The 25 best luxury cruises to book now
In my languid state, I think I've gone to heaven, but then I remember I'm on a luxury cruise where personalised service promises first-rate pampering from start to finish. With pocket-size ships numbering guests in hundreds (or less), rather than thousands, it's not surprising more cruisers covet such effortless style.
Not only do these enclaves bring a rarefied air of exclusivity while visiting smaller ports off-limits to larger monoliths, they promise the luxury of space where you can revel in swanky suites with your own butler, and indulge in gourmet dining and free-flowing champagne.
Such lavish frills generally come as standard, and excursions may be thrown in too, proving that while guests pay more to get aboard in the first place, lower onboard bills ensure they pay less to get off.
If you don't want to totally push the boat out, premium-plus lines have a similarly upscale flavour, but their ships tend to be a touch larger and with less included in the fare.
Best mega-yachts
Unspoilt Caribbean
'It's Yachting, not Cruising' is the mantra of SeaDream Yacht Club, which offers ultimate escapes on its two 112-guest classic mega-yachts that nose into the Caribbean's sleepy bays. Dining al fresco, sleeping on deck under the stars, and racing across the waves on jet-skis are treats guests can enjoy while sailing to the Grenadine isles of Mayreau and Bequia enroute to Martinique and St Lucia.
SeaDream Yacht Club offers a one-week Glorious Grenadines round-trip voyage from Barbados, from £4,093pp; departs November 23 2025.
Dreamy South Pacific
Drift on trade winds among the shimmering peacock-blue lagoons of French Polynesia aboard the mega-yachts of premium-plus line Windstar Cruises. The 312 guests on Star Breeze can snorkel through the kaleidoscopic waters of Bora Bora which are filled with dazzling rainbows of tropical fish, trek through tropical rainforest on Moorea and be castaways for the day on a swish private island getaway.
Windstar Cruises offers a seven-night Dreams of Tahiti round-trip voyage from Papeete, from £3,715pp; departs October 2 2025.
French Riviera glamour
Get one over on the jet-setters who pose and preen along the glitzy Cote d'Azur by sailing in on Luminara, the newest head-turner from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection which debuts this July. It's all cool lines, sophisticated spaces with five gourmet restaurants and even a wine vault onboard this superyacht which guarantees a stylish entrance to Monte Carlo, Cannes and Portofino.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers a one-week sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona from £10,500pp; departs August 14 2025.
Venetian class
Sailing past the bell towers and piazzas of Venice is a rare treat now reserved only for the smallest ships, and sumptuous square rigger Sea Cloud Spirit is one of them. Holding 136 guests, this windjammer was built in 2021 but brings alive the golden age of sail. Let the wind speed you along the Croatian coast to enchanting Hvar and Korcula, crowned by the walled wonders of Dubrovnik.
Sea Cloud Cruises offers a nine-night round-trip voyage from Venice from £5,823pp; departs August 11 2025.
West Indies yachting
Emerald Cruises may be known for river voyages, but with their sleek lines, its three luxury yachts certainly look the part. Carrying just 100 passengers, the ambience is reassuringly intimate and upscale. Lounge around Emerald Sakara's infinity pool or take out water toys from its marina as you meander to the Caribbean's atmospheric isles of Anguilla, St Barts, and Nevis.
Emerald Cruises offers a one-week Eastern Caribbean voyage from Barbados to St Martin from £4,608pp, including air credit; departs November 22 2025.
Best luxury lines
Baltic exploration
Since relaunching in 2023 under the ownership of the A&K Travel Group, Crystal's newly-refurbished ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony have made a triumphant return. Experience the former for yourself on this Baltic voyage to sample Stockholm's varied flavours on a foodie exploration, step out on a walking tour of Helsinki or take to two wheels for a coastal cycling adventure in Tallinn.
Crystal offers an eight-night Baltics & Northern Europe cruise from Stockholm to Copenhagen from £5,050pp; departs July 29 2025.
Ultimate Japan
Regent Seven Seas Cruises lays claim to being the most all-inclusive line with extras such as flights, unlimited excursions and overnight hotel stays covered by the fare. All very useful on this voyage to the Land of the Rising Sun where temples, street markets, and delicate gardens complement the extravagant surroundings of Seven Seas Explorer, trumpeted as the world's most luxurious ship when it launched in 2016.
