For many years, the building on the corner of a block on Rua Vale da Ajuda, in Funchal, was a hotel. Then it closed, and time passed, until a complete renovation breathed new life into the space and opened the doors to a new five-star hotel, The Editory Ocean Way Funchal. There are 98 rooms marking the entry of the Portuguese brand The Editory Collection Hotels into Madeira.
The location is one of its strengths. It is within the most prestigious tourist area of Funchal, which is also a residential area. There is no shortage of services in the surrounding area, and the city centre and access to the main roads are just a few minutes away.
It is a city hotel that presents itself as a modern retreat, where the hustle and bustle of the city is just outside the door and the sea keeps you company, as it is close by and visible from most of the rooms and suites, all of which have balconies and are decorated in soft colours and to high standards of comfort. The hotel's décor reflects the colours of Madeira, between green and blue, and the idea of light that Madeira conveys.
The hotel's leisure facilities include three swimming pools, one indoor in the spa area and another on the rooftop, where the solarium overlooks the ocean and part of Funchal. This is also where Afe-nafe is located, a bar that serves light meals and snacks throughout the day and offers a menu of comfort food to share, served at dinner until midnight. From Thursday to Saturday there is live music.
ABRA is the hotel's main restaurant. It is open all day and adapts to the moment. At breakfast, it offers a buffet complemented by specialities prepared on the spot, taking advantage of the open kitchen. Pancakes and various egg dishes are among the possible orders.
At lunch, ABRA has a full menu, with more elaborate dishes, but also lighter options such as sandwiches, pasta, salads or bowls. At dinner, the menu changes, but always with Portuguese and Madeiran inspiration and a focus on local, fresh and seasonal ingredients. Sustainability is one of the pillars of The Editory Collection Hotels: making the most of products, reducing waste and focusing on local suppliers are two examples.
The bar is another leisure spot at The Editory Ocean Way Funchal. It is open all day and, in addition to local drinks such as the traditional Madeira poncha, offers a cocktail menu for the late afternoon or evening.
The Fennel SPA pays homage in its name and concept to the fennel plant, which gives its name to the city of Funchal. The treatments include the aroma and extract of this plant, whether in the essential oils used in massages or in the rituals that initiate the treatments. It is open to non-hotel guests and offers access to the indoor and outdoor pools and solarium, as well as the Turkish bath, sauna and water jets.
The hotel has parking, but it is difficult to park in the vicinity, as it is a metered parking area. The exterior architecture project was carried out by Gabinete RH+, a company with experience in designing other hotels in Madeira. The interior architecture was developed by Sonae Sierra, the group that operates The Editory brand.
The connection to the territory is also reflected in the hotel in Funchal. The slogan is ‘we are the places where we are’. And that is why the focus is on having mostly local teams. In addition, there are other details, such as the hotel's exclusive works of art, signed by Madeiran artist Bárbara Gil, which reinforce Madeira's identity.
