The spa at the historic Belmond Reid's Palace, open since 1891, offers a wide-ranging menu of massages, facials and body rituals in an elegant clifftop setting overlooking the Atlantic, widely regarded as the most indulgent spa experience on the island.
Reid's Palace Spa occupies a wing of the Belmond Reid's Palace hotel, the grande dame of Funchal hospitality perched on the clifftops above the Atlantic since 1891. The setting is classic colonial-era luxury: high ceilings, dark wood panelling, botanical gardens visible through large windows, and treatment rooms angled toward the sea. The signature treatment menu draws on European spa traditions rather than a single regional specialty, with massages ranging from Swedish and deep-tissue work to hot-stone therapy, alongside facials built around anti-ageing and hydrating lines and body rituals that combine exfoliation with wraps using local botanicals such as Madeira's laurisilva plant extracts. Couples' treatment suites are a particular draw for guests marking anniversaries. Therapists are trained to international five-star hotel-spa standards, with ongoing certification in the specific product lines the spa carries, and the centre's reputation rests on decades of continuous service to a demanding international clientele. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room, plus a relaxation lounge overlooking the ocean; the historic outdoor saltwater pool carved into the cliff is a separate hotel amenity often paired with spa days. Reservations are required and should be made well ahead for peak season (Christmas, New Year, and July–August), since treatment slots are limited and prioritised for hotel guests, though non-residents can sometimes book depending on availability. The treatment menu is presented on arrival, with therapists available to advise on which service suits a guest's time frame and preferences.
| Price | €90–€250 / $97–$270 per treatment |
|---|---|
| Session length | 50–90 minutes per treatment |
| Hours | 9AM–8PM daily |
| Address | Estrada Monumental 139, 9000-098 Funchal |
Treatments
- Massage
- Facials
- Body rituals
- Couples treatments
Weather through the year in Madeira
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Madeira.
Location
Estrada Monumental 139, 9000-098 Funchal
32.6394, -16.9199 View on map
Highlights
- Clifftop treatment rooms with Atlantic views
- Historic 1891 Belmond Reid's Palace setting
- Couples' treatment suites for special occasions
- Body rituals using Madeiran botanical extracts
- Heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room
Tips for visiting
- Book treatments several days ahead, especially in July–August and over the Christmas period
- Arrive 30 minutes early to use the relaxation lounge and steam room before a treatment
- Hotel guests get priority booking; non-residents should call ahead to check availability
- A gratuity of 10% is customary for therapists, added separately or given in cash
- Bring or request a swimsuit if planning to use the pool and sauna facilities afterward
Frequently asked questions
Is the spa open to non-hotel guests?
Non-residents can sometimes book treatments depending on availability, but hotel guests are given priority, so calling ahead is recommended.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, reservations are strongly recommended and should be made in advance, particularly during peak holiday periods when slots fill quickly.
What should I wear during a treatment?
Robes and slippers are provided by the spa; swimwear is needed only for the pool, sauna and steam room areas.
Is tipping expected?
A tip of around 10% for the therapist is customary, though not compulsory, and can be added to the final bill or given directly.