The art of getting things done in madeira

Funchal.

From mega malls to making do.

I went from living in Qatar, with its enormous shopping malls and pretty much every brand you could imagine, to living on a small Atlantic island. If I wanted something in Qatar, chances were I could find it. Madeira has taught me to be a little more resourceful.

I once had a guest staying in Madeira who needed something from Amazon. She was used to ordering pretty much anything and having it delivered almost immediately, so naturally, she expected the same here.

When I explained that we generally order through Amazon Spain and delivery could take seven to ten days, she looked at me in disbelief. She genuinely couldn't understand it.

And to be fair, when you're used to that level of convenience in London or the Middle East, waiting a week for a parcel feels rather excessive.

But that's life on an island. We live somewhere beautiful, and there are a few sacrifices that come with it. We don't have quite the same choice as a big city, and sometimes getting hold of something takes a little more effort. A small price to pay, perhaps. Although seven to ten days for a parcel does test one's patience.

The good news? After years of living here, I've worked out plenty of ways around it. I have my own little black book of online shops that deliver to Madeira quickly, places I've tried, tested and know I can rely on. I've also built up a network of fantastic suppliers across the island. And if you've lived here for any length of time, you'll know that finding someone who actually turns up when they say they will can feel like a small victory in itself.

Mine are people I know and trust, people I've worked with and people I can confidently recommend. That network has taken time to build, and it's one of the things I can bring to the table when someone needs a hand.

And it's a big part of why I've recently added Personal Lifestyle Assistance to Madeira in Style.

What if you could just ask someone?

Imagine arriving in Madeira and realising you've forgotten something important. Or wanting to organise a birthday dinner but having no idea where to start. Perhaps you need someone to arrange activities for the children, source a particular item, organise a little surprise, or help get something sorted at your property while you're away.

Or maybe you live here and have a list of things you've been meaning to do for weeks. You know the sort. The jobs that somehow keep moving from Monday's list to next Monday's list.

These are the sorts of things I can help with.

I've spent years working in hospitality and events, looking after guests and making things happen behind the scenes. This isn't a new skill I've suddenly discovered; I'm simply opening up that side of what I do to more people.

Visiting Madeira? I can help you get things sorted before you arrive, organise family plans, arrange a celebration, source items you need or take some of the legwork out of your stay.

Living on the island? Need help organising something, tracking down a particular item, arranging something for the family or getting a few jobs off your list? Let's talk.

Own a home here but live elsewhere? I can help with things that need someone on the island to make a call, arrange a visit or get something sorted while you're away.

I've built up a good network of contacts across Madeira over the years, and I'm used to working things out when plans change or the obvious option isn't available. If I don't know the answer immediately, I'll look at the alternatives.

Personal Lifestyle Assistance is a new addition to Madeira in Style, but the experience behind it comes from years of living and working on the island, looking after guests and knowing how to get things done.

So, whether you're planning a visit, living here or managing a property from abroad, if there's something you'd like a hand with, get in touch and tell me about it. I'd love to hear what you have in mind.

Madeira in Style | Personal Lifestyle Assistance in Madeira

For visitors, residents and homeowners.

Discover Personal Lifestyle Assistance → https://www.madeirainstyle.com/private-client-lifestyle-services