For several decades, a visit to Porto Moniz has been a must for anyone travelling to Madeira. And this custom lives on today, with visitors enjoying the sea crashing against the Ilhéu Mole islet or embracing the natural pools. They also go swimming on calm, sunny days, or simply stroll through the picturesque village on the north coast of Madeira.
Porto Moniz established itself as a stopping point in trips going elsewhere, but it is increasingly becoming a place to stay, offering everything a visitor could want and the added bonus of stunning scenery.
Part of this effort to boost tourism is the result of the work of the Aqua Natura hotel group, which manages three establishments in the village and has added ten suites to its offering at the Aqua Natura Madeira, a small hotel right above the natural pools, in the best possible location.
Here, you can hear the sea at all hours, like a soothing symphony. And you can calmly contemplate the landscape, admiring the shades of the sea and rocks, which change throughout the day.
The suites have a permanent view of this panorama. Each one offers a balcony with a private solarium. Inside, the décor by Intemporâneos’s Lília and João Paulo Gomes includes a bathtub for bubble baths. The space is ample, and comfort is a hallmark. There is a welcoming atmosphere, organic materials and soft tones that invite you to relax.
The construction of the suites has allowed new facilities to be added to the hotel's services. One of these is a terrace, where an infinity pool, solarium, sauna and jacuzzi have been installed, all with sea views. This is also where the Spa treatment room is located, which is now also included in the options available to Aqua Natura Madeira guests.
The renovated building led to the creation of a new restaurant, the Natural Pools Beer House, which has become a crucial part of the resort's life. It is open all day, starting with a buffet breakfast, offering healthy options and eggs prepared on the spot, in front of the customer. There is a bakery, which, in addition to internal consumption, sells bread to passers-by. It is open for lunch and dinner, with two different menus, but always with comfort food, where there is a Madeiran and Portuguese touch as well as several Josper grill specialty dishes.
The Natural Pools Beer House is also a pub, with lighter specialty dishes and several beer options. The restaurant and bar have live music every day and aim to be a hub in the life of Porto Moniz, not just for customers but also for visitors and even residents.
With the opening of this space, the Aqua Natura Madeira now has a second restaurant. The Sea View Rooftop was already in operation, also with a sea view and a mix of Mediterranean and Japanese specialty dishes.
Aqua Natura customers can enjoy the services of the three hotels in Porto Moniz, such as the indoor pool at the Aqua Natura Bay. Together with the group's other hotel, Quinta do Furão, in Santana, the Sensa Club loyalty programme was created to also include a social aspect, in addition to offering benefits to frequent customers.
The suites at the Aqua Natura Madeira offer a resort experience. Guests even have free access to the natural pools, where they can swim in the salt waters of the Atlantic Ocean. But the village is also within easy reach of many of Madeira's tourist attractions and natural wonders. Some of these are in Porto Moniz, such as the Madeira Aquarium. Exploring this part of the island is a treat for the senses.
www.aquanaturahotels.com
