Rocamar Hotel

Travelers seeking tranquility are in luck when they land at Roca Mar's quiet cliffside property overlooking the ocean. There's not much activity in the immediate area, so the most frequently heard sounds are those of the sea and birds. Tropical palm trees and plants color the grounds, while the lobby is modern and simply furnished. It's a bright space that gets plenty of natural light, decorated with polished marble-effect floors, white walls, dark wood furniture, and modern L-shaped couches. The vibe is relaxed, with mostly mature travelers staying here as opposed to young guests. Many visitors spend their days lounging on the sundeck, while evenings are spent dining on the outdoor terrace or taking in the live entertainment at the restaurant or bar.

The Roca Mar has an idyllic location for those who prefer a slower pace compared to that of the buzzing Funchal hotel district to the west. Situated on a rocky cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the property has amazing sea views, but lacks direct access to a beach. Sandy Praia Formosa is a 20-minute drive away for those wanting to swim and sunbathe. Roca Mar is set within a complex of properties that are part of the same chain, and there are a few supermarkets and a couple of bars and restaurants within walking distance. Guests will need to use cars, buses, or taxis to get around and see the sights, or they can take the free daily shuttle bus to Funchal, Madeira's historic capital. The Madeira Botanical Gardens and the Palheiro Gold Club are a 15-minute drive away, while Madeira Airport is a 10-minute drive from the hotel.

The Roca Mar Hotel has a total of 99 rooms, including Studios with kitchenettes that are equipped with microwaves and stovetops. All rooms are just a touch dated, decorated with soft neutral tones with blue accents, dark wooden furniture, cool tiled floors, and old-school bedspreads. Sliding glass doors in each unit open out onto furnished balconies or terraces, with most providing gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean. Amenities include air-conditioning, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, phones, and safes (for a fee), but free Wi-Fi is only available in public areas. Marble-finish bathrooms are clean and well-sized, equipped with shower/tub combos, bidets, tube hairdryers, and free basic toiletries.

Despite its oceanfront location, guests should be aware that the hotel has no direct access to a beach. The sea can be accessed from the cliffside, though waters are often choppy. A saltwater pool is located on the sundeck, surrounded by loungers, umbrellas, and showers for rinsing off. There's a on-site dive club offering safe diving experiences, certified courses, snorkeling, and catamaran trips to the offshore Underwater Marine Park of the Desertas Islands. 

The hotel has its own restaurant with an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining, serving a variety of fresh seafood and meat dishes. A breakfast buffet is offered daily, with generous hot and cold options. The bar serves cold beers, local wines, and fresh cocktails, and has regular entertainment including traditional dancing and live music. A variety of packages are offered, including all-inclusive rates that cover three meals per day plus drinks until relatively late in the evening (though not around the clock).

There are no on-site fitness or wellness facilities, but the hotel is set within a complex of properties that are part of the same chain, so guests can use the spa and fitness facilities at a nearby sister hotel. A computer station, TV room, and library are situated in the lobby, and there's a conference center for corporate events. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, laundry, free self-parking, free Wi-Fi in public spaces, and a free shuttle bus to Funchal.