Family | Life | Food | Travel

02 September 2015

A (Child-Free) Week In Funchal, Madeira


I had never travelled abroad without the children before last month and the thought of doing so until recently had never even crossed my mind. I love family holidays and the laughs and smiles from the Mini Mes playing in the sand is something that makes my heart melt time and time again. 7 full days without them was something I couldn't imagine but as their dad agreed to have them the Mr and I were able to jet off for a relaxing trip away together, just as a couple, for the very first time.





Being all inclusive we indulged in both food and drink (lots of cocktails and desserts were consumed) and everything was beautifully presented, so fresh and vibrant for each meal. We were able to sit where we liked for breakfast and lunch, including on the terrace with amazing views of the dolphin filled sea and palm trees. I liked that we had a specific table for dinner where their dress code was
formal however as it was a nice opportunity to dress up a little and get friendly with others at the resort.

Our 'table neighbours' recommended visiting Funchal, although we had already planned on doing so, and we ended up going several times for various attractions including the cable car, Presidential Palace Garden and Monte Palace Tropical Garden. What I didn't expect however was the beautiful street art, some of which I captured on camera.











Walking along the little cobbled streets there was a real sense of community and we took several relaxing strolls in the sunshine. There were little market stalls selling homemade jewellery and soaps, small shops for souvenirs and plenty of restauants to indulge.

We had a magical and unforgettable holiday but I was very happy to return to my little duo, who were probably more excited to see what gifts I had for them than to embrace me!
I missed them dearly and I'm now looking at booking our next break to Mexico... as a family.



Have you been to Madeira before? 



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35 comments

  1. Sounds wonderful, you're obviously a woman who takes after my own heart where desserts and cocktails are involved! x

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  2. What an amazing place to go and visit. You must have really enjoyed yourselves - Lucky ;)

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  3. Never been, but can I just say how I love it when couples take time to be with each other no matter what the circumstances? I enjoyed your posts :)

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  4. looks like a beautiful place you went to. How lucky that you were able to get away for a week. My Mum is the only person who has the kids overnight. I think we could stretch her to 4 days but not sure about a week :) Id love to get away with Doug for a full week. xx

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  5. I've never been broad but this place looks amazing! I'm glad you were able to get away for a week, it's lovely to have a break from the norm. xx

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  6. My mum has been to Madeira twice and talks about it constantly. It looks like an absolutely stunning place, I would love to visit! Cocktails and desserts sound amazing. It must have been strange without the kids but nice to get away all the same :) Beautiful photos!

    owlsandantlers.org || facebook

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  7. Such cool street art! When I go abroad I tend to look for the museums and galleries, but it's amazing what you can find all around you on the streets. x

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  8. Never been to Madeira before but loving the street art - it seems to have a cool vibe.

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  9. I've never been to Madeira but it looks so cute!!

    C x | Lux Life

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  10. A week child free sounds amazing. We went to Barcelona for 3 nights child free last year, but it was a bit of a mare sorting out childcare, so I'm not sure we'd repeat it for a while.

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  11. A week with just me and the husbeast sounds bliss. Goof doe you for taking the opportunity and yes I would miss the kids too

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  12. Glad you had a fantastic time! Sounds amazing :) I love street art, your photos here are beautiful :)

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  13. Oh wow I am very jealous, a whole week to yourselves! Something I can only dream of. I've never been to Maderia, I've only left the country to go to France lol x

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  14. Sounds fantastic, your photos are lovely. We rarely get time alone and I think it's important for couple to have 'couple time' too, it recharges the batteries and it's good to remember that we're more than just parents.
    Nicola

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  15. Aw what a lovely trip and I love your photos. I really want to visit Madeira, for some reason I haven't made it there yet, I'll have to add it to the list!

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  16. Have never been but you have definitely sold it to me! I would love to visit. Your pictures are awesome - looks so artistic. Can't imagine going away without the tiddler at the moment :)

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  17. wow, amazing doors! I'm glad you had such a nice trip.

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  18. Ohh you lucky lady, I really ant to get away somewhere hot without the kids! Mich x

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  19. Oh I`ve been to Funchal, we stopped over there on a cruise I was on and I LOVED the place! It was just so vibrant and colourful, I loved the street art and the little shops with all the funny nick nacks...and madeira wine! Great post, and beautiful photos! xx

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  20. I've never ever considered Maderia as a destination but your pictures are beautiful. I'm also quite
    jealous that you can get childcare for 7 days, I'd struggle with 7 hours. Hope you had a fantastic trip.

    Cat

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  21. I'm so proud to find a post about my country! I'm from Portugal and Madeira is an island that belongs to Portugal. I'm so glad you enjoyed! Let me now if ever plan on visit Portugal, I can give you a full itinerary :)

    The Vintage Owl | Bloglovin

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  22. Child free and the heat of the sun on your face...you lucky thing! You seems to have found alot of nice areas and artistic landmarks on your travels

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  23. ooh I love the look of Maderia! I think it's important to have some some child free time once in a while, it always makes me miss and appreciate Wilf more when I come back! x

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  24. that was lovely to get away just the two of you. It lloks fab, some very beautiful and creative artwork happening

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  25. We loved Madeira when we went and went on the cable car too, quite an experience coming back down in the basket!!

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  26. Oh wow what some amazing photos - I have never been to Madeira I have to admint. x

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  27. You lucky lady! A child free holiday! I have been to Madeira once and it was lovely. It would be great to go again.

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  28. I've never been to Madeira before but it sounds absolutely wonderful. Glad you had a good time :)

    Louise x

    With love from Lou

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  29. Oh this looks wonderful, would love a weekend break without the kids

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  30. Sounds like you had a lovely time! I don't think I could leave my kids to go on holiday, especially with them being so young still and not trusting anyone to watch them but when they are old enough I'm off to on a child free relaxing holiday even if i have to go on my own haha!x

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  31. Sounds like you had a fantastic break. I don't like my children being in another country to me, and too would prefer family holidays but my husband would love a holiday like this. Love the street art you captured.

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  32. I am so pleased that you enjoyed your stay in Madeira as my parents are from Madeira and it is an absolutely stunning destination for nature, sun and community spirit! I am not just saying that because it is my heritage but I genuinely love the country.
    http://www.fadedspring.co.uk

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  33. It looks like a beautiful place, I imagine it felt very odd without your little ones but also brilliant to have a nice break away. Lovely pictures. Xx

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  34. Looks like a lovely place, and what a treat to have some couple time!

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  35. child free sounds lush and such a lovely place too. We have been on three holidays without kids its actually rather nice isn't it.

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