RSSC offers an 11-night round-trip voyage from Tokyo from £6,630pp; departs October 17 2025.
Going Greek
A new kid on the luxury block is Explora Journeys, an upscale off-shoot of cruising giant MSC Cruises, winning plaudits for its elegant ships. This line is all about slipping beneath the surface of the places it visits. Join Explora I to discover a restored Grecian village in the mountains of Thessaloniki, hike the centaur paths of Pelion in Volos and discover the monastic life of nuns in Patmos.
Explora Journeys offers a one-week voyage from Athens to Istanbul from £3,710pp; departing May 24 2025.
A natural choice for the Azores
If you're a luxury lover who isn't acquainted with German line Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, you should be. Its flagship Europa 2 has long been cited as the world's best, epitomising cool, contemporary chic with exquisite gourmet restaurants and a vast spa. While aimed at German speakers, English is spoken on international departures, such as this one that combines Madeira's floral bounty with the untamed spirit of the Azores.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers an 11-night Perfect Portugal round-trip voyage from Lisbon from £4,995pp; departing October 22 2025.
A swig of Scottish spirit
This heritage-themed voyage aboard 48-guest Hebridean Princess shadows the spirit of Bonnie Prince Charlie as it weaves through the Scottish Isles to Eriskay and the Jacobite Trail, marking his arrival on Scottish soil. No doubt there will be a wee dram or two of Scotland's amber nectar during a week of walks, seal-spotting boat trips, museum visits and a tweed-weaving demonstration on the isle of Harris.
Hebridean Island Cruises offers a seven-night round-trip Highland and Island Heritage cruise from Oban from £6,290pp; departing July 15 2025.
Upscale adventures in Alaska
The vast wilderness of Alaska, famously known as America's Last Frontier, is best explored by sea. Silversea's ground-breaking Silver Nova, which set a new standard in ship design with its asymmetrical layout, adds its own slice of luxury to a host of adventures with floatplanes soaring across the fjords, off-road buggy rides charging along old logging tracks and ziplines whisking daredevils across the rainforest canopy.
Silversea offers a 14-night round-trip voyage from Vancouver to Alaska from £8,600; departing June 5 2025.
Best luxury expeditions
Helicopters in Antarctica
Scenic's two Discovery Yachts marry the hi-tech thrills of two onboard helicopters and a submersible with butler service, a swathe of dining experiences and a spa and wellness suite. Just the ticket for warming up after meeting penguins among the icebergs of Antarctica's Ross Sea – one of the few sailings departing Australia for the White Continent's eastern side.
Scenic offers a 24-day Antarctica sailing from Hobart, Tasmania, to Dunedin, New Zealand, from £24,644pp; departing January 6 2026.
Manta rays in Raja Ampat
Relish the thrill of sharing crystalline waters around the remote Indonesian hideaways of Raja Ampat with turtles, giant manta rays and, if you're lucky, whale sharks. All-suite Aqua Blu carries just 30 guests and has 30 crew, so attentive service is guaranteed as you potter through the dramatic karst outcrops and atolls, enjoying haute cuisine dining and cocktails while luxuriating in the hot tub.
Aqua Expeditions offers a one-week round-trip voyage from Sorong in West Papua, from £8,270pp; departing January 3 2026.
Snorkel with sealions in the Galapagos
Nothing else compares to this natural wonderland where sea lions become your snorkelling playmates, penguins zip past and hammerhead sharks skulk in the depths. Cruises accentuate the unique flavours of the islands in this Ecuadorian archipelago where creatures famously have no fear of humans. While exploring them on all-suite mega-yacht Celebrity Flora, based here year-round, spend the night on deck with its overnight glamping experience.
Celebrity Cruises offers a one-week cruise with three nights in Quito, from £7,708pp, departing August 8 2025.
Cruise to the top of the world
Acclaimed as the world's only luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot is a lean, mean ice-crunching machine. Be among the few to cruise through the Arctic ice floes to the geographic North Pole in the heart of polar bear country. Experience this harsh but beautiful environment on hiking expeditions, while snow-shoeing and, for those brave enough, by taking the Polar plunge into icy waters.
Ponant Explorations offers a 15-night round-trip voyage from Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, to the North Pole from £37,130pp; departing August 6 2025.
