The hype
Guests are obsessed with the architecture, the rooftop pool views, and the breakfast, but many are annoyed by the nickel-and-diming for spa access and parking.
Saccharum Resort And Spa
$160-280/ night
Book this if You want a moody, industrial-chic wellness retreat where the architecture is as dramatic as the cliffside ocean views.
Why People Love It
- Stunning 'sugar cane mill' industrial design by Nini Andrade Silva
- Rooftop infinity pool with killer Atlantic sunsets
- Quiet, adults-oriented vibe despite being family-friendly
Quick Take: A visually striking design hotel that charges extra for the best perks (spa, premium sunbeds) unless you book the right suite.
Reviewed by @KarenQuiroz6310454: I stayed here for a week to recharge and honestly didn't want to leave. The infinity pool at golden hour is magic, and I loved sitting in the lobby listening to the piano in the evenings. My room had a killer view of the cliffs. It's not for partying, just pure relaxation.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'dark' design is polarizing; some find it romantic and zen, others find the hallways and rooms depressing and hard to navigate.
- You love brutalist/industrial interior design
- You prioritize a high-end gym and wellness facilities
- You want a quiet base for Levada walks rather than a party scene
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is thorough; guests consistently praise the housekeeping staff.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Marble surfaces are kept spotless, and grout lines are clean.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition. The industrial materials wear well, and the hotel feels new and sharp.
- Linens & towels: High quality, plush, and replaced daily if requested.
- Odors & scents: Signature 'sugar cane' and spa scent in the lobby; rooms smell fresh and neutral.
Sleepability™
9SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Occasional hallway noise due to hard surfaces
- Road noise in lower-floor rooms facing the street (rare)
Before you book
Good to know
- Calheta is the sunniest part of Madeira, often clear when Funchal is cloudy.
- The hotel is about 45-50 minutes from the airport; a transfer will cost ~€50-70.
- Dinner at the hotel is expensive; better value options are a short walk away.
What to pack
- Hiking boots for the nearby Levada walks
- A flashlight or phone light for navigating the dark hallways at night (seriously)
- Swim cap (mandatory for the indoor pool if you pay to use it)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Savoy Premium Experience (SPE) Ocean Suite — worth the splurge to get free spa access, premium sundeck entry, and lounge perks.
- Ocean Rooms on higher floors for unobstructed sunset views.
Rooms to avoid
- Courtyard rooms if you want privacy (they can feel a bit like a fishbowl)
- Lower floor rooms facing the road (less privacy, potential noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a room on a high floor with a direct ocean view. If possible, please avoid the rooms directly facing the street. We are celebrating a special occasion and would appreciate a quiet location.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the spa free for all guests?
No. Unless you book a 'Premium Experience' room or a spa treatment, access to the indoor pool, sauna, and jacuzzi costs extra (approx. €20/day).
Is there a sandy beach?
Not directly on site. There is a rocky beach across the street, and the artificial golden sand Calheta Beach is a short walk or shuttle ride away.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes, there is a kids' club and a splash pool, but the overall vibe is very adult, quiet, and design-focused.
How much is parking?
On-site garage parking costs around €7.50 - €12 per day. Street parking nearby is limited but free if you can find a spot.
Why are the rooms so dark?
It's a design choice by Nini Andrade Silva to mimic the industrial atmosphere of the old sugar cane mill. It's atmospheric, not accidental.
Is the outdoor pool heated?
The main outdoor pools are generally not heated to 'bath' temperatures, but the indoor pool (paid access) is heated.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Room numbers are projected onto the ceiling in the hallways — look up if you're lost!
- ✨
Visit the 'Chef's Garden' on the hillside for a secret sunset viewpoint away from the crowds.
- ✨
The 'Premium' sundeck often has empty Bali beds while the main pool is packed; upgrade for a day if you want peace.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Adults Only' pool on the 2nd floor is often quieter than the famous rooftop infinity pool.
💡You have to wear a swim cap in the indoor pool, and they will sell you one if you forget yours.
💡The hallways are so dark that guests frequently use their phone flashlights to find their keys.
💡The 'Calhau Beach Club' across the street is technically public but feels like part of the hotel — great for lunch.
💡The hotel grows its own sugar cane and has a museum dedicated to the site's history in the lobby.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Saccharum Resort And Spa is located and what's nearby.