Golden Residence

Golden_Residence
Golden Residence

Golden Residence

Great location on Funchal’s coastal headland, close to Forum Madeira and the promenade Stunning Atlantic sea views from many rooms, gardens and terraces Warm, friendly atmosphere with personable, long-serving staff Wonderful spa with indoor pool, sauna, steam room and relaxing treatments* Certified Sustainable Hotel meeting a GSTC-recognised standard Free Wi-Fi throughout

Official rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Board options Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, Half Board Plus
Child age guideline up to 11 years (some facilities may have minimum ages)
Blocks 3 | Rooms: 172 | Lifts: 6 | Floors: 6

Overview

 
Perched on a rocky headland in Funchal’s Sao Martinho district, Golden Residence pairs big Atlantic views with an intimate, friendly feel. Expect twinkling ocean panoramas, a soothing spa with both indoor and outdoor pools, and flexible room options ranging from classic twins to apartment-style suites with kitchenettes – all a short stroll from Forum Madeira and Praia Formosa.

Clifftop and characterful, Golden Residence gazes straight out over Madeira’s dramatic Atlantic coastline. The tiered gardens, palm-framed pool and glass-fronted terraces are all angled towards the ocean, while inside you’ll find contemporary, light-filled interiors and a spa that makes the most of the island’s go-slow, wellness-first rhythm. For couples and laid-back friends seeking Madeira’s natural drama with easy city access, Golden Residence delivers exactly that mix. It’s around 50 minutes from Funchal Airport (FNC) and an easy stroll from Forum Madeira, local lidos and the seafront promenade. See more Madeira holidays.

Map & location


Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Golden Residence sits in the Sao Martinho area of Funchal, on Madeira’s sun-catching south coast. It’s perched above the shoreline on a rocky headland, so you can soak up widescreen ocean views while still being a short walk from everyday essentials.

The modern Forum Madeira shopping centre is just down the road for fashion brands, a supermarket and cafés, while Praia Formosa – a string of black-sand and pebble beaches backed by a seafront promenade – is within easy reach. Head 4km east along the coast and you’re in Funchal’s historic heart, with its cobbled lanes, marina, cable car and botanical gardens.

  • Approx. transfer time from airport 50 minutes

Facilities

Pool & outdoors


You get the best of both worlds at Golden Residence, with indoor and outdoor pools plus easy access to Madeira’s lido coastline.
  • Outdoor freshwater pool – framed by sun terraces, lawns and palms, with sunbeds and parasols. A peaceful spot for ocean-gazing and lazy afternoons.
  • Indoor freshwater pool – situated in the spa centre and generally heated, with a whirlpool area and swim lane for steady laps.
  • Complimentary pool towels – saves space in your suitcase.

While there’s no direct sandy beach below the hotel, the Praia Formosa pebble and black-sand beach is around 500m away, with cafés and a long seafront promenade linking several natural swimming spots and lido complexes.

Spa, sports & wellness


The spa is one of Golden Residence’s standout features. Retreat indoors to find:
  • Sauna and steam room*
  • Indoor pool with whirlpool
  • Menu of massage and beauty treatments*
  • Relaxation areas, typically open 09:00–21:00 (times may vary)

Fitness fans are well looked after too:

  • Air-conditioned gym with cardio machines, free weights and a stretching zone (usually 07:00–21:00, minimum age 12).

Around the property you’ll also find:

  • Landscaped gardens and ocean-facing terraces
  • Lounge areas for reading or a quiet drink
  • Children’s highchairs in the restaurant for family convenience

Entertainment tends to be low-key, with regular evening live music across much of the year – just enough atmosphere without disturbing the relaxed, grown-up feel.

*Spa and beauty treatments, plus some facilities, may carry a local charge.

Activities


? Indoor and outdoor swimming
? Air-conditioned gym with cardio and free weights (min age 12)
? Regular evening entertainment with live music (seasonal programme)
? Coastal walks along the Funchal promenade and nearby lidos
? Relaxation time in the gardens and ocean-view terraces
? Spa rituals and beauty treatments* in the wellness centre

Activities may vary by season and occupancy.

Guest services


?️ 24-hour reception with concierge-style assistance
? Luggage storage for early arrivals and late departures
♿ Lift access in all three blocks (6 lifts in total)
?‍?‍? Highchairs available in the restaurant for families
? Spa reception for bookings and local wellness advice*
? Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
? Local taxi bookings and guidance on Funchal buses, cable car and island tours

*Some services and facilities may incur a local charge.

Food & drink

Golden Flavours Restaurant is the hotel’s main dining spot, set by the pool with a wall of glass to keep those sea views centre stage. Expect a mix of international favourites and Portuguese specialities, plus British, Italian, Spanish, Mexican and French influences. There’s buffet and à la carte service, along with live show cooking at breakfast and dinner.

During the day you can graze on snacks or a relaxed lunch, while evenings bring leisurely multi-course dinners. Highchairs are available for younger guests, and the hotel operates a smart-casual dress code – no beachwear, and long trousers are typically requested for gentlemen at dinner.

For drinks, you’re covered too:

  • Pool Bar – open seasonally (usually April–October) for chilled cocktails, soft drinks and coffees by the water.
  • Golden View Cocktail Bar – an all-day into-evening bar (typically 10:00–23:30) ideal for pre-dinner aperitifs, Madeiran wines or a nightcap.

Board inclusions (especially for Half Board Plus and Full Board) can change by season, and some à la carte dishes or premium drinks may carry a supplement.

