PortoBay Santa Maria
Adults-only hideaway (16+) for peaceful escapes Prime oceanfront location at the edge of Funchal Old Town All rooms with balcony and kitchenette, many with sea views Certified Sustainable Hotel meeting GSTC-recognised standards Serene indoor & outdoor pool areas plus rooftop terrace Free Wi-Fi throughout
Overview
Perched right on the Atlantic with Funchal Old Town on the doorstep, PortoBay Santa Maria is an elegant adults-only retreat that feels made for slow travel. Expect wide ocean views from almost everywhere, polished yet personable service that brings guests back year after year, and a calm pool-and-rooftop scene that makes it easy to slip into Madeira’s unhurried rhythm.
Gallery
15 photos
Map & location
Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Set right on the waterfront at the eastern edge of Funchal Old Town, PortoBay Santa Maria places you within moments of everything that makes Madeira’s capital so compelling. Step outside and you’re 50m from cobbled lanes lined with traditional tavernas, wine bars and street art, or wander 100m to São Tiago pebble beach for a morning dip.
The cable car to Monte sits just up the promenade, while the marina and modern city centre are an easy stroll away. Stay put for Atlantic sunsets and cruise-ship views, or use the hotel as a relaxed base for levada walks, botanical gardens and wine-tasting in the hills above town.
- Approx. transfer time from airport 50 minutes
Facilities
Pool & outdoors
PortoBay Santa Maria is designed around calm, easy-going pool days with the Atlantic as your backdrop.
• Outdoor freshwater pool framed by sunbeds and parasols, with a whirlpool corner and views towards Funchal harbour.
• Indoor heated freshwater pool, ideal for cooler days or quiet laps.
• Whirlpool and surrounding sunbathing terrace for slow, spa-like afternoons.
• Free pool towels are provided, so you can pack lighter.
The nearest beach, São Tiago’s small pebble cove, lies about 100m away along the promenade, while the lido complexes and Praia Formosa’s black-sand-and-pebble stretch are a short taxi ride for longer sea-swim sessions.
Spa, sports & wellness
Wellness at PortoBay Santa Maria is unhurried and low-key, with everything on hand to balance city exploring with downtime.
Spa & Wellness
• Spa area with sauna, whirlpool and relaxation space*
• Menu of massages and body or beauty treatments* (typically 10:00–19:00; treatments from 18+)
Fitness & Leisure
• Air-conditioned gym with cardio equipment, free weights, fixed strength machines and stretching zone (approx. 08:00–20:00; 16+)
Other Facilities
• 24-hour reception and friendly concierge-style support
• Luggage storage for late departures or early arrivals
• Lounge areas and gardens overlooking the Atlantic
*Spa and selected facilities may incur an extra charge; opening hours can vary seasonally.
Activities
? Daily evening entertainment with live music (typically year‑round)
? Relaxed indoor and outdoor swimming
? Gym sessions in the air-conditioned fitness room
? Spa time with sauna and whirlpool*
? Rooftop viewing of Funchal fireworks and city events (seasonal)
Madeira shines outdoors, so it’s easy to pair your stay with levada walks, dolphin- and whale-watching boat trips, wine tasting, cable car rides to Monte and toboggan runs back down into town, all easily arranged locally.
Guest services
?️ 24-hour reception and helpful multilingual staff
? Luggage storage for early arrivals and late departures
? Spa and beauty treatments* (18+)
♻️ Certified Sustainable Hotel with GSTC-recognised practices
? Free Wi‑Fi throughout the property
*Selected services and facilities carry an extra charge, payable locally.
Food & drink
Wake to buffet breakfasts with fresh fruit, pastries and Madeiran specialties, and wind down over relaxed dinners that mix local flavours with international favourites.
Arsenal Restaurant
The main restaurant serves a combination of buffet and à la carte dishes for breakfast and dinner, with international, Italian and regional Madeiran cuisine. Expect occasional set three-course menus during the week, giving a more intimate, restaurant-style experience. Smart-casual dress is requested in the evenings (no beachwear; long trousers for gentlemen).
Captains Bar
An atmospheric cocktail bar, open roughly 18:00–00:00, ideal for pre-dinner drinks or a leisurely nightcap while live music plays on selected evenings.
Promenade Pool Bar
Casual pool bar serving drinks and light bites right by the water – perfect for lazy days when you don’t want to leave your lounger.
Board basis details (subject to change):
• Bed & Breakfast – buffet-style breakfast.
• Half Board – buffet-style breakfast and dinner, with 2–3 nights per week served as a set 3-course dinner.
• Half Board Plus (usually winter) – all Half Board inclusions plus one drink per person at dinner (choice of soft drink, glass of local wine or local beer).
Rooms
Studios Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3
Well-proportioned open-plan studios with a sleeping and living area plus kitchenette.
Amenities typically include:
• Balcony
• Flat-screen TV
• Free Wi‑Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Kettle and fridge
• Double cooking rings
• Bathroom with bath and shower attachment
• Hairdryer
• Air conditioning
• Daily cleaning service
Studio for Sole Use Sleeps 1
Sleeps 1
All the features of a standard Studio, tailored for solo travellers who value extra space and privacy.
Studio with Side Sea View Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3
As per Studios, with a partial view of the Atlantic from the balcony. Also available for Sole Use for solo guests.
Studio with Sea View Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3
Upgraded outlook with direct or wide-angle ocean views from the balcony or terrace.
Added extras may include:
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Coffee-making facilities
• Fridge-freezer
Also available: Studio with Sea View for Sole Use – perfect if you’re travelling alone but still want those big ocean vistas.
Studio with Sea View for Sole Use
– perfect if you’re travelling alone but still want those big ocean vistas.
Junior Suites Sleeps 2–3
Sleeps 2–3
More spacious accommodation with a seating area and either a side sea or full sea view from the balcony.
Features include:
• Balcony
• Flat-screen TV
• Free Wi‑Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Kettle and fridge
• Double cooking rings
• Bathroom with bath and shower attachment
• Hairdryer
• Air conditioning
• Daily cleaning service
Junior Suites are also available for Sole Use and as Junior Suites with Sea View for a guaranteed ocean-facing balcony.
Junior Suites with Sea View
for a guaranteed ocean-facing balcony.
Superior Room & Superior Studio with Sea View Sleeps 1–3
Sleeps 1–3 (room) or 2–3 (studio)
Elegant top-category options with sea views, balcony or terrace and upgraded in-room amenities such as bathrobes, slippers, coffee-making facilities and fridge-freezer, alongside double cooking rings and daily cleaning.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
More info
PortoBay Santa Maria – Need to know
• Location: Oceanfront, on the edge of Funchal Old Town, Madeira
• Airport: Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International (FNC), approx. 50 minutes’ transfer
• Minimum age: 16 years (adults-only)
• Official rating: 4-star
• Rooms: 146 across 3 floors (4 lifts)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time difference: Same as UK (GMT, no time difference)
• Language: Portuguese (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
• Typical UK–Madeira flight time: Around 4 hours
Funchal combines characterful old streets, lido complexes and black-sand beaches with vibrant events such as the Flower Festival, Atlantic Festival and New Year’s Eve fireworks – many visible directly from the hotel’s rooftop or seafront terraces.
Information is based on our latest supplier details and may change; some facilities are seasonal or weather-dependent. 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.