TUI SENSIMAR Savoy Gardens

The upper-middle-range Sensimar Savoy Gardens is the first adult-only property on the island. It caters mostly to mature adults with a warm, inviting atmosphere and gorgeous views of the city and sea beyond from multiple vantage points. The design scheme consists primarily of warm earth tones and generic furnishings. Some areas -- such as the orange-carpeted restaurant and bar -- could use a bit more modernization, but overall the look is clean and pleasant. Most guests will be utilizing the outdoor areas anyway, such as the well-sized pool surrounded by loungers and the rooftop terrace with beautiful vistas. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, except at the indoor lounge with evening entertainment such as live music and dancing. Note that some guests have complained of barking dogs in the area, though many say it's not enough to disturb the peace.

The Sensimar Savoy Gardens is located off the tourist strip, but still fairly near the coast. It's a 10-minute journey by bus or a 20-minute walk to Funchal, though the return journey includes walking up a steep incline. The Aerobus line will take guests from the airport to near the property in about 35 minutes, with another 13-15 minutes of walking. Within a five-minute walk are two restaurants and a grocery store, and a few more minutes farther on the main strip is an Irish pub popular with tourists, as well as more dining options. 

The 119 rooms of the Sensimar Savoy Gardens have generic, mostly contemporary decor in tasteful earth tones. The dark wooden furniture, large mirror over the desk, and silver accents are modern, but the light-brown carpeting, tan chairs, and thick red curtains are dated. Beds are topped with orange throw pillows and blankets, while walls have floral artwork. Rooms have either excellent sea views or less striking mountain views, which are generally of the more residential areas behind the hotel. Balconies vary in size from Juliet-style to the suites' quite large terraces with tables and lounge chairs. 

All rooms have flat-screen cable TVs, safes, air-conditioning, and minibars. Unlike many properties in the area, tea- and coffee-making facilities are free and restocked daily. Bottles of water are also free and replaced each day. Bathrooms are compact but include shower/tub combos, hairdryers, bidets, and toiletries.

The lovely rooftop terrace is one of the property's gems, with its sea-view whirlpool and solarium with double sunbeds for couples. Its bar, which serves cocktails in the evenings, is a relaxing spot to lounge. The mature-couple demographic will find plenty of on-site activities such as Tai chi in the courtyard garden; aqua aerobics in the large pool; and shuffleboard, bocce ball, and giant chess in the games area. Indoors, there are a library and another games area featuring billiards tables. The spa has a couple of massage treatment rooms, a relaxation area, and a sauna. For those desiring more, guests also have access to the Royal Savoy's facilities across the road. The hotel's excellent dining makes a strong case for the half-board packages with nightly themed buffets in the Laurissilva and more intimate dining at the a la carte Restaurant Culinarium. The Magnolia Lounge and Bar evening entertainment, although the quality of live music varies.