The Residence Porto Mare
Excellent choice of on-site restaurants and bars Beautiful seafront promenade location in Funchal’s Lido area Set in lush botanical gardens dubbed Madeira’s “floating garden” in miniature Certified Sustainable Hotel meeting GSTC-recognised standards 5 inviting pools including indoor, outdoor and children’s options Free Wi-Fi in the communal areas
Overview
Set within Madeira’s famously lush Lido district, The Residence Porto Mare is the apartment-style wing of the elegant Vila Porto Mare resort. Think botanical gardens, Atlantic views and five tempting pools, paired with the freedom of a kitchenette in your studio or suite. With four restaurants, three bars and a serious spa, it’s a polished yet relaxed base for exploring Funchal – or for simply slowing down to island time on the seafront promenade.
Gallery
14 photos
Map & location
Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
The Residence Porto Mare enjoys a prime position in Funchal’s sought-after Lido district – a palm-lined stretch of waterfront famed for its lidos, ocean pools and easy promenade walks. Step out and you’re within roughly 50m of local cafés, restaurants, shops and low-key nightlife, while Funchal’s charming old town and marina are only about 2.5km away by bus, taxi or a scenic walk.
From here, it’s easy to explore Madeira’s lush interior, levada trails and cable car rides up to Monte, then retreat to the calm of your botanical-garden hideaway overlooking the Atlantic.
- • Nearest bars, shops, restaurants & local nightlife 50m
- • Funchal city centre / old town 2.5km
- • Lido bathing complex & seafront promenade short walk
- • Madeira Airport (FNC) 21km
- Approx. transfer time from airport 50 minutes
Facilities
Pool & outdoors
Water babies are spoilt for choice with a total of five pools across the complex. Outside, you’ll find spacious freshwater pools edged by generous sunbathing terraces with loungers and parasols, plus a separate children’s pool that’s perfect for younger guests. Indoors, two heated pools in the spa area mean you can still enjoy a swim on cooler days or after dark.
Pool towels are provided, and many pools are framed by the resort’s beautiful botanical gardens, so you can alternate between laps and lazy hours beneath subtropical palms. There’s no direct sandy beach here – Madeira’s dramatic volcanic coastline is more about lidos and rock platforms – but the famous Funchal lido complex and Praia Formosa’s black-sand/pebble beaches are within easy reach.
Spa, sports & wellness
Wellness is at the heart of The Residence Porto Mare. The on-site spa (shared with the main resort) features:
• Sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and whirlpool*
• Range of massages and body/beauty treatments*
• Two indoor heated pools
For something more active, you’ll have access to:
• Well-equipped gym (typically 08:00–20:00)
• Aqua aerobics, pilates, yoga and stretching classes
• Mini-golf*, petanque*, squash*, table tennis*, darts* and tennis*
Children are looked after with:
• A fresh-water children’s pool
• Outdoor playground with swings and climbing frame (age/height restrictions may apply)
• Highchairs in restaurants
Facilities and activities are subject to seasonal schedules and local charges, particularly those marked*.
Activities
? Aqua aerobics and pool-based fitness
? Yoga, pilates and stretching classes
?️ Mini-golf* and petanque* amid the gardens
? Squash* and snooker*
? Table tennis* and tennis*
? Frequent evening entertainment with live music across much of the year
Programmes are subject to seasonal changes and minimum numbers, but there’s typically a good mix of gentle wellness, light sport and low-key entertainment to dip in and out of.
Guest services
?️ Full hotel-style service within a residence-style property
? On-site spa with sauna, steam room, Turkish bath, whirlpool and treatment menu*
??? Family-friendly touches including highchairs and playground
? Daily housekeeping in all room types
? Certified Sustainable Hotel status aligned to GSTC-recognised standards
? Free Wi‑Fi in communal areas
Some services and facilities may incur a local charge*, and specific opening hours can vary by season and occupancy.
Food & drink
Dining is a real strong suit here, with four restaurants and a tempting bar line-up shared across the Vila Porto Mare complex.
Start the day with a generous buffet breakfast at Atlantida Restaurant, which also hosts varied buffet dinners with live show-cooking stations. For local flavours, Alfama specialises in Madeiran and Portuguese cuisine, while Horta serves international dishes in a relaxed, contemporary setting. Fans of Italian food should make time for Il Basilico, a popular spot for wood-fired pizza, pasta and long al fresco lunches.
Three bars keep things sociable from daytime to after-dark:
• Oceano Bar – cocktail bar and evening hub (typically 16:00–00:00)
• Portofino Bar – elegant cocktail bar, ideal for pre-dinner drinks or post-dinner nightcaps (usually 15:30–00:00), plus afternoon tea*
• Varanda Bar – poolside snack bar for light bites and chilled drinks during the day (normally 10:00–18:00)
A smart dress code may apply in some venues, and reservations or supplements can vary depending on your chosen board basis. Details are subject to seasonal change, so check the latest information on arrival.
Rooms
Studio for Sole Use
Perfect for solo travellers wanting extra space versus a standard hotel room. Facilities mirror the Studio, with a balcony, kitchenette and bathroom with bath and shower attachment, plus air conditioning, Wi‑Fi and daily cleaning.
Suites
Sleep up to 4 guests, giving you an apartment-style layout with added comfort. In addition to the Studio features, Suites typically add:
• More generous living space
• Oven and dishwasher in the kitchen area
• Bathroom with bath and separate shower
Master Suites Sleeps 2–5
Designed for larger families or those who like to spread out, Master Suites sleep 2–5 and usually include:
• Separate bedroom(s) and living area
• Fully equipped kitchen with double cooking rings, microwave, oven, dishwasher and fridge-freezer
• Two bathrooms, each with bath and separate shower
• Air conditioning throughout
• Wi‑Fi, TV, coffee-making facilities and kettle
• Daily cleaning, with towel change on request
Room styling is elegant and classic, with neutral tones and plenty of natural light – ideal for longer stays.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
More info
Funchal is Madeira’s charming capital – a blend of historic streets, colourful markets, cable cars and spectacular hillside views. Expect a mild year-round climate, dramatic volcanic scenery and access to famous levada walking trails.
• Destination: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Language: Portuguese (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time difference from UK: none (GMT)
• Average flight time from UK: approx. 4 hours
• Transfer time from FNC to hotel: approx. 50 minutes
Resort and hotel information is subject to change, especially facilities listed as seasonal or with local charges. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Portugal advice.
Prices & book
Find your dates
Live availability and real-time offers. Low deposits, full ATOL protection.