Page 55 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Fall/Winter 2024

A Romantic Escape
THE MAGIC OF MADEIRA
FORGOING OTHER POPULAR HONEYMOON SPOTS, WRITER MEGAN HONAN & HER HUSBAND CHOSE THIS PORTUGUESE ARCHIPELAGO THAT IS AWAY FROM THE MADDING CROWDS AND DISCOVERED EUROPE’S LEADING ISLAND DESTINATION IS FUELLED BY WONDER AND MORE...
Icould already see the island of Maderia’s dramatic cliffs rising from the Atlantic, draped in green and bathed in sunlight. From my window seat high up in the sky, the tropical island looked like something out of a dream—a place where nature’s beauty reigns supreme, and where we could escape the world, just the two of us.
Part of the Madeira archipelago of four islands (the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens; and the inhabited Madeira and Porto Santo), my husband and I had chosen this particular
Portuguese island for our honeymoon. We were drawn by the promise of adventure, romance and a slice of heaven far removed from the crowds.
As we drove from the airport to our hillside villa, the scenery unfolded like a postcard—terraced vineyards, lush forests, and the deep blue ocean stretching out to the horizon. It was everything we had hoped for and more.
DISCOVERING MADEIRA’S WILD SIDE
As outdoor lovers, my husband and I were eager to explore the natural beauty that makes Madeira Europe’s leading island destination. The land is criss-crossed with levadas—ancient irrigation channels that double as hiking paths—and we couldn’t wait to hit the trails. We set off along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, a trail that leads through the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walking through this ancient forest felt like stepping into another world. The path wound its way through dense foliage, past towering laurel trees and trickling waterways. The air was cool and fresh, filled with the scent of eucalyptus and the sounds of bird- song. As we hiked deeper into the forest, the trail became narrower and more rugged, leading us to a stunning waterfall, its waters plunging into a crystal-clear pool below. It felt like we had discov- ered one of nature’s hidden gems—a place untouched by time.
But Madeira’s magic doesn’t stop at its forests. The island’s coast- line is equally captivating with dramatic cliffs that plunge into the azure waters, and hidden beaches that feel otherworldly. We decided to explore the coastline by taking a boat tour along the southern shore.
Our captain Rafa, a friendly local, steered us toward a secluded cove—Fajã dos Padres, a place accessible only by boat or vertiginous cable car ride. The tiny beach, nestled at the foot of a steep cliff, took our breath away. We spent the afternoon lounging on the rocky shores, the sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore—the only reminder that the world existed beyond this hidden paradise. We swam in the crystal-clear waters, explored the craggy tide pools, and enjoyed the bliss of being alone together in such a magical place.
FALL/WINTER 2024 DREAMSCAPES 55
PHOTOS: VISIT MADEIRA/HENRIQUE SERUCA | VISIT MADEIRA/ANDRE CARVALHO | SAVOY PALACE HOTEL
DID YOU KNOW?
After a packed schedule of meetings in Continental Europe, Madeira makes for a perfect post-conference retreat. This island paradise is ideal for a “bleisure” trip, blending relaxation with adventure. Unwind in Funchal’s serene botanical gardens, indulge in a spa day at luxury resorts like VidaMar, and enjoy a tasting tour at renowned wineries such as Blandy’s Wine Lodge.