I am the sort of person who always, ALWAYS tries to obtain as much info as possible from other travellers via review sites, so I aim to help others by giving my review.
The reviews for Vila Marta seemed all good, so I went ahead and booked.
Everything I had read was true. Joel and his son Bruno are the most polite, helpful and friendly villa owners I think we have ever met. We were greeted by Bruno who spent time with us when we arrived, gave us a map, suggested a few places to eat and was generally very, very helpful.
We had read on the reviews that fresh rolls would be hanging on our door handle every morning and leading up to the holiday this became quite a talking point with our family who started to tease us that the 'rolls would never arrive'. They did! And what a lovely treat having fresh bread delivered to your room every morning! Wonderful idea.
The room was spotless, very comfortable and all of the eight apartments face the sea. The villa is up on a hill overlooking part of Funchal.
Every time we saw Bruno or Joel during our week long stay they took time to chat and asked how we were enjoying Madeira and Bruno suggested a couple of trips that we might like to do up into the hills. (And Madeira IS very hilly!)
Funchal itself is lovely. It's quite spread out between the old and new town. There are lots of restuarants to choose from. It's nice to walk into the hotels right on the sea front, some of the views are lovely. There is a bar called The Hole In One on one of the corners on the Estrada Monumental. It's opposite an Irish bar called O'Briens. The atmosphere is good, is always popular and has lots of seating outside and live music. IF YOU NEED TO PARK in this area drive down the little road straight opposite the Hole in One which in fact is the driveway to a large hotel (can't remember the name) - it goes down the side and round the back of O'Briens. As you go round the bend there is an underground car park. THIS IS A LITTLE GEM OF A FIND in Funchal where parking is VERY difficult to find on the streets. It's cheap and you get in a lift from underground that just pops you up onto the street next to OBriens. Don't FORGET this car park. You WILL struggle for a car parking space!
Around the corner from the Hole in One is a road with restuarants on the left. We went into the first one (cannot remember it's name) which does a set menu for about £12. FANTASTIC FOOD. And as with everywhere in Madeira, you are full up before they even bring out the meal you've paid for! Because they 'gift' you things before you start, i.e. large baskets of garlic bread and a plate with 'tasters' of all sorts of fish etc. Wonderful. Remember, this is the first restuarant you come to, you go 'down' into the restuarant from the street. Do not mix this up with the one next door which has three poor parrots chained up outside. Everyone should boycott that restuarant!
On the subject of food, our best 'find' was a restuarant recommended by Bruno. Oh my goodness! If you go to Funchal and do not visit this restuarant, it would be a sin! It is called Barquaro and is in Rue da Ponta (find on a map). Don't plan to go ANYWHERE after eating at this restuarant because you will not be able to MOVE afterwards. Again they 'gift' you little treats, only much more than anywhere else and then the actual portions are so plentiful that you begin to wonder if they are ever going to stop bringing food to your table! Its very reasonably priced! And I have never ever tasted swordfish like it. BEAUTIFUL! There is also a seafood restuarant straight opposite which has a wonderful setting (although we never ate there) down some steps and is jutting out over the sea. This one is called Doca do Cavacas. This was also highly recommended by Bruno.
During our stay I was talked into a ride on the cable car up into the mountains by my husband. Unlike my husband, I hate heights! But I'm glad we did it because once up the top, not only are the views wonderful but the little village at the top is lovely and we had a nice cold beer and some lunch. A lovely way to spend a morning. From up at the village you can also take a ride on the famous taboggans if you so desire! We just watched a few. Seems quite expensive for what it is but I guess if that's what floats your boat, go for it!
All in all our week in Madeira was wonderful. I would DEFINITELY recommend it. It would also be nice for a long weekend break. Funchal is really the place to stay. We had a car (and would really recommend this) and we did travel around a bit to nearby little villages etc for a coffee and a cake. It's a very peaceful place.
I could actually probably write another two thousand words about Madeira! It's difficult to know where to stop. But if you've never been, my recommendation is, just go. But be aware that it IS very hilly... everywhere! Driving and walking. Just enjoy! Oh.. and be prepared for the fun of the landing at the airport. It's a very short runway (even though they have lengthened it in recent years!) It was quite windy when we EVENTUALLY landed and it's quite an experience wondering if the plane is actually going to stop at the end of the runway! Everyone applauded when it did!
Vila Marta - if you're after a quiet stay, away from it all, with great hospitality and wonderfully clean rooms - this is the place for you. But you WILL need a car to get you from the apartments to anywhere further along in Funchal. Or of course there are always taxis. I would very highly recommend Vila Marta though.
Oh, forgot something, don't eat at Granny's restuarant. Both my husband and myself had upset stomachs after eating there.
And the other thing I meant to mention, upon leaving Vila Marta, Joel presented us with a bottle of Madeira Wine and a box of fresh Madeira flowers to bring home, all sealed up and ready to take on the plane. The box contained so many flowers, including Bird of Paradise! What a lovely thing for him to do and presumably he does this for all his guests. A very kind man.
I'd better stop writing now because YOU need to stop reading and just get on the website and book your trip!