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.