For Portuguese dining with an oriental twist, try this gourmet restaurant at one of Madeira’s chicest hotels.
Choupana Hills Resort and Spa is set on a hillside, surrounding by Madeira’s luscious sub-tropical countryside. The hotel’s Basalt Bar has a balcony overlooking the pool, and serves a range of cocktails, including the Poncha, made from Madeiran rum and lemon juice, with honey providing a distinctive aftertaste.
While a distinct lack of complex carbs prevents you from feeling overfull, there is an abundance of freshly baked bread on offer, though we opt instead to leave plenty of room for dessert.
We realise this was a wise choice when my beautiful plate of roasted papaya with mint and lime ice cream arrives, drizzled with a crimson sauce of pleasingly tangy port and red currant sauce.
We take our time, savouring each mouthful as we watch the blue sky melt into sunset hues over Funchal bay.
The Xôpana Restaurant
Choupana Hills Resort and Spa
Travessa do Largo da Choupana 9060-348
Tel: +351 291 20 60 20
www.choupanahills.com