Saccharum Resort

Saccharum Resort, Madeira: A Michelin Key Selected Oasis of Contemporary Luxury

Saccharum Resort, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property in Madeira, Portugal, offers guests a luxurious retreat where contemporary design seamlessly blends with the island's natural beauty and rich sugar cane heritage. Perched dramatically between the Atlantic Ocean and Madeira's mountains in Calheta, this 5-star resort is lauded for its sophisticated atmosphere and extensive amenities, making it a popular choice for both couples and families seeking a pampered escape.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Saccharum Resort is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently praising its stunning design, exceptional facilities, and tranquil ambiance. Review scores often reflect high satisfaction, with categories like cleanliness, room quality, and facilities consistently rated highly. It is considered one of the best hotels on the island, especially for those exploring the west side of Madeira.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the resort's numerous swimming pools, particularly the breathtaking rooftop infinity pool that offers panoramic ocean views. The contemporary design, inspired by the island's sugar cane history and executed by renowned designer Nini Andrade Silva, is a significant highlight, featuring sleek modern furniture, bare-brick pillars, and artistic nods to its past. The holistic spa, with its Ayurvedic rituals and extensive facilities including sensory showers, a halotherapy room, sauna, and indoor pool, is another major draw. The peaceful, secluded location by Calheta Beach, offering a blend of ocean and mountain proximity, is also highly appreciated.

3. Room Quality

Saccharum Resort offers 196 rooms and 59 suites, many boasting balconies with spectacular ocean, courtyard, or mountain views. The rooms are described as spacious, luxurious, and elegantly designed with a contemporary vibe, featuring air-conditioning, Nespresso coffee machines, minibars, and complimentary bottled water. Premium rooms and suites often include additional perks such as daily newspapers, free spa access, and access to a premium lounge and sundeck. Some even feature private jacuzzis on the balcony. The design often incorporates subtle sugar cane themes, such as photographs on headboards.

4. Dining Experience

The resort boasts multiple dining options, with three restaurants and several bars.

• Engenho: Serves a "cornucopia of day-starting treats" for buffet breakfast, which can be enjoyed on a terrace overlooking the infinity pool. Dinner at Engenho offers Mediterranean-influenced fare.
• Alambique: A fine-dining restaurant named after an ancient tool for distilling sugarcane, offering five-course tasting menus themed around the sea and mountains of Madeira.
• Trapiche: Poolside, serving light bites, drinks, and a solid vegetarian menu with fresh ingredients, alongside stunning coastal vistas.
• The Club: Exclusive to guests on Savoy Premium Experience (SPE) rates, offering an à la carte breakfast overlooking the ocean and all-day snacks. Guests generally praise the quality and refinement of the food, especially the breakfast buffet. The resort also emphasizes sourcing ingredients from its Chef's Garden for a thoughtful, seasonal dining experience.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback frequently highlights the perfect service and friendly, welcoming staff. Housekeeping is often noted as accommodating, cleaning rooms at guests' convenience. The staff are described as "infectiously passionate" about Madeira. However, some minor complaints have surfaced regarding occasional misleading information about restaurant availability from reception staff.

6. Location & Accessibility

Saccharum Resort is situated just outside Calheta, on the island's southwestern side, between the ocean and mountains. It's described as a secluded spot, ideal for a peaceful getaway. The resort is on Calheta Beach, and a quiet marina is a five-minute walk away. While somewhat isolated, it's considered a good base for exploring the west of Madeira, with most places on the island reachable within an hour's drive. Funchal, the island's capital, is about a 30-45 minute drive away. Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport is approximately a 45-minute drive, and the hotel can arrange transfers. The hotel is also within walking distance of local restaurants, bars, cafés, and a sizable grocery store.

7. Value & Pricing

Saccharum Resort is considered a luxury 5-star property. Prices for a 1-night stay for two adults can start from around $194.11, though prices are subject to change and vary by season and room type. While some guests consider it pricey, many feel it offers good value for the quality of the experience. The "Savoy Premium Experience" package is often highlighted as a worthwhile investment, elevating the stay with perks like made-to-order breakfasts and unlimited spa access.

8. Common Complaints

While generally positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Rigid Room Service: Some guests found room service inflexible with special requests, such as altering meal preparations.
• Restaurant Price-Quality: A few guests expressed disappointment with the price-quality ratio at some of the hotel bars.
• Minor Inconveniences: One review mentioned a need for a shorter way to walk to the suites part of the hotel. Another cited weak Wi-Fi in their room.
• Car Incidents: A single review mentioned a car being scratched in the hotel parking lot and difficulties in resolving the issue due to camera focus.
• Extra Spa Costs: Some services within the spa, such as the sauna, might incur an extra cost for standard room guests, though Premium Experience guests have unlimited access.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. luxurylifestylemag.co.uk
3. visitmadeira.com
4. independent.co.uk
5. michelin.com
6. voyage-prive.co.uk
7. booking.com
8. tablethotels.com
9. mrandmrssmith.com
10. youtube.com
11. youtube.com
12. tui.co.uk
13. travelagewest.com
14. timeout.com
15. willwanderforfood.com
16. travelocity.com
17. expedia.com
18. kayak.com
19. youtube.com