Savoy Saccharum Resort & Spa Review

In the embrace of Praia da Calheta, where the rugged tapestry of the Madeiran mountains clasps the wild Atlantic, the Saccharum stands with a quiet dignity.

This five-star hotel, a shrine to sophisticated design and an embodiment of the island’s spirit, served as our refuge, our respite from the turbulence of the world beyond.

To couples, it offers a canvas upon which to paint indelible memories, each stroke colored by the mingling essences of alpine and oceanic expanses.

Having soaked in its splendor ourselves, we found it a sanctuary, a pledge of peace amid life’s unrelenting dance.

Pros & Cons

Location & Contacts

Nestled on the southwest coast of the island, close to Praia da Calheta, it lies just a short 35-minute drive from Funchal via the Regional Road 11. The Madeira Airport is slightly over an hour’s journey away.

Historically, this site housed a sugar factory. “Saccharum,” in Latin, translates to “Sugar.”

The hotel’s design is the brainchild of Madeiran Nini Andrade Silva, a name you might recognize from the Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva; a fusion of art space and restaurant near the Port of Funchal.

The Experience

The hotel defies capture by mere pixels and shutter clicks.

From the moment we arrived, an attentive and amiable staff wrapped us in an embrace of elegance, a realm where the echoes of bygone days resonate in the minutiae.

Stepping into the hotel, the interiors whisper tales of a sweetened past—honey-hued floors lead you through spaces, punctuated by monolithic photographs that pay homage to the land’s legacy of plantations, sugar cane, and honey.

Each room, a testament to meticulous stewardship, is refreshed daily with heartfelt dedication. The spaces boast a design that is both refined and elegant, furnished with discerning taste and complemented by photographic murals that speak without words.

We found ourselves spellbound by the expansive sea from our balcony, the horizon wide and undulating, inviting silent reverence for its vastness.

Days were punctuated with plunges into an infinity pool that kisses the horizon, matches struck on the squash court, and the comforting embrace of a heated pool.

And as the veil of night drew close, with the sun’s dying blaze sinking into the pool’s mirrored surface, we grasped a simple truth: this is not just a hotel to leave with reluctance.

It is a place eternally beckoning a return, a silent promise made with each fold of twilight—a salute to the inevitable pull of the Saccharum.

Rooms

The rooms are spacious, ranging from 35 to 80 square meters, each a testament to comfort and style.

We were particularly impressed by the SPE Ocean Room: a 32-square-meter space with a terrace. It includes complimentary access to the spa, the Premium Salon and terrace, and free parking.

And of course, the Suite with Private Pool: a singular 80-square-meter experience. It features an extra-large double bed, a living area with a sofa bed, and a private pool with a view.

This is complemented by a spacious bathroom equipped with a bathtub and complimentary products. In each room, the past is invoked through a sugarcane mural on the wall behind the bed. The color palette is discreet, consisting of shades of beige, brown, light green, and pale blue.

Each room offers comfort and a vast panorama, high-quality furniture, including a king-size bed or two twin beds, a desk, and a flat-screen TV.

The expansive balconies provide stunning views of the ocean and the island’s landscapes, dominated by the color of hope.

Comodities

The resort’s amenities extend well beyond the pragmatic offerings of parking—though an additional fee applies—and the daily shuttle service that seamlessly transports guests to the colorful streets of Funchal. The liberality of complimentary Wi-Fi blankets every corner of the vast property.

As we explored, the property unveiled a collection of five distinctive bars. Each seemed to court us with its individual allure, beckoning us closer.

Within the refined walls of the elegant lounge bar, we found an intimate corner of sophistication. Here, the art of the cocktail is elevated, becoming a sensorial journey to be indulged in as the sun’s last rays surrender to dusk’s embrace.

Weekend evenings are further enlivened by the soulful cadence of live music—an auditory indulgence we found utterly captivating.

Flanking the pristine silhouette of the infinity pool, along with its sister alfresco pool, are bars that strike a lighter chord.

These are havens of casual reprieve where the serenity of sipping a chilled beverage becomes an act of pure leisure—a harmony we eagerly embraced.

Furthermore, the resort’s dedication to guests’ well-being is exemplified by its fully-equipped fitness center.

