Review of Choupana Hills Resort & Spa, by Mary Lussiana

Upon arrival at Choupana Hills Resort & Spa one could be forgiven for harbouring the illusion that you have landed not in Portugal, but in a Far Eastern paradise. It is not merely the architecture of this luxury resort, which with its harmony of wood and stone draws so heavily on the architecture of the East, or the many beautiful Asian artifacts which surround the guests which gives this impression but the polite, professional friendliness and attention to detail of the young staff which is so rarely seen in Europe.

The facilities

The main building of the luxury resort houses a library with a computer and free internet access, a drawing room for indulging in the local tradition of Afternoon Tea (which is furnished with unique chairs resembling the famous sleds of the island) and the sleek and chic Basalt Bar. The Xopana restaurant spills out onto the terrace, overlooking the beautifully designed swimming pool and the sea beyond.

Beneath this lies an indoor pool, a poolside bar and the spa which offers a wide choice of relaxing, de-toxing, energizing and beautifying treatments. Set high into a hillside (which can mean being buried in the clouds during bad weather) the luxury resort is a 30 minute drive away from the capital of Funchal on the coast and a courtesy shuttle bus does the journey regularly for hotel visitors. Despite the luxury resort being an obvious destination for couples, children are welcomed and room service, extra beds and any other need that a child may have is met with a wonderful willingness to please.

The rooms

A collection of 58 deluxe rooms and four suites are housed in bungalows arranged in terraces - echoing the island's landscape - to provide ocean views, privacy and a wonderful feeling of space and tranquility. Hugely generous in proportion, all rooms and suites in this luxury resort have large teak verandas equipped with incredibly comfortable wicker sun beds upon which to marvel at the views. The rooms are housed two to a bungalow but with such a design that neither your door nor your veranda is right next door to your neighbor's.

The four suites of the luxury hotel are completely on their own above the main building and the jungle of trees and shrubs which surrounds each one forms a natural screen for the Jacuzzi on their decks. They are perfect for an indulgent, romantic break. Apart from offering separate showers, DVD and Hi-fi systems the interiors of the suites are much the same in design as the rooms with again, Asian influence visible in the peaceful, muted colours, the use of wood, the lavish beds and the overall uncluttered feel.