Madeira, Portugal — Why Now?

Madeira, also known as the Jewel of the Atlantic, is a perfect mix of European charm and a classic upscale island destination (Hawaii mixed with a European village) and is almost completely unknown to most Americans. American’s are flocking to Portugal, but Madeira’s vacationers still come primarily from the UK and Germany. YOY increase in American’s traveling to Madeira is 16%, but off of a very small base. Perfect to combine with Porto or Lisbon (both of which are super-hot) as Madeira is only a 1h30 flight from mainland Portugal with an average of 10 flights per day.

• Madeira just won Europe’s leading Island Destination for 2018 (worldtravelawards.com/award-europes-leading-island-destination-2018)
• Excellent value for money. High standards of service with a much lower price than other European beach destinations, but I don’t think this will last forever as more and more people begin to visit the island.
  • Reid’s Palace, the most luxurious accommodation on the island and a Belmond property, has peak season rates starting at 355 Euro (same room would easily be 1,000 Euro on French Rivera). Base rooms have ocean views and include daily breakfast, service and taxes, Wi-Fi, mini bar soft drinks, juices and water – replenished daily, and access to the ocean view fitness center. The hotel’s presidential suite, called The Churchill Suite (Winston Churchill came to Madeira and stayed in the suite while recovering from a stroke), was recently ranked the top suite in Portugal (worldtravelawards.com/award-portugals-leading-hotel-suite-2018), and runs 2,500 Euro in peak season.
  • Basic 5 star (American 4 star) accommodation on the island can be found in peak season for around 150 Euro per night.
• The world was captivated by the world cup this year and the sport is becoming more and more popular in the US. Madeira is home to soccer’s most famous player, Cristiano Ronaldo and houses the amazing Cristiano Ronaldo Museum.
• Madeira is one of the safest places in Europe and the World with virtually no crime making it an ideal destination for families.
• Wonderful for health/fitness/outdoor/nature enthusiasts. Known as the Island of Eternal Spring with all year around mild weather – minimum of 60F in winter and up to 80F in summer. Two thirds of the Island are protected by UNESCO as Natural World Heritage with a wide range of outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain biking, canyoning, sailing, paragliding and sliding.
• Long historical connection between Madeira and USA with Madeira Wine. The signing of Declaration of Independence was toasted with Madeira Wine, Thomas Jefferson’s favorite. There is no better place to taste Madeira’s famous wine than at the Blandy Wine Lodge.
• How new restaurant scene with two restaurants, William and II Gallo D’oro, receiving one and two Michelin Stars, respectively. Also new and hot are Nini Design Center, Armazem do Sal and Faja dos Padres
• For more information on Madeira, contact Ben Adams at badams@royal-travel.com