Savoy Signature, the family-owned collection of contemporary hotels and resorts, has created an oasis of hospitality in Madeira, Portugal for over a century. Its first property, Savoy Classic, in the town of Funchal opened in 1918, immediately welcoming travelers and aristocrats alike to an esteemed art of hospitality.
The Making of Savoy Signature
Courtesy of Savoy Signature.
In the decades since, the first property has been demolished and reimagined as a luxurious destination named Savoy Palace, now Portugal’s largest hotel. Designed by Nini Andrade de Silva and RH+ Arquitecto with influences pulled from natural wonders, both literally and inspirationally, it features over 250 botanical species, a pool inspired by the Dona Beja lagoon, and the largest spa in Europe, Laurea Spa, informed by the nearby Laurissilva Forest—a UNESCO World Heritage site and the biggest living laurel forest in the world. Other details evoke traditional Madeiran arts, crafts, techniques, and materials, from its long history in embroidery and wickerwork to the production of fortified Madeiran wine.
Laurea Spa Waiting Area, courtesy of Savoy Signature.
Today, Savoy Palace is joined by six others in the company’s hotel portfolio: Saccharum and Calheta Beach on the shores of Calheta; and Royal Savoy, Gardens, Next, and The Reserve in Funchal. At the top of this year, Savoy Signature excitedly opened the latter—a crown jewel boutique that shines from the upper floors of the Savoy Palace, offering an array of exclusive amenities and experiences, including private dining outlets and lounges; a rooftop skyspace outfitted by an infinity pool, a jet plunge pool, lounge chairs, and couches and umbrellas; chauffeur service to and from the airport in a Rolls-Royce Phantom; a dedicated Guest Experience Personal Assitant (GEPA), available 24 hours a day; in-room couples massage appointments; a private yacht charter excursion, and more.
The Reserve, courtesy of Savoy Signature.
“Our commitment at The Reserve goes beyond offering luxurious accommodations. We strive to provide a transformative experience. It’s about curating personalized moments that linger in the hearts of our guests, said Cristina Mata, The Reserve’s manager. “The Reserve is a testament to unique hospitality, where every detail comes together to execute an extraordinary stay. We are dedicated to making our guests’ dreams a reality, and I am thrilled to be part of this journey where indulgence knows no bounds.”
Courtesy of Savoy Signature.
Exclusive Amenities at The Reserve
When arriving at The Reserve, guests are escorted through a separate entrance and elevator, ensuring a seamless check-in and check-out process. And while the exclusivities of The Reserve continue throughout one’s stay, guests are still able to access all of the comforts and amenities of the Savoy Palace at large—from its food and beverage outlets, concierge, children’s playroom, gym, business center, library, and more.
“At Savoy Signature, we strive to craft timeless experiences that blend Madeira’s rich heritage with genuine hospitality. Every detail, from our personalized services to the curated interior design of our spaces, reflects our commitment to offering guests a singular journey of stylishness, comfort, and authenticity,” said Ricardo Madias-Farinha, CCO of Savoy Signature. “We don’t just aim to create stays, products and services; our goal is to create stories that resonate long after our guests have left.”
Courtesy of Savoy Signature.
Breakfast upstairs at Jacarandá Lounge & Club can be enjoyed inside or on the terrace before taking a dip in the pool, ordering a cocktail, and enjoying the view. Downstairs, guests can dip in the colossal outdoor pool before crossing a small bridge and into the Royal Savoy, exiting its backyard, and accessing the ocean through a private pier lounge and entrance.
Jacarandá Lounge & Club, courtesy of Savoy Signature.
What to Do at The Reserve in Madeira
For a perfect afternoon at The Reserve, a visitor’s GEPA might then suggest reserving a traditional Poncha drink-making class; arranging for a Jeep safari ride, fishing excursion, or scuba diving journey; having an afternoon aperitivo at Alameda Restaurant, dropping the kids off at the children’s stocked playroom; followed by a decadent scoop of gelato at Alameda Gelateria; requesting a rose petal-topped bath to be drawn; and dining at Nikkei for Asian fusion food or Galáxia Skyfood for a decadent pre-fix menu. Here, local delicatessens like limpet, passion fruit, and Madeiran banana are reimagined on the plate for an exciting exploration of reimagined flavors.
Galáxia Skybar, courtesy of Savoy Signature.
Past unforgettable plates of fine dining fare and exceptional cocktails, visitors are encouraged to unwind in the unmissable Laurea Spa. Inside, a check-in desk and a boutique lead to 11 treatment rooms, a champagne and nail bar, and a beauty salon, before the full spa unfolds with a sauna, a steam room, an ice fountain, a Halotherapy space, sensorial shower, shallow hot and cold plunge pools, an expansive heated indoor pool, and more. Within the over-3,000-square-meter spa, subtle design touchpoints inspired by Laurissilva Forest are also found around every bend, including rippled ceiling panels evoking sun-drenched leaves, glimmering tiles in shades of green and sea, and faint sounds of wildlife playing softly in the background.
Laurea Spa, courtesy of Savoy Signature.
Upcoming, Savoy Signature is launching a suite of residences, which brings the hotel to life for those who wish never to check out. In collaboration with AFA Real Estate, Savoy Signature will blend the amenities of luxury hospitality with the sophisticated lifestyle of its guests—a match that upraises contemporary living beyond a temporary stay.
“The partnership between AFA Real Estate and Savoy Signature is brought to life by our Savoy Residence brand which encapsulates our purpose to blend luxury living with the renowned hospitality that defines Savoy Signature,” added Madias-Farinha. By merging the expertise of AFA Real Estate in residential developments and the international recognition of Savoy Signature, we are creating residences that offer not just a home, but a lifestyle marked by sophistication, modernity, and timeless distinction. As we expand our presence with the first project in Lisbon, we continue to elevate the standards in luxury real estate, harmonizing traditional home comfort with contemporary luxury life in one of Lisbon’s most acclaimed neighborhoods.”
