The Cliff Bay Hotel

The_Cliff_Bay_Hotel
The Cliff Bay Hotel

The Cliff Bay Hotel

Perfect for food lovers, from poolside lunches to gourmet tasting menus Show-stopping clifftop setting with sweeping Atlantic and Funchal views Two-Michelin-starred Il Gallo d’Oro restaurant on site Classic-style interiors blended with contemporary comforts Certified Sustainable Hotel meeting GSTC-recognised standards Free Wi-Fi throughout

Official rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Board options Bed and Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board
Child policy Children welcome (child age up to 12 years)
Rooms 202
Floors 9 | Lifts: 3

Overview

 
From the fuchsia bursts of bougainvillea to the sweeping Atlantic horizons, The Cliff Bay Hotel feels meticulously choreographed. This legendary Funchal address crowns a natural headland, wrapped in palm-studded gardens that tumble towards the ocean and a private bathing platform. Days drift between two outdoor pools, an indoor pool and the serene spa, while evenings revolve around Il Gallo d’Oro – the island’s two-Michelin-starred gastronomic temple – and elegant bars and lounges. Inside, classic Portuguese styling, polished service and freshly updated comforts create a timeless, five-star retreat on Madeira’s sunniest stretch of coast.

Framed by subtropical gardens and jutting dramatically over the Atlantic, The Cliff Bay Hotel is one of Madeira’s classic luxury stays. Expect uninterrupted sea views, calm pools, refined interiors and a food scene that ranges from relaxed poolside bites to two-Michelin-starred tasting menus. It’s an elegant haven for discerning couples, food lovers and families who like their relaxation with a flourish of fine dining and old-school service. For couples seeking Madeira’s charm mixed with serious gastronomy and ocean panoramas, The Cliff Bay Hotel delivers the perfect balance. It’s approximately 30 minutes from FNC airport. See more Portugal holidays.

Map & location


Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Perched on a natural headland along Funchal’s sought-after Estrada Monumental, The Cliff Bay Hotel occupies one of Madeira’s most iconic positions. Subtropical gardens cascade down to a bathing platform at the water’s edge, while upper terraces serve up cinematic views across the bay and towards the mountains behind the capital.

You’re close enough to dip into Funchal’s historic cobbled streets, lidos and rooftop bars, yet just far enough out to enjoy peace, privacy and star-studded skies at night. With a bus stop around 100m away, it’s easy to head into town, visit the famous botanical gardens, or ride the cable car up to Monte for those island panoramas.

  • • Nearest bus stop 100m
  • • Funchal resort centre (marina & old town) 2km
  • • Lido promenade and bathing complex within easy walking distance
  • • Praia Formosa black sand and pebble beaches around 25 minutes’ walk or short taxi
  • Approx. transfer time from airport 30 minutes

Facilities

Pool & outdoors


With its clifftop position, The Cliff Bay Hotel offers the best of both worlds: tranquil pools surrounded by gardens and direct access to the Atlantic.

Outdoor pools
• Large outdoor saltwater pool with expansive sun terraces, loungers and parasols
• Separate outdoor freshwater children’s pool so younger guests can splash safely
• Sunbathing areas with sea views and plenty of space to relax

Indoor pool
• Heated indoor freshwater pool – ideal for cooler days or a gentle lane swim

Sea access
Elevators and pathways lead down through the gardens to a dedicated bathing platform at the water’s edge (shared with the neighbouring complex), where you can sunbathe close to the waves or step straight into the ocean when conditions allow.

Pool towels are complimentary, and facilities or opening hours may vary by season and weather conditions.

Spa, sports & wellness


Wellness at The Cliff Bay Hotel is calm and quietly luxurious.

Spa & wellness (16+)
• Spa with sauna, steam room and whirlpool
• Range of massages and beauty treatments (local charges apply)
• On-site hairdresser for cuts, styling and pampering

Fitness & activities
• Air-conditioned gym (approx. 07:00–19:00) with cardio machines and free weights; minimum age 16
• Tennis (equipment or court hire may carry a charge)
• Aqua aerobics sessions available at nearby Porto Mare Hotel (approx. 850m away; programme and access subject to change)

Leisure & relaxation
• Library and games room – perfect for quiet afternoons
• Manicured gardens with shaded corners, viewpoints and pathways to the sea

Evening entertainment usually includes daily live music, with low-key performances that complement the hotel’s refined atmosphere. Programmes and timings can vary throughout the year.

