Hotel Riu Madeira — All Inclusive

The Hotel Riu Madeira sits on the seafront promenade of Caniço de Baixo, facing Praia dos Reis Magos with the Desertas Islands on the horizon — a 24-hour all-inclusive address ten minutes from the airport and twelve from Funchal.

Two outdoor pools — one heated through the winter — anchor the sun terrace, with the promenade and the pebble beach directly below. A tennis court, gym and the Renova Spa with its treatment menu keep the off-beach hours covered.

Three restaurants and the pool and lobby bars run the all-inclusive board around the clock. The Garajau marine reserve — one of Europe's first — lies a short walk east, where the diving boats and the Christ the King statue mark the coastline.