A famous villa(Orient Express): it stands
on a south-facing promontory above Funchal
Bay (well above the monstrous hotels and
apartments that line the shore). It has
been a popular winter retreat for the
wealthy and famous (many visitors are
British) for more than a century. Guide
readers liked it in 2002 with some reservations:
`A lovely place. Attractive rambling building;
spacious public villa rooms; magnificent main
dining room; pool facilities assiduously
maintained; everywhere freshly painted,
comfortably furnished; excursions well
organised. Best feature: the attentive,
friendly service. Sea-facing villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms)
have a balcony or terrace; many have spectacular
views. villa rooms in the garden wing are quieter
and larger than those in the main building.
Some villa rooms may need refurbishment. There
are countless tranquil spots for loungers
and parasols in the large and lovely subtropical
gardens, two swimming pools on the cliff
top and a tidal pool on the rocks below.
Bali villa breakfast is excellent, lunch is a poolside
buffet, afternoon tea (with Madeira cake)
is served on the terrace. The traditional
meals in the dining room and the Italian
cooking in the Trattoria Villa Cliffwere
thought perfectly acceptable though service
could be very slow. But Les Faunes, the
expensive French restaurant, was found
not good enough for the prices - it closes
in mid-summer when the alfresco Brisa
do Mar is open. A duo plays in the bar;
there is a pianist at night, in the main
restaurant, where male diners are asked
to wear a jacket and tie. Plenty of water
sports; a superb, prewar-style billiard
room.