Activities


? Tennis (equipment or court hire may apply)
?️ Air-conditioned gym with cardio and free weights (16+)
? Indoor and outdoor swimming, plus seaside bathing platform for ocean dips
? Library and games room for quiet downtime
? Daily evening entertainment with live music (programme varies)
? Easy access to Funchal’s lido complex and coastal promenade for walks and sea swims

Guest services


?️ 24-hour reception and luggage storage
? Porterage available
? Full-service spa with sauna, steam room, whirlpool and treatment rooms (16+, charges apply)
? On-site hairdressing salon (charges apply)
?‍?‍? Children’s facilities including playground, indoor soft play and kids’ pool
?️ Restaurants with highchairs and child-friendly options
? English newspapers available (local charge)
♿ Lift access to most areas; resort is on multiple levels with steps in some outdoor areas
? Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel

Food & drink

Dining is a major part of the experience at The Cliff Bay Hotel, with three distinctive restaurants and a duo of characterful bars.

Il Gallo d’Oro (two Michelin stars)
The island’s culinary star turn, Il Gallo d’Oro pairs Atlantic produce with Iberian flavours and exquisite presentation. Expect tasting menus, an impressive wine list and refined service at breakfast and dinner for selected room types. Smart dress is essential (gentlemen are asked to wear long trousers; beachwear is not permitted).

Rose Garden
The hotel’s main restaurant serves breakfast and themed 3-course set-menu dinners, often with live show-cooking at breakfast. It’s the go-to choice for Half Board and Full Board guests in the evening, with indoor and terrace seating framed by garden views.

Blue Lagoon
Set poolside by the sea, Blue Lagoon is made for lazy lunches and sunset snacks. Enjoy freshly grilled fish, salads, light international dishes and desserts in a relaxed open-air setting.

Bars & Afternoon Tea
• Cactus Bar – pool bar (approx. 10:30–18:00) for daytime drinks and poolside refreshment
• Le Cliff Bar – elegant cocktail bar (approx. 13:00–00:30) with piano, sea views and a refined drinks list
• Classic afternoon tea is served daily at Le Cliff Bar, either indoors or out on the terrace

A smart dress code may apply in certain venues, especially in the evening. Reservations, opening hours and inclusions can vary by season and by board basis; some items and restaurants may carry an additional supplement. For an overview of typical inclusions on enhanced board plans, see what All Inclusive and set-menu dining usually include.

Rooms
Double or Twin Room with Side Sea View Sleeps 2–3


Sleeps: 2–3 (also available for sole use)
Positioned on floors 1–3, these rooms offer partial sea views along the coast. Facilities mirror the standard rooms, with balcony, air conditioning, bath plus separate shower, minibar (chargeable), coffee facilities, USB charging, bathrobes and slippers, Wi-Fi and turndown service.

Double or Twin Room with Sea View Sleeps 2–3


Sleeps: 2–3 (also available with Funchal View or for sole use)
Found on floors 2–5, these rooms showcase full sea or Funchal bay vistas from the balcony. Inside you’ll find all the core amenities – bath plus separate shower, air-con, TV, Wi-Fi, minibar*, safe, coffee-making kit, USB charging, bathrobes and slippers, daily housekeeping and turndown.

Upper Floor Double or Twin Room (Sea View or Funchal View) Sleeps 2–3


Sleeps: 2–3
Set on floor 6 and above, these upgraded rooms enjoy some of the most impressive panoramas. Guests benefit from extra touches such as welcome fruit and house wine on arrival, complimentary water, juices and soft drinks in the minibar, access to à la carte breakfast at Il Gallo d’Oro at no extra charge, and a pillow menu. Facilities also include balcony, bath plus separate shower, air-con, TV, Wi-Fi, coffee-making facilities, bathrobes, slippers and turndown service.

Family Room with Sea View Sleeps 2–4


Sleeps: 2–4
Designed with families in mind, these spacious rooms come with a sea-facing balcony, additional sleeping space, kettle as well as coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, USB ports, safe, minibar*, bathrobes and slippers, and a bathroom with bath and separate shower. Daily cleaning and turndown are included.

Junior Suite Sleeps 2–3


Sleeps: 2–3
Junior Suites add more room to relax, with a sitting area and enhanced benefits: welcome fruit and house wine, complimentary soft drinks and water in the minibar, free à la carte breakfast at Il Gallo d’Oro and a pillow menu. Balconies look over the sea or Funchal, and bathrooms have both bath and separate shower.

Executive Suite Sleeps 2–3


Sleeps: 2–3
Executive Suites step things up again with additional living space and refined finishing touches. Guests enjoy the same suite privileges as in the upper-floor rooms and junior suites – including welcome amenities, pillow menu, complimentary soft drinks in the minibar and à la carte breakfast at Il Gallo d’Oro – alongside all the core comforts: balcony, air-con, Wi-Fi, USB ports, coffee facilities, bathrobes and slippers, separate bath and shower, and daily housekeeping plus turndown.

Atlantic Suite Sleeps 2–3


Sleeps: 2–3
The Atlantic Suite is the pick for a special occasion. Expect generous indoor and outdoor space, standout sea views and a calm, residential feel. Benefits include complimentary water, juices and soft drinks in the minibar, à la carte breakfast at Il Gallo d’Oro at no extra cost, a pillow menu, turndown service and all the hotel’s signature in-room amenities.