Natural wonders of the Kimberley
The remote Kimberley region offers a wild and rugged face of Australia; one of towering henna-hued cliffs, tiger-striped rock formations, Aboriginal art and the unrelenting power of some of the world's mightiest tides that create the extraordinary phenomenon of horizontal waterfalls. Seabourn Pursuit's 264 guests can explore on its fleet of Zodiac boats, kayaks and two submersibles, but helicopter rides and flight-seeing excursions heighten the sense of adventure.
Seabourn offers an 11-night voyage from Darwin to Broome from £11,999pp; departing August 13 2025.
River cruises
Family fun on the Danube
Thought river cruises were just for grown-ups? Think again. Uniworld's Generations sailings dial up the fun for all ages with family-friendly departures on palatial-style river ships. Take your little darlings on a magical history tour of Vienna, or give them a right royal dressing up at the Schonbrunn Palace where prince and princess outfits await. Hiking, biking and paddleboarding pump up the action.
Uniworld offers one-week Generations Danube sailings between Budapest and Passau from from £3,199pp; departing July 20 & 27 2025.
Going Dutch in style
If you're quick, you can catch the spring blooms of the Netherlands where millions of flowers paint the landscape in a riot of colour that would make the Old Dutch Masters proud. Their masterpieces are displayed in Amsterdam's galleries, and while this Tauck cruise calls at the city, it is the famous floral displays of the Keukenhof Gardens that are the real showstoppers on this voyage.
Tauck offers a nine-day Belgium and Holland cruise from Brussels to Amsterdam from £4,890pp; departing April 9 2025.
Chobe River safari
Go wild for this floating safari into the African wilderness aboard the Zambezi Queen to spot prowling lions and bathing elephants on boat trips and game drives. Romantic sundowners and a festive African-themed dinner add to the roll-call of memorable moments, helped by unforgettable cocktails and dinner aboard a vintage steam train at Victoria Falls.
AmaWaterways offers a nine-night Africa package with a four-night cruise on the Chobe River plus stays in Cape Town and Victoria Falls, from £10,366pp; departing November 21 2025.
Barging through Champagne
Ease into life's slow lane with Les Bateaux Belmond's seven opulent barges that sail at snail's pace along French waterways on culinary adventures through the likes of Burgundy, Champagne and Provence. Haute cuisine, heightened service and stylish interiors are hallmarks of this fleet; some have heated pools and one even has a grand piano that's a surefire hit for singalongs and refined recitals.
Belmond offers a six-night private charter of Coquelicot in Champagne from £62,390 for up to six guests; departing August 3 2025.
Floating markets on the Mekong
French colonial designs with Art Deco hints mark the ornate interiors of Heritage Line's riverboat Jayavarman, whose 27 cabins are individually themed. Outside, the sundeck and small pool are perfect vantage points for views of riverside villages and floating markets along this stretch of the Mekong in Cambodia.
Unforgettable Travel offers a 10-night Saigon to Angkor Wat in Style private tour comprising the three-night Mekong cruise and stays in Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, from £3,795pp; departing January 15 2026.
Romance of the Nile
Live like a pharaoh on a timeless Nile voyage watching thousands of years of history ebb by from the comfort of your luxe day bed. It's a pampered life on the Art Deco-themed Sanctuary Sun Boat IV whose plush surroundings are matched by the pampering crew as you drift from Aswan to Luxor in this ancient land of tombs and temples.
Mundy Cruising offers a three-night stay in Cairo followed by a four-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor, from £5,495pp including flights; departing September 7 2025.
Premium Plus
Southern Africa's natural bounty
Say farewell to winter chills as boutique ship Azamara Pursuit transports you into the warming embrace of South Africa and its rich profusion of wildlife and tribal culture. Stand tall with giraffes on walking tours, spy feathered friends at Penguin Island and track the Big 5 on safari drives. Look out for Madagascar's famous lemurs and soak up African arts and music showcased at Azamara's signature AzAmazing evening.
Azamara Cruises offers a 15-night sailing from Cape Town to Mauritius from £3,769pp; departing December 20 2025.
South America's Latin beat
This sailing moves to the tango rhythms of Buenos Aires, where gauchos rule and Eva Peron's legacy reigns, along with Rio de Janeiro's salsa beat which sizzles with the spirit of Carnival. Hone your artistic skills on Oceania's 1,250 passenger ship Marina, with its artist's studio and cookery school in between cycling tours of Montevideo and schooner trips in Brazil's so-called St Tropez, Buzios