Set in the hills above Funchal in a 62-bungalow resort designed with Asian and African architectural influences, this spa pairs massage and facial treatments with a health club, outdoor pool and indoor pool in a quiet forested setting away from the coast.
Choupana Hills Resort & Spa sits in the forested hills above Funchal, Madeira, a setting of laurel forest and mountain air rather than the coastal strip favoured by most of the island's spas. The 62-bungalow resort was designed with Asian and African architectural cues, and the spa continues that theme through its treatment rooms, which combine dark wood, stone and natural textures with views out over the tree canopy toward the sea. The treatment menu centres on massage (Swedish, deep-tissue and aromatherapy variants), facials tailored to different skin types, and body treatments incorporating volcanic stone and local botanicals. Therapists are trained in-house to the resort's specific protocols and are experienced with both hotel guests and day visitors seeking a half-day escape. Facilities extend beyond the treatment rooms to a health club with cardio and strength equipment, an outdoor pool set among the gardens, and a separate indoor pool for use in cooler or wetter weather, a practical feature given the resort's elevated, sometimes misty location. Because the spa serves a boutique resort rather than a large hotel, capacity is limited, and reservations are recommended over walk-ins, particularly for treatment combinations bundled with pool or health-club access. The quiet, forested setting away from Funchal's centre makes it a favoured choice for guests seeking seclusion over beachfront buzz.
| Price | €70–€200 / $75.50–$216 per treatment |
|---|---|
| Session length | 45–90 minutes per treatment |
| Hours | 9AM–7PM daily |
| Address | Travessa do Largo da Choupana, 9060-348 Funchal |
Treatments
- Massage
- Facials
- Health club access
- Indoor and outdoor pools
Weather through the year in Madeira
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Madeira.
Location
Travessa do Largo da Choupana, 9060-348 Funchal
32.6733, -16.9107 View on map
Highlights
- Forest-hill setting above Funchal with sea views through the trees
- Asian- and African-influenced architecture and decor
- Volcanic stone and local botanical body treatments
- Both outdoor and indoor pools on site
- Health club with cardio and strength equipment
Tips for visiting
- Reserve treatments ahead, as the boutique resort has limited spa capacity
- Pack for cooler, mistier weather than the coast given the hillside elevation
- Combine a massage with pool access for a full half-day visit
- A taxi or resort shuttle is advisable, as the hillside setting is a drive from central Funchal
- Tipping therapists around 10% is customary but not obligatory
Frequently asked questions
How far is the resort from central Funchal?
The resort sits in the hills above the city, roughly a 15–20 minute drive from central Funchal, so a taxi or arranged transfer is recommended.
Can day visitors use the spa?
Day visitors can typically book treatments and pool access with advance reservation, though hotel guests are given scheduling priority.
What kind of treatments does the spa specialise in?
The menu focuses on massage, facials and body treatments that draw on volcanic stone and local botanicals, alongside standard European spa therapies.
Is the weather different from the coast?
Yes, the elevated forest location is often cooler and mistier than Funchal's seafront, so light layers are worth packing.