On the Atlantic Pulse

Slide the doors back and the Atlantic fills the frame – that heated pool terrace, with its unbroken ocean views, is reason enough to book this Madeira villa. The living room naturally connects to the outside, for alfresco meals and drinks whenever the mood takes you, while the sea views are just as visible from bed as they are from the terrace. For guests who like to stay active, the private gym will also by a strong draw – and a table tennis set keeps things lively in the evenings. Drive into Funchal in under fifteen minutes, or explore the dramatic east coast of the island – the Cristo Rei Viewpoint is within walking distance.

Home truths:
* You'll need a car here. Driving to most of the island's well-known hikes takes at least forty-five minutes, and the nearest pebble beach requires a short drive too. The good news is that a large supermarket is around three minutes away by car, and Funchal is about fifteen minutes. There's private parking on the premises.
* The pool terrace sits at the top of the home, reached by a flight of stairs. If you're travelling with very young children or anyone with limited mobility, it's worth factoring in the level changes before you book.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot and high chair at no extra charge. You'll need to request them in advance.