporary homage to Madeira’s traditions and landscapes, Savoy Palace combines expansive resort facilities with a strong sense of place. The property is home to the award-winning Laurea Spa, a sprawling wellness destination inspired by Madeira’s ancient Laurisilva Forest.
Set within more than 25,000 square metres of gardens featuring more than 1,000 botanical species, the resort has positioned itself strongly in the luxury family market.
One standout feature is its dedicated baby food menu, developed by a nutritionist, reflecting the increasingly sophisticated approach luxury hotels are taking towards family travel.
“There’s a real opportunity for luxury family travel in Madeira,” Madias-Farinha noted. “Families want beautiful hotels, but they also want ease, flexibility and meaningful experiences.”
Savoy Palace also offers extensive wellness facilities, multiple pools, spacious suites and a strong kids’ club programme designed to appeal to multi-generational travellers.
The Reserve elevates personalised luxury
For travellers seeking a more exclusive experience, The Reserve represents Savoy Signature’s ultra-luxury concept.
Located within Savoy Palace yet operating as a highly personalised boutique hotel experience, The Reserve offers private airport escorts, lounge access, fast-track security, personal assistants and Rolls-Royce transfers.
Suites include elevated concierge services and access to the exclusive Jacarandá Club, featuring an infinity pool, indoor and outdoor lounges and private sun decks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Among the most anticipated additions to the collection is a new five-bedroom luxury yacht that will offer private charters, bespoke touring experiences and overnight stays.
The yacht generated strong interest among Australian attendees, particularly as demand grows for immersive luxury travel experiences that combine accommodation, wellness and private exploration.
Wellness and sustainability in focus
Madias-Farinha highlighted the growing importance of wellness within the Savoy Signature collection, particularly at Saccharum, the group’s design-led wellness resort on Madeira’s southwest coast.
Located in Calheta, Saccharum blends contemporary architecture with references to Madeira’s sugar cane heritage and has become known for its wellness positioning, spa experiences and dramatic oceanfront setting.
Madias-Farinha also revealed that Gardens, formerly known as TUI Blue Gardens, will reopen next year as a Design Hotels property in Funchal.
Additional properties within the portfolio include NEXT, an oceanfront lifestyle hotel, and Calheta Beach, a family-focused all-inclusive resort with direct access to one of Madeira’s rare golden sandy beaches.
Beyond the resorts
While luxury accommodation is central to Madeira’s growing appeal, Madias-Farinha emphasised that the island’s true strength lies in the breadth of experiences available beyond the hotels.
Among his personal recommendations were the famous cable car ride over Funchal, visits to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, levada hikes and traditional espetada dining experiences, where beef is skewered on fragrant laurel wood over open flames.
Madeira’s boutique wine production and increasingly refined culinary scene are also attracting sophisticated travellers seeking a more authentic European experience.
Infrastructure upgrades across the island, including improvements to walking trails and visitor facilities, are further enhancing Madeira’s accessibility and appeal.
A destination Australians are beginning to discover
For the Australian luxury travel market, Madeira remains relatively untapped compared with destinations such as Italy, Greece and the south of France.
That, however, may be changing as travellers increasingly seek cooler European summer alternatives, authentic cultural immersion and destinations that blend wellness, nature and luxury, Madeira appears perfectly positioned for its next phase of growth.
Madias-Farinha’s Australian visit not only highlighted the sophistication of Savoy Signature’s expanding portfolio but also reinforced Madeira’s emergence as one of Europe’s most exciting luxury destinations for families, couples and wellness travellers alike.
For more information visit: https://www.savoysignature.com