Halfway To Paradise

Halfway To Paradise: Madeira

In a quiet, uncommercial part of the island, this modern villa with sea views sits beside woodland close to the start of the Levada da Ponta do Pargo walking trail. One of a pair of matching homes, it's been thoughtfully put together to create a stylish and comfortable place to stay for those who like to be away from it all. Just an eight-minute drive from the west coast and the famous Ponta do Pargo lighthouse, it's a perfect retreat between the sea and the hills. Inside, it's smart and contemporary, with great attention to detail. You'll have a bright, open-plan living space and a high-spec kitchen area that opens to a garden room with a traditional indoor barbecue. The bedrooms are all of a good size and are decorated in relaxing neutral tones – two with small, sea-view balconies. The outdoor space here is ideal for families, with a flat lawned garden to the rear, a private pool and outdoor shower. Eat outside with views over the Atlantic and you're promised a breathtaking sunset.

Home truths:
*There's a sofa bed for a seventh and eighth guest if necessary
*You may need to pay extra to arrange for the pool to be heated – speak to the host when booking
*You're probably best off hiring a car to explore this part of the island, and there's private parking at the home
*If you're staying longer than a week, there's weekly cleaning and linen changes
*The twin bedroom is on the ground floor