Rooms
One Bedroom Apartment with Side Sea View


Sleeps: min 2, max 4 (+1 infant).
Located in Building B with reception. Separate bedroom and living area, kitchenette with double cooking rings, microwave and fridge-freezer – perfect for longer stays or families wanting extra space and self-catering flexibility. Balcony with side sea view.

Building B

with reception. Separate bedroom and living area, kitchenette with double cooking rings, microwave and fridge-freezer – perfect for longer stays or families wanting extra space and self-catering flexibility. Balcony with side sea view.

One Bedroom Apartment with Sea View


Sleeps: min 2, max 4.
Similar to the side sea view apartments but with a more open sea-facing outlook, ideal if you want to wake up to full Atlantic panoramas.

sea-facing outlook

, ideal if you want to wake up to full Atlantic panoramas.

Suite with Kitchenette


Sleeps: min 2, max 3 (+1 infant).
Situated in Building A, closer to the main street and shopping centre. Studio-style or one-bedroom-style layout (varies), with kitchenette (double cooking rings, microwave, fridge-freezer) and a balcony.

Building A

, closer to the main street and shopping centre. Studio-style or one-bedroom-style layout (varies), with kitchenette (double cooking rings, microwave, fridge-freezer) and a balcony.

Suite with Side Sea View and Kitchenette


Sleeps: min 2, max 3 (+1 infant).
As above, but with a side sea view from the balcony – a great compromise between budget and that Madeiran ocean drama.

Twin Room


Sleeps: min 2, max 2 (+1 infant).
Classic hotel-style twin room in Building A near the main street and shopping centre. Includes balcony and fridge, ideal for short breaks or travellers who’ll spend most time outdoors exploring.

Twin Room with Pool View


Sleeps: min 2, max 2.
Like the standard twin, but overlooking the pool and gardens – handy if you like to keep an eye on the pool scene from your balcony.

pool and gardens

– handy if you like to keep an eye on the pool scene from your balcony.

Twin Room with Side Sea View


Sleeps: min 2, max 2 (+1 infant).
Located in Building C, closer to the coast. These rooms offer side sea views and easy access to the hotel’s bar, restaurant and spa, which are also housed in Building C.

Building C

, closer to the coast. These rooms offer side sea views and easy access to the hotel’s bar, restaurant and spa, which are also housed in Building C.

Twin Room with Side Sea View for Sole Use Sleeps 1


Sleeps: 1.
All the features of the side sea view twin, but reserved for solo travellers seeking a peaceful, scenic base.

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.

More info

Useful to know before you go
Funchal is Madeira’s charming capital, known for botanical gardens, lidos and black-sand coves rather than classic long beaches. It’s a great choice if you like scenic walks, good restaurants, whale- and dolphin-watching trips and dramatic drives into the mountains.
  • Flight time from UK: around 4 hours
  • Time difference: normally same as UK (GMT)
  • Local currency: Euro (€)
  • Language: Portuguese (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
  • Typical taxi to Funchal centre: modest, metered fares – or use the local bus from near the hotel
  • Sustainability: Certified Sustainable Hotel status indicates compliance with a GSTC-recognised standard, assessed periodically

Hotel information, facilities and opening times can change seasonally and at short notice. We recommend checking any specifics that matter to you at the time of booking and again on arrival. 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 Golden Residence right on the beach?
Golden Residence is set on a clifftop-style headland above the coast rather than directly on the sand. The nearest beach, Praia Formosa (a mix of pebble and black sand), is around 500m away and can be reached on foot, where you’ll also find a promenade, cafés and access to local lidos.
What is the difference between the buildings (A, B and C)?
The hotel is split into three blocks: Building A sits closer to the main street and shopping centre and houses many suites and standard twins; Building B includes the reception and several one-bedroom apartments; Building C is closer to the coastline and contains many twin rooms with side sea views, as well as the hotel’s bar, restaurant and spa.
Do the rooms at Golden Residence have kitchenettes?
Not all rooms have kitchenettes. Suites and apartments generally include a kitchenette with cooking rings, microwave and fridge-freezer, giving you light self-catering flexibility. Standard twin rooms typically have a kettle and fridge but no cooking rings or microwave. Check the room description when booking to be sure.
Is Half Board Plus at Golden Residence worth it?
Half Board Plus at Golden Residence usually includes a buffet-style breakfast and dinner in the main restaurant, plus a selection of drinks with dinner – often half a bottle of local wine, water, or beers/soft drinks. It’s good value if you expect to dine in most evenings and like to keep your food and drink costs predictable. Exact inclusions may vary, so we’ll confirm the latest details at the time of booking.
Does Golden Residence have good options for wellness breaks?
Yes. The hotel combines indoor and outdoor pools with a comprehensive spa offering a sauna, steam room, whirlpool and a range of massage and beauty treatments*. There’s also a well-equipped gym and peaceful garden terraces with sweeping sea views, making it a strong choice for wellness-focused escapes or winter-sun recharges.
Is Golden Residence suitable for guests with limited mobility?
Golden Residence provides lift access in each block and generally flat internal walkways, but it is built on a coastal slope and some outdoor areas can be hilly. The nearest beach and parts of the promenade involve gradients and steps. If mobility is a concern, let us know your specific needs so we can request an appropriate room and advise on suitability.
What is included in the spa facilities at Golden Residence?
The spa at Golden Residence typically features a heated indoor pool with whirlpool area, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms for massages and beauty therapies*. Access to the wet spa facilities and all treatments usually involves a local charge, and opening hours can vary by season and occupancy. It’s best to check the current timetable at reception on arrival.