Saccharum Resort

The name nods to the sugar mill that once occupied this spot on Madeira's coast, now a 243-room seaside resort designed by Nini Andrade Silva, whose modernist touch turns up across half the island's luxury hotels. Rooms face the Atlantic with balconies and proper lounge space. Below, a mosaic-tile pool anchors the spa, and five bars to two restaurants is a ratio that inspires confidence. Funchal is half an hour away when you eventually feel like leaving.