Quinta da Bela Vista in Madeira has been named the best boutique hotel in Europe – and if you like a good view, you'll want to check in to this pretty spot.
Picking up the gong for Europe's Leading Boutique Hotel at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2019, the boutique hotel beat off nominees like Dukes London, Hotel d'Angleterre Geneva and Kivotos Mykonos to the title.
The five-star hotel overlooking Funchal Bay on the Portuguese island is surrounded by lush gardens and offers an incredible view over the Atlantic Ocean and the rooftops of capital Funchal below.
With just 89 rooms, elegant interiors that are luxurious and traditional, plus a peaceful setting, it's not hard to see why Bela Vista took home the top award.
And whether admiring the views from the pool or your balcony, you'll love the natural beauty all around this hotel. It's also been praised for its great service and terrific food.
On TripAdvisor, one reviewer raved about the 'tranquil atmosphere and excellent food', adding: 'If you're looking for peace and quiet then this excellent hotel, set in a tropical garden, is the one for you.'
Another guest described it as, 'one of the best hotels I have stayed in', explaining: 'The hotel is excellent in every respect. Set in extensive gardens makes it a very relaxing place. The staff are fully committed to service and couldn't do more to help. The food and rooms are also first class. We would stay there again without hesitation.'
Meanwhile, one reviewer said it was a wonderful surprise, adding: 'The service is classically understated, with great attention to detail. The 5 course set dinner is consistently delicious.'
Want to experience Europe's best boutique hotel for yourself? Lucky for you, we've got an excellent offer for a seven-night stay on a half-board basis when you book a stay between now and 30 November.
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The best face sunscreens for wearing under makeup
Boasting factor 50 protection against damaging rays, Trinny London's See The Light suncreen is a clever formula that your skin will thank you for.
Not like the claggy sunscreens of late, the milky texture sinks in without a trace and nourishes in a way we never thought possible.
Read our full Trinny London SPF review here.
Medik8’s unique formula is perfect for city weekends and sun-soaked holidays. Not only does it boast factor 50 defence, but also PA++++ which means you’re getting exceptionally high protection against UVA and UVB rays. It’s a powerful one but it has a delicate consistency, so you’d never guess.
This SPF has received high praise from Caroline Hirons. She said in an Instagram live: "I have a mantelpiece filled with a selection of sunscreens, but this is the only one that’s empty. You don’t need it if you’re oily, but if you have dry skin, it glows."
We’d have to agree on all counts. It’s hydrating without feeling sticky and leaves a subtle radiance that makes it a beautiful base to apply your makeup to.
If sensitivity discourages you from applying SPF, be sure to pick up a bottle of this delicate serum as it is specifically formulated with reactive skin in mind.
Besides the high factor protection, it contains ceramides which help strengthen your skin barrier and boost hydration. And if you sway away from rich creams, you’ll appreciate the silky consistency of the serum.
It seamlessly glides over your skin, making it the perfect base to apply your makeup to.
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50
Using an SPF moisturiser is a brilliant way to double up on your UV defence.
CeraVe's Facial Moisturising Lotion is a favourite amongst beauty editors for its high-factor protection and hydrating formula. It doesn't sit on the skin, but sinks into the deeper layers to provide sustained moisture.
Use it in your morning skincare routine and you'll never miss out on SPF again.
Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Fluid SPF50 Invisible
If you’re looking for a brightening boost, Garnier's UV fluid combines vitamin C and high-factor protection into one lightweight formula.
Harnessing the benefits of vitamin C, the sunscreen provides antioxidant protection against pollution and UV rays, while helping to nix pigmentation and awaken a dull complexion.
Alongside plumping peptides, it'll also support the skin's hydration levels, ensuring that your makeup stays fresh throughout the day.
Hello Sunday The One That's A Serum - Face Drops: SPF 50
Hello Sunday’s SPF face drops are a delight to apply thanks to their silky consistency and streak-free finish.
The product sinks in like a dream; it’s hydrating yet lightweight plus the hyaluronic-heavy formula will keep your skin plump too. It's the ideal pick for the hottest sunshine, when you don’t want anything too heavy.
Finding the right SPF for dry skin is no easy task. In fact, the wrong formula can make your skin feel even drier. So, opting for a sunscreen that contains great hydrating ingredients is your best bet.
Recommended time and time again is the Garnier Anti-Dryness Super UV. It’s packed with glycerin – a popular humectant – to feed your skin with hydration. We also appreciate the paper tube which uses 49% less plastic.
Terry de Gunzburg, the founder of By Terry, is a stalwart in the makeup industry, but there’s something to be said about this skincare product.
Doubling up as a sunscreen and primer, it offers factor 50 protection and contains vitamin E to keep your skin hydrated for as long as you wear it. The demi-matte finish leaves skin looking radiant, but never greasy, making it the perfect product to layer on before your foundation.
Dermalogica’s formula contains tiny, encapsulated pigments which burst on application to unify your skin tone, making it a great option to use under makeup.
The finish blurs the appearance of pores – without congesting – and lends a hint of radiance for a lit-from-within finish. Formulated with niacinamide and mineral filters, it will work to improve texture while providing hefty sun defence too.
This lightweight SPF from Bondi Sands has been a huge hit with fans since it launched, selling out repeatedly after every re-stock. Its easy-to-wear texture glides onto the skin, seamlessly sitting under makeup without pilling. And best of all? It costs just £7.
Anthelios Shaka Ultra Light Facial Sun Cream SPF50
Models, dermatologists and facialists swear by La Roche-Posay's Anthelios suncare range, and so do we.
With a super-light texture that's more like a serum than a sunscreen, it blends seamlessly into skin and contains calming French thermal spring water for sensitive skin.
Olivanna Sun Defence Drops SPF 50
Designed by British skincare brand Olivanna, these lightweight mineral drops prove that high-factor formulas don’t need to feel suffocating on your skin.
It instantly sinks in, leaving behind a delicate touch of radiance to your complexion. And because of the serum-like nature, it works beautifully under your makeup too.
Caudalie Vinosun High Protection Spray
Every beauty bag requires a spray-on formula – we think they’re the easiest way to put on sunscreen. They're often applied on top of makeup, but you can also spritz one on as the last step of your skincare routine before applying foundation.
Caudalie’s Vinosun is a wonderful choice; the fine mist settles evenly onto your skin, instantly sinking in to leave an invisible finish. The formula contains vitamin E to ensure your moisture levels stay in check, not forgetting the generous factor 50 protection.
Supergoop's Glow Screen offers a golden lick of pearl (think: delicate shimmer as opposed to glitter) for a high-polish skin finish.
There's factor 30 protection to provide great sun defence, while hyaluronic acid and niacinamide keep your skin supple and hydrated for as long as you wear it.
