January 24, 2007

EUROPE | PORTUGAL | MADEIRA

Mad About Madeira

By Michael Rovner

Even the sand is therapeutic in the spa-crazy Portuguese isles.

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Since Madeira’s airport went from one of the most dangerous in the world to merely one of the most terrifying, more visitors are coming to experience the archipelago’s philosophy of “Body, mind, Madeira.” The Portuguese islands, 400 miles off the coast of Morocco, have long-appealed to nature lovers — two-thirds of “the pearl of the Atlantic” is designated as protected land with 2,000 miles of hiking trails. Lately, the main island is buzzing over the imminent opening of a new spa at the Hotel Quinta Splendida (pictured) an 18th century manor surrounded by 650 varieties of flowers.

And the Splendida is not without competition: 75 percent of Madeira’s 300-plus properties boast four or five stars. Those seeking a treatment with an indigenous twist can find it on Porto Santo. On this tiny neighboring island, the sand is said to possess therapeutic qualities, and is used in treatments at the Hotel Porto Santo, which opens a new wing in February. Next year, Madeira’s spa credentials should make an even bigger splash, with its first thalassotherapy spa, the CS Madeira Atlantic, Resort and Sea Spa.