The Golden Thread

The Golden Thread: Madeira

Scoop up all twelve of your favourite people and pile into this showstopper of an apartment complex set right in the beating heart of Funchal and just a short flip-flop from the seafront.

Formerly the city’s embroidery factory, the building has been expertly reimagined into six independent apartments. While an impressive painted mural and curiosity displays cases nod to this home’s past, everywhere else has been updated to offer pure modern comfort. Each crisp and contemporary apartment offers enticing bedrooms, sunny living areas and sleek kitchen spaces, with some rooms offering private sunny terraces for morning coffees and obligatory pastéis de Nata.

But it’s upstairs on the shared panoramic rooftop terrace with an impressive outdoor kitchen where we think you’ll be spending most of your downtime. With sweeping views of the city’s skyline and sea, it’s an inspiring spot to savour Poncha sundowners and private evening suppers (the nearby famous Farmers’ Market, Mercado dos Lavradores, will come in handy to pick up supplies). Or, if you’d rather eat out, there are heaps of authentic restaurants to choose from in the city’s historic centre, Zona Velha, just moments away. Then keep the night flowing with some good old-fashioned live music in the Fado bars –⁠ there's no finer way to capture the heart and soul of this city.

Home truths:
*This home is made up of three separate self-contained apartments *Parking in Funchal can be tricky, so we recommend sticking to the easily accessible public transport where possible – though we think the best way to see the city is on foot *The apartment building is set out over three floors with no internal lift *There’s a communal laundry room next to the shared roof terrace *Your host can provide a cot, high chair and baby bath for free upon request *Towel changes can be arranged on request *This home is in a central spot, so some noise is to be expected *You’ll find a supermarket just below to pick up essentials *24-hour check-in is available