Written on 6^th December 2016

Belmond Reid’s Palace Madeira - Christmas and New Year on the Island of Eternal Spring

Madeira prepares itself for the most exciting season of the year: Christmas and New Year. During December, the Amphitheatre of Funchal, transforms itself into a real life nativity fairyland and lights will be illuminating the roads of Funchal. During the day a wide array of cultural activities will be taking place in the city centre for you to take part in or enjoy from the sideline. At Belmond Reid’s Palace we have prepared a special program for this festive time of year. [gallery columns="5" ids="17909,17908,17907,17905,17904"] If you have never been to Madeira before or during the Festive Season, you really should add this to your bucket list. The Madeirans being of Catholic faith in the great majority means the festivities around the Christmas period are of great importance. The celebrations commence in the centre of Funchal from the 1st December when the christmas lights are switched on and will run until the 5th January when the three kings (or three wise men) are celebrated. Funchal truly comes alive with all the main streets lit and a range of activities such as such as folk dancing, wine tasting and markets where you can enjoy the Madeiran delicacies like our famous "bolo do caco". One event not to miss is taking place on the 23rd December when the local market in Funchal is transformed to host a mesmerising chistmas concert perfomed by a local choir. The festivities reach the pinnacle on the 31st December with the ‘Guinness Book of records’ winning fireworks, a 10 minute display that lights up the skies of Madeira. For the very best view we reccommend taking a seat in the sub-tropical gardens of the hotel. Celebrations will go on well into the night until the early hours of the morning. The festivities finally come to an end on the 5th January with the celebration of the three kings. If you would like to experience the holidays in a truly mesmerising atmosphere there is no better place than the Belmond Reid’s Palace in Madeira. [gallery columns="4" ids="17902,17903,17901,17906"]

William Restaurant at Belmond Reid’s Palace awarded first Michelin Star

William Restaurant at Belmond Reid’s Palace, Madeira, has gained its first Michelin star, less than two years after opening. The signature dining experience, led by Executive Chef Luís Pestana, is listed in the Michelin Guide for Spain and Portugal 2017. Named after Scotsman Mr. William Reid, a visionary and the founder of Belmond Reid’s Palace, William Restaurant launched in June 2015. Chef Luís, a Portuguese national who has been a part of the culinary team at the hotel for 26 years, offers a creative approach to modern European cuisine, influenced by international cooking techniques and innovative flavors. The menu showcases the finest produce from the island in seasonal dishes of the highest quality. A destination dining experience, William Restaurant offers panoramic views of the Funchal coastline and Atlantic Ocean.   For availability and further information please contact you dedicated Travel Executive or click here for our contact information.