Madeira - Savoy Resort...... - Wedding Forum

Kas · #1 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 09:16 AM

Hi everyone,

Has anyone been to either Madeira or the Savoy Resort?
J and I are going next week and I am sooooo excited! He has been given the holiday through work, for working so hard - the little darling, and it is all paid for......yippeee!
Got to go and buy some clothes now - does anyone know if it is really really smart?
Oooooh very very excited!

Thanks to anyone who has any info...........

Karen x x

Heather · #2 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 09:24 AM

No idea about what either are like but I'm sure you'll both have a totally fantastic time!

Let us know how it was when you get back!

H

Dawnie · #3 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 09:42 AM

I've been to Madeira - went last year in April.

Hmmmmmm, well there are some lovely bits - we stayed just outside Funchal and it was nice.

Take a couple of jumpers as it can get a little nippy in the evenings. If you get a chance to go to Madeira Shopping (large shopping centre) do it - there's a bowling alley and some nice shops there.

You also have to try the local fish - Espada (sp?) (pronounced Eshpada) which is a fish they have to catch from so far in the depths of the ocean that it is already dead before it reaches the surface. Horrible looking fish (black with HUGE fangs - bet those fisherman are glad it's dead on arrival - looks like it would have your arm off) but it tasts lovely.

The other local dish (which I adored) is Espatada (similar I know) and it's basically large vertical skewers of cooked beef. The locals then hang it over your table and put a huge lump of garlic butter on the top of the skewer so that the meat gets infused with the garlic butter flavour - yummy!!!!

If you're looking for something with a bit of life, Madeira simply is NOT the place to go. If you're looking for a very quiet week then it's perfect.

When we went we were the only sub-30's there (apart from one other couple who were really snotty) - it's certainly a place that the older generation seem to enjoy.

There are some lovely gardens there and they will explain to you all abou the terracing on the island which is a necessity as the island is very hilly.

I'll see if I can dig out any piccies and post them for you.

You will have a lovely time, but for us it's not a place we would personally go back to.

I hope you enjoy it however.

Dawnie · #4 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 09:45 AM

P.S After reading your post again, just a couple of bits - no idea what the dress code is in your hotel, but Steve and I simply wore usual holiday fodder (jean shorts and t-shirts) during the day - it's a very easy going island. Steve wore a shirt and trousers in the evening and i've got a couple of holiday skirts which got worn with a strappy top. Seemed to go down fine.

I hope I didn't sound too down on Madeira - we were just a little shocked by how few young people there were there but it really was fine and the island is lovely.

Have a fab time.

Kas · #5 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 10:45 AM

Hi Dawnie,
Thanks for all that info! I have heard before that its more a place for the "more mature"! So am not expecting lots of partying or young people - I'll be 30 the week we get back so i suppose i should get used to this type of place

I will remember to pack a couple of evening cover-ups, was it warm enough to sunbathe during the day? I do hope so.

The food sounds fantastic. As we are staying at the Savoy I am assuming the food will be great which is not good news as I am still trying to lose the extra stone from our honeymoon last year! Oh well I have to try that thing they call "restraint" not one of my specialities

Although not sure about the thing with the big fangs - not attractive, but if it's tasty I am sure i'll give it a try!

You know how we all love looking at piccies so please do post some if you get a chance and thanks again for your help!

I will try to stay away from the shopping centre as we are off to New York at the end of April and i am trying to save the pennies for then!

Karen

nikki · #6 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 02:49 PM

My mum loved Maderia - is that a bad sign?

She's 63........

N xxx

Dawnie · #7 (**permalink**) 02-04-2003, 09:12 AM

My mum loved it too Nikki and she's mid 50's.

Kas · #8 (**permalink**) 04-04-2003, 04:15 AM

hmmm Nicki & Dawnie, my mum went for a day on a cruise and she loved it also.........it definitely sounds like the place for the "older" generation, but as we are only going for four days and is all paid for by hub's employers I am not too worried. I have delusions of lots of gymming and swimming which in reality means eating too much and laying beside the pool all day!

v.v.v.vexcited

Off to bookworms forum now for some recommendations for holiday reading.......

Dawnie · #9 (**permalink**) 09-04-2003, 10:28 AM

I'm so sorry - i've hunted high and low for the pictures and I can't find them.

I really hope you have a fabby time when you go though.