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.

More info

Destination essentials – Funchal, Madeira
Language: Portuguese
Currency: Euro (€)
Time difference from UK: GMT (no time difference in winter; check for seasonal changes)
Average flight time from UK: around 4 hours

Funchal is Madeira’s charming capital, known for its botanical gardens, historic lanes, oceanfront lidos and relaxed but sophisticated dining scene. It’s easy to combine a stay at The Cliff Bay Hotel with cable-car trips to Monte, levada walks in the hills, or a leisurely day exploring the marina and old town.

Board options at The Cliff Bay Hotel typically include:
• Bed and Breakfast – generous buffet or à la carte breakfast
• Half Board – breakfast plus a themed 3-course set-menu dinner at Rose Garden
• Full Board – breakfast, a 3-course set-menu lunch at Blue Lagoon, and a themed 3-course set-menu dinner at Rose Garden

Inclusions, dress codes and restaurant schedules can change by season; on arrival, check the latest information with reception.

The hotel is recognised as a Certified Sustainable Hotel, meeting a GSTC-recognised standard at the time of review.

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.

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FAQs
Is The Cliff Bay Hotel family-friendly?
Yes. While The Cliff Bay Hotel has a very refined, grown-up ambience, families are welcome. There is a children’s freshwater pool, an outdoor playground, an indoor soft play area (usually open during the day), highchairs in the restaurants and spacious family rooms with sea view. The overall vibe is relaxed rather than noisy, making it ideal for well-travelled families and multigenerational trips.
What is special about Il Gallo d’Oro at The Cliff Bay Hotel?
Il Gallo d’Oro is one of Madeira’s most celebrated restaurants and holds two Michelin stars. Located within The Cliff Bay Hotel, it focuses on seasonal Atlantic and Iberian produce, beautifully presented in tasting and set menus. Several room and suite types include complimentary à la carte breakfast here; dinners are chargeable unless otherwise specified and advance reservations are strongly recommended.
What board options can I book and what do they include?
You can book Bed and Breakfast, Half Board or Full Board. Bed and Breakfast covers your morning meal in Rose Garden or, for some upgraded room types, à la carte breakfast at Il Gallo d’Oro. Half Board generally includes breakfast plus a themed 3-course set-menu dinner at Rose Garden. Full Board adds a 3-course set-menu lunch at Blue Lagoon. Drinks and certain à la carte items are usually extra; inclusions can change, so check the details at check-in.
Does The Cliff Bay Hotel have direct sea access?
Yes. One of The Cliff Bay Hotel’s highlights is its direct access to the ocean via a seaside bathing platform reached by lift and steps from the gardens. From here you can sunbathe close to the water or swim in the sea when conditions permit, complementing the indoor and outdoor pools on the clifftop.
How far is The Cliff Bay Hotel from Funchal centre?
The hotel is around 2km from Funchal’s resort centre, marina and old town. You can reach the centre by taxi, local bus (the nearest stop is about 100m away) or on foot along the coastal promenade, with cafés, lidos and viewpoints en route.
Does The Cliff Bay Hotel have a spa and gym?
Yes. There is a dedicated spa area with sauna, steam room, whirlpool, massages, facials, beauty treatments and an on-site hairdresser, generally for guests aged 16 and over and at an extra charge. An air-conditioned gym with cardio machines and free weights is also available, typically from early morning to early evening.
Is The Cliff Bay Hotel suitable for guests with reduced mobility?
The hotel has lifts and step-free access to many indoor areas, but it is built across multiple levels on a clifftop, so some outdoor spaces and garden paths include slopes or steps. If you have specific mobility needs, speak with a Travelisto advisor before booking so we can request an appropriate room and advise on suitability.
What is the dress code at The Cliff Bay Hotel’s restaurants and bars?
Beachwear is not permitted in the main restaurants or in Le Cliff Bar, and gentlemen are typically asked to wear long trousers for dinner. Il Gallo d’Oro, as a two-Michelin-starred venue, expects smart attire. During the day, resort-casual dress is fine in pool and terrace areas. Exact policies can change, so always check the latest guidance once in resort.
How long is the transfer from Madeira Airport (FNC)?
The Cliff Bay Hotel is roughly 30 minutes by road from Madeira Airport, depending on traffic. Shared coach and private transfer options are available; a Travelisto specialist can help you select the best choice for your itinerary.
Is The Cliff Bay Hotel a sustainable choice?
Yes. The property is marked as a Certified Sustainable Hotel, meaning it meets a GSTC-recognised sustainability standard at the time of assessment. This typically includes measures such as energy and water management, responsible waste practices, and support for the local community and environment.