For the health-conscious voyager or the fitness enthusiast, this space serves as an earnest invitation to stay true to one’s health regimen amid unfamiliar surrounds.

It is here, within these walls of determination and strength, that we found ourselves adhering to the rhythm of self-care, even as we wandered from the path of our daily lives.

Restaurants

The hotel takes pride in its trio of dining establishments.

The Alambique, an à la carte restaurant, is a sanctuary for the epicurean, specializing in regional gourmet dishes that read like a love letter to the local fare.

Envision the delicate balance of cured ham adorned with a salad of crisp green asparagus, sweetened by a drizzle of cane sugar caramel, or the symphony of flavors in a black scabbardfish, swathed in banana and passion fruit, resting on a bed of sweet potato.

The Engenho Restaurant daily curates a thematic buffet, inviting guests on a culinary odyssey that spans the globe without leaving the comfort of its sophisticated surroundings.

Basking in the glow of the main pool, the Trapiche Restaurant presents a casual yet refined selection.

Pasta dishes, risottos, salads, and light snacks tailored for those soaking up the sun or taking a break from their aquatic indulgences.

On the second floor, the Garapa Bar invites guests to sip on meticulously crafted cocktails.

The ocean views unfurls before them, and the Bar Calhau, nestled on the beach, presents an enclave of refreshment just steps from the lapping waves.

Morning brings with it a breakfast buffet of generous proportions: fresh fruits, scrumptious breads, flaky pastries, an assortment of hams and cheeses, and eggs prepared to your liking. And of course, the coffee is nothing short of exceptional.

Spa

The spa is a sanctuary where an indoor pool, framing the sea beyond its windows, invites relaxation.

Various treatment rooms provide the tranquillity needed for utmost rejuvenation, complemented by a sauna, a steam room, a hot tub, and a whimsical sensory shower.

Each treatment room is a cocoon, specialized to foster the silence needed for true revitalization, complete with the embrace of sauna warmth, the purifying haze of a steam room, the tender caress of the hot tub, and the playful dance of a sensory shower.

These experiences, we’ve discovered, carry a kind of magic that lingers well beyond their walls.

Please be aware, access to this enclave of serenity does require a fee, aligning with the spa’s daily availability from the morning hours at 10 a.m. until the evening’s closing embrace at 8 p.m.

It is with a note of mindfulness that certain offerings, notably the spa and parking facilities, do entail additional costs.

This is a departure from the policies of some other properties, where such amenities are proffered complimentary.

Infinite Pool

But it is within the embrace of the surrounding nature that one finds the true spectacle.

The infinity pool is a marvel, an edge where water meets the vast expanse of ocean and sky, seamlessly blending until they are indistinct from each other.

On clear days, the sea breeze is an elixir, sweeping over and invigorating those who bask in its touch.

Staff

The commitment to guest satisfaction permeates every aspect of service.

The team’s smiles are as authentic as they are constant, and their eagerness to exceed expectations elevates the serenity and pleasure of your stay.

Things to do nearby

Just a five-minute journey from our grounds, Calheta Beach, with its artificial sands, stands as an idyllic spot to bask under the sun’s generous rays or to partake in a flurry of sporting activities.

In proximity to the bustling Calheta Marina, we stumbled upon the expeditions of Lobosonda, offering exhilarating whale-watching adventures that indeed capture the imagination and spirit.

And for the art aficionados among us, the Mudas Contemporary Art Centre houses an impressive assemblage of modern Portuguese masterpieces.

Set within a hillside building that overlooks the sea, it provides a feast for the eyes as much as for the soul.

Conclusion

The Savoy Saccharum captivated our senses in full measure. This retreat, cloaked in understated elegance, commands spectacular sea vistas.

We found that the allure of the seascape and the refined tranquility promise a stay that resonates deeply with the soul.

For those yearning for an unparalleled getaway, we encourage you to seize the opportunity.

Choosing to immerse yourself in the embrace of the Savoy Saccharum is a decision that will, without fail, fill your heart with a sense of wonder and joy.

Savoy Saccharum

• Every detail, from the photographic murals to the elegantly designed rooms, radiates elegance.
• With luxurious amenities including stunning pools, gourmet restaurants, and a spa.
• Don’t hesitate any longer; secure your accommodation now!

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