Looking for a Hotel for Kids in Madeira? Discover Vila Porto Mare!
These Easter Holidays, me and my family spent a few days at Vila Porto Mare. The goal was straightforward: rest, comfort, open air, good food and fun. We were not interested in leaving the hotel, and we were looking for a Resort that would offer us this possibility, in Madeira.
Vila Porto Mare brings together three hotels: Éden Mar, Porto Mare and The Residence. All facilities are shared regardless of the hotel you stay. It allows you access to 13,000 m2 of tropical gardens, several restaurants, bars, Spa, several pools (including heated pools and for children), gym, Kids Club and various sports.
Location of Vila Porto Mare
Vila Porto Mare is located in the coastal area of Funchal. Nearby you will find several restaurants, bars, bathing complexes with access to the sea, a considerable promenade that allows access to Formosa Beach, a shopping centre and public transportations.
If you wish, you can walk (about 30 minutes) to get to the marina or the Cathedral. The hotel provides a free shuttle bus to the old town.
Bedrooms of Vila Porto Mare
We stayed in Hotel Porto Mare in a standard triple room with a sea view balcony.
The room was very spacious, the beds were very comfortable and had a bathroom with a bathtub, “Rituals” products, bathrobes and an extra strong drier.
Foto gentilmente cedida por PortoBay Hotels
Gardens of Vila Porto Mare
They are vast, colourful and smell good. We can even hear the little birds sweet chirp. There are about 500 species of plants, adequately identified: tropical fruit trees, endemic species and endless orchids. Some butterflies fly over them and all the shades of green you can imagine. They provide shade, refuge and the feeling of being in an oasis, where we rest and recover our breath.
Restaurants and Bars of Vila Porto Mare
There are five restaurants in Vila Porto Mare. Il Basilico, Med and the Balcony bar have children’s menus. The Buffet at Atlântida Restaurant is diverse with choices for the youngest. Do not miss Portofino Bar or Oceano Bar for an appetiser during Happy Hour plus live music.
If you’re looking forward to enjoying an adults-only night, you can book a Babysitter. In Vila Porto Mare it is possible. An hour of Babysitting during the day costs about € 10 and at night (from 10 pm), costs around € 15.
Swimming pools, SPA and other activities at Vila Porto Mare
There are five swimming pools: 3 outdoor (one for children), and two indoor. One of the heated pools also has indoor and outdoor areas with a Jacuzzi. Pool towels are provided free of charge.
As soon as we arrived at the SPA, we entered a magical world of relaxation. There are lots of treatments available for one or two at a time.
You can also practice sports like squash, tennis, or minigolf. The gym is complete and opens from 7 am to 9 pm.
If you fancy shopping, you’ll find traditional souvenirs at the Café Court craft fair, and beautiful Svarovsky crystal jewellery at the Hotel’s shop.
For the children:
The children feel welcome from the first moment, as they receive a map and a leaflet with 10 activities during check-in.
Mini golf
Table tennis
Ténis
Petanque
Board games/cards.
Indoor and outdoor pools
Playground
Room with toys
Wii sports console
Kids Club
The rental of sports equipment is paid separately and has an average cost of € 2 per hour.
The Kids Club is for children from 4 to 12 years old. It runs during school vacations, and in the summer, from 11-12h a.m. and 3-4h p.m. During two hours a day, parents can enjoy some time just for adults (and well deserved!). Our Kids Club program included painting, traditional games, balloon modelling, storytelling, bowling, water games, puppet-making and egg-hunting.
Verdict:
What I liked most about this resort was its ability to provide us with a stress-free holiday.
Sometimes, when travelling with children, we end up the holiday more tired than at the beginning because of the constant search for activities and restaurants which are appealing to everyone. This was not the case.
The diversity and extension of the tropical gardens were surprising.
Although the resort was full, we did not feel rushed. The tables were always set to welcome us and enjoy the stay.
I can not forget to mention the staff, always professional, polite and attentive. As I walked in the corridors, I got greetings and a smile.
At this Hotel, children have the freedom to play, swim, look at the sky with the sea on the horizon.
All that a family holiday should be, Vila Porto Mare made it happen.
Thank you.
Would you like to stay at this Hotel?
My stay at the Vila Porto Mare was courtesy of PortoBay, but the views expressed are my own.
