Ponta de Sao Lourenço
There are holidays, and then there are the trips you take with your favourite women. The ones with too much luggage, too many outfit changes, long lunches, late-night conversations and the occasional questionable decision.
I've been working on a couple of private girls' trips for 2027, and it's got me thinking. If I were organising one for my own friends, Madeira would be a pretty good place to start.
It's not your usual girls' beach break. There are no endless rows of sun loungers or the need to spend seven days recovering from the night before. Instead, there's an island full of contrasts, from dramatic mountain scenery and winding coastal roads to Funchal's restaurants, wine bars and late evenings that somehow turn into early mornings.
And the best bit? Everyone can do their own thing.
Fancy canyoning or swinging out over a cliff? Go for it. Prefer a slow morning, a swim and absolutely no plans? Equally respectable.
I'd start with a beautiful villa, somewhere everyone can spread out, get ready together and gather around the table. A private chef for a long lunch, Madeira-inspired cocktails and perhaps a massage or a floating sound bath in the pool. One day without a schedule should be compulsory.
Another day, I'd be tempted by a vintage car drive around the island, with a picnic packed for a stop somewhere spectacular. Winding roads, good food and a view worth pulling over for. Or perhaps a wander through Funchal, with a stop to discover Madeira's beautiful embroidery tradition.
I'd love to introduce the girls to the embroiderers behind Bordado Madeira and watch them at work, seeing the patience and precision that goes into every stitch. There's a fashion connection here, too. CHANEL collaborated with Madeira's Bordal embroidery house on embroidered pieces for its Spring/Summer 2015 collection, including collars. Not a bad little island connection to one of the world's most famous fashion houses. Afterwards, there's lunch, a little shopping and, naturally, no need to rush.
And for those who fancy a proper afternoon out, there are vineyards I'd love to share with the group, including some rather special places you wouldn't necessarily stumble across on your own.
Of course, there should be a few photographs along the way. The outfits deserve documenting, after all. A fun photoshoot or a little videography to capture the laughter and those moments that might otherwise disappear into someone's camera roll.
Poncha, sunsets and a good evening out
I'm a big fan of a sunset drink by the sea. Madeira does sunsets rather well, in summer and winter, and there's something about sitting with the girls, watching the sky change and having absolutely nowhere else to be.
I love sharing poncha with friends, too. A little warning: it's rocket fuel. One or two is lovely. Beyond that, you may find yourself on another planet. A good planet, admittedly.
For evenings out, Funchal has some lovely restaurants, cocktail bars and wine spots, with a little nightlife if that's your thing. Madeira isn't really a party-until-sunrise destination, and honestly, I'm quite happy about that. There's sophistication without too much fuss.
Give me a traditional festa, though, and I'm there. There's often something happening somewhere on the island, with live music, traditional sounds, food, drinks and dancing. I love the atmosphere, the chance to mingle with Madeirans and seeing another side of island life. You never quite know where the evening will take you.
And for one night, I'd happily trade the heels for blankets and an outdoor film screening at the villa. Cinema Under the Stars, with supper, cocktails and a Portuguese film to introduce everyone to a little of the country's culture. A rather good alternative to another night out.
Shall we make a girls' trip of it?
The more I think about it, the more I like the idea.
A small group of women from different corners of the world, one beautiful villa and a week to enjoy Madeira together. Some might arrive as friends, others as strangers, but by the end of the week, everyone would have shared stories, a few inside jokes, new friendships and a camera roll full of memories.
I'd love to bring a trip like this to life through Madeira in Style, with a beautiful villa as our base, wonderful food, island experiences and a few unexpected moments along the way. Enough plans to make it special, with plenty of room for those wonderfully unplanned afternoons. I'd remain your point of contact throughout, leaving you free to settle in, switch off and enjoy the week.
And if I'm being honest, I quite fancy organising this one for myself, too. Although I suspect I'd have a rather long list of women I'd want to invite.
Perhaps it's time Madeira in Style had a girls' trip of its own.
