After a change in ownership and transformative renovation, Sentido Galomar, Madeira – Adults Only – made its presence known in March 2020.
Set the scene
Though not a lavish, luxury hotel, for a 4-star, it offers exceptional value and stands firmly alongside older 5-star hotels in the area. Moreover, Galomar is also a trendsetter, holding the title of the first green hotel in Madeira. Pushing a greener collective conscience to the mainstream, the hotel is 100% self-sufficient in energy with an ethos of sustainable tourism and wellness.
Sentido Galomar in Madeira is a simple, clean, modern designed 77-room establishment, offering a Zen environment with varied resources. With views you will be more than happy to wake up to, this seafront eco-resort is set on the edge of a cliff at Ponta D’Oliveira, offering a vast outlook over the roaring Atlantic.
The hotel is part of a resort consisting of – Sentido Galomar (adults only), Ayurveda Hotel Alpino Atlantico (as the name suggests) and Sentido Galosol (suitable for families). The facilities of all three hotels are available to all guests on the resort.
Location
Sentido Galomar is conveniently located in the coastal town of Canico, 15 minutes from the airport and the island’s capital, Funchal. The area is quiet and pleasant, though there is not much to do in the immediate vicinity. However, this is well suited to the hotel’s nature, and in any event, everything you need is on-site. That being said, there are a few decent local restaurants and a parade of shops with a spa and bar (Peter’s Bar).
Caniço’s centre is 2.5 km from the hotel. If driving, free on-site parking is accessible. Alternatively, Uber is readily available, and a reasonable and reliable bus service runs to Funchal until midnight (€2 each way).
Canico is perfect for water sports, and Galomar is ideally located next to the Garajau Nature Reserve. It also houses one of the islands first diving centres (Manta Diving Centre), allowing guests the opportunity to swim with marine life by diving directly from the hotel’s lido.
What can we expect from the bedrooms?
The rooms, spread over three floors, are spacious and range from double to suite with garden, side or sea view, all with private balcony. I had a double room with a side sea view, which was more than adequate for a single person. The balcony provided a calming vista over the infinity pool and the ocean. Upon rising, the therapeutic sound and mere glinting of the Atlantic was enough to lift the spirit.
Rooms are simple but provide essentials – Coffee/tea maker and mini bar, safe, LED TV, AC, blackout curtains.
For something more free-spirited, a visit during the summer months allows visitors the opportunity to sleep beneath the stars in an ocean-front eco-hut.
In line with their sustainability ethos, the hotel has ditched the mini toiletries in favour of bulk dispensers. Guests are also encouraged to reuse towels.
Facilities etc.
With wellness, as well as sustainability, being a top priority, guests can enjoy ayurvedic treatments from skilled experts at the Ashoka Spa; take in a steamy view from the two panoramic saunas; or hit the gym. Alternatively, start the day in oneness with yoga and meditation in the hotel’s communal garden.
For swimmers, two seawater pools overlook the Atlantic, with the lido offering direct access to the sea. Scuba divers, both experienced and novice, can make the most of the convenient on-site location of Manta Diving Centre and jump straight into the nature reserve to explore the underwater landscape – highly recommended.
Food & Drink
My stay at Sentido Galomar was on a bed and breakfast basis, with breakfast and dinner served at Atlantis Restaurant. Breakfast consisted of a superb morning view together with a selection of pastries, yoghurt, fruit and hot breakfast – buffet or cooked to order.
Dinner was of good quality, with the restaurant providing variety. By far, the highlight at dinner is the fresh Atlantic-caught fish which is on display for selection. After touring, chill with a book on the roof terrace, which optimises the already impressive outlook. Or, enjoy top-class cocktails at the terrace bar, which has a cool, bohemian style lounge area and captures the perfect sunset! The bar also provides entertainment in the evening and activities, such as Poncho (a Madeiran punch) making.
What about the service?
At all levels, the staff were faultless. They provided a warm, professional service and were always very willing to help. Furthermore, they are to be commended for a seamless service despite the new COVID regulations.
What type of person stays here?
Sentido Galomar is ideal for solo and sustainable travellers, wellness seekers, couples and businesspeople. For families, check out Galosol Hotel.
Is it worth it?
Yes!!! The only problem with staying here is that you may hardly see anything of Madeira, as you will be so chilled out, it may be hard to leave. Therefore, Sentido Galomar is the ideal laidback sustainable getaway of a superb standard that doesn’t break the bank.
Book
Address: R. Baden Powell, 9125-031 Caniço, Portugal
Telephone: +351 291 930 930
Wifi: Free and fast
Price: Doubles from about €100
See also 10 Best Things to do in Madeira
