The hotel's swimming pool
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Hotel do Campo
Madeira and Porto Santo › South-West Madeira › Ribeira Brava
Situated in the centre of Madeira's south coast, this small and friendly hotel offers modern accommodation in an ideal setting for touring the island.
- 4-star Hotel with 34 rooms
- Bed & Breakfast or Half Board
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Air-conditioning
- Car hire included
Situated at the mouth of the Ribeira Brava valley, which connects with the São Vicente valley to form the easiest north-south link on the island, the little town of Ribeira Brava is ideally placed for those who wish to explore the whole of Madeira from a central, yet appealingly un-commercialised, base. Funchal can be reached by car in just 20-30 minutes via the Via Rapida, the natural beauty of the south west coast is on your doorstep, and heading through the Encumeada tunnel you can even reach the north coast in no more than half-an-hour.
But Ribeira Brava is not just conveniently situated, it is also a very appealing place to potter around in, with plenty of cafés, a few restaurants, a delightful seafront produce market and numerous little shops selling anything from pots and pans to religious figurines. Although a fair few holidaymakers pass through during the day, perhaps stopping off for a coffee on the seafront promenade, Ribeira Brava remains very much a local town rather than a resort, so it's an ideal spot for anyone who wants a decent range of facilities close to hand without wanting to be surrounded by other tourists.
Until a few years ago, there was nowhere really comfortable to stay in town, but the opening of the Hotel do Campo has rectified this. Situated in a peaceful residential area on a steep hill about a mile from the town centre, this small, family-run hotel offers lovely views down to the coast and a friendly, informal atmosphere. There are just 34 rooms, stylishly decorated in calm, natural colours and with contemporary wooden floors and furnishings. All have modern en suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, cable TV and balconies (the vast majority with sea views), and bathrobes, slippers and pool towels are provided to add to your comfort. But in spite of the hotel's modern appearance, the atmosphere is really quite home-spun, and the hotel's friendly owner, Maria da Luz, has decorated the walls with paintings and drawings made by her own young children - a quirky but charming touch.
When you are not too busy exploring the island using the hire car that is included in the holiday cost, you can sunbathe on the spacious terrace, swim in the outdoor pool, unwind in the sauna and Jacuzzi or exercise in the small gym. In addition to the spacious lounge there is a small games room, and for those who wish to keep in touch internet access is available in the reading room. The restaurant serves a continental buffet breakfast and set evening meals, whilst those who prefer to dine around can drive to the centre of Ribeira Brava in a couple of minutes, catch a bus just 20 metres from the hotel, or simply summon one of the local taxis.