Escarpa - the Madeira Hideaway

If I could give this place 4.85 out of 5 I would! I want to start with the positives: First, it’s one of the best views in Madeira, and that’s saying something. It’s impossible to quantify how cool walking up every day to a view of the cliffs and the Atlantic is. Second, the staff is first class. Petra and her team make you feel like a valued guest. The breakfast they prepare each morning is fresh and delicious. The honesty bar is a huge plus, too, considering the closest market is 10 minutes away. Third, it’s a great location. It is remote, and I wouldn’t recommend staying here without a car. However, it’s only 10 minutes from Ponto do Sol and 30 from Funchal. Now, the “negatives” (in reality, I’d call them caveats). -You can only access Escarpa by climbing a flight of stairs and a steep ramp up from the parking lot. I am not an out of shape person, I run most days, this was an even a struggle for me and something to note for folks with different abilities. -There was no AC, and there’s no ceiling fan. We visited before the peak of summer so we dealt with it, but I wouldn’t stay in July or August unless you can get a room with AC. -It’s intimate-ish. You have your own room, but it’s kinda small and since there’s no AC, you need the windows open so nothing is private. I still would recommend this place wholeheartedly, just feel the caveats are necessary.

Possibly the loveliest hotel I’ve stayed at! If you are looking for peace, tranquility and privacy - this is the right hotel for you. The views are spectacular and all you can hear from your balcony or your bed, is the sound of the ocean. I booked this short break as a 50th birthday gift for my husband and I wanted it to be a little special and Escarpa is exactly that. The rooms have a little kitchenette area which is great for coffee & a snack on the balcony or if you want to bring some lunch back to your room. The location is great for the levadas Moinho & Novo and is a short (20 minute) taxi ride into Funchal. Petra is a delightful hostess and her staff are friendly, welcoming and yet unobtrusive. I would love to come back again one day. It has been a much needed few days of pure relaxation. If you are hesitating, wondering whether to book in Funchal, I can only say “Book this hotel quickly!”.

This report may be written rather late, but I still believe that I owe it to Madame Petra and her staff to praise this fabulous resort and all the staff. It was mid May 2022 and I succeeded to complete the Pico Ruivo hike along with my travelling mate. We stayed 4 nights in Funchal to be near the major city attractions and to undertake the hike. With the strenuous hike behind, now it was time pick up a rental car and to drive to Ponta do Sol to spent 4 nights at Escarpa. Up until then I did not stay in a more calm and sophisticated resort. Being from the 'old school', I do appreciate the calmness and no adults only policy. The highlights: the infinite pool and the restaurant, not to forget the daily breakfast served personally by the owner Madame Petra. I hope to return before long.