New timeless traditions at Reid's Palace, a Belmond Hotel, Madeira

The elegant Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel, Madeira on the lush subtropical island of Portugal launches newly created experiences designed to connect guests with the unique and authentic charm of Madeiran culture this festive season.  

Perched atop the Funchal Harbour cliffs overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean,  Reid’s Palace guests can join a host of immersive activities to forge new memories together; from learning how to make ‘broas de mel’ traditional spiced Christmas cookies and local liqueurs, to a rousing Christmas carol choir performance and enchanting story-telling for little ones; to a thrilling after-dark tour of the capital’s festive decorations, and the impressive annual Funchal fireworks display to see in the start of the new year.  

CULINARY RITUALS

Whether beginner or expert, guests of any skill level can join the hotel’s pastry chefs to master the art of making ‘broas de mel’. The authentic Madeiran Christmas cookies are made only at this special time of year, and the hotel’s recipe uses treacle from the island’s famous sugar cane fields as a star ingredient. Guests will be able to join in an easy step-by-step demonstration - and are rewarded with a box of the cookies for their efforts. 

Residents are also invited to join the head barman, to learn another local gastronomic festive tradition; the gifting of homemade liqueurs such as Tintatum, a Madeira wine-based liqueur mixed with spices and raisins.

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS

Guests with a passion for entertaining, even if only for oneself or for family this year, are invited to join the hotel experts to learn how to perfectly style a Christmas table-top. From the colour scheme, to the choice of tablecloth and creative floral centrepieces, guests can learn tips on how to create a show-stopping tablescape. 

Fostering feelings of the Christmas spirit, a local choir will perform rousing carols in the gardens, and little ones can be swept away by enchanted stories as the hotel’s resident storyteller recounts a magical world of dreams, love and friendship, sitting around the magnificent Christmas tree. 

SPARKLING FUNCHAL AT NIGHT

As the sun sets on the hotel’s verdant gardens, guests are invited to step aboard a charming three-wheeled Piaggio Ape Calessino for a tour around the capital’s spectacular festive illuminations. 

At midnight on December 31st, Funchal’s mountainous setting provides the perfect natural amphitheatre for one of the most beautiful fireworks displays in the world. The dazzling show includes firework displays in the waterfront, amphitheatre, afloat at sea and from a station on Porto Santo Island, seeing in the new year in style.

An iconic hotel steeped in history, Reid’s Palace is enveloped by lush gardens brimming with natural wonder. By day, guests can explore the rich natural landscapes of the island’s flora and fauna of the island, take a Jeep to watch the sun rise above the clouds, a private yacht sailing excursion, or exotic botanical workshop, before taking the pleasure of the timeless ritual of afternoon tea, or dining on the finest seasonal ingredients transformed by innovative dishes at the Michelin-starred William Restaurant. 

BOOK NOW

Luxury accommodation at Reid’s Palace in a Classic Room this December starts from £256 per night, including all fees and taxes, on a bed and breakfast basis. For more information or to book, please visit belmond.com/Reid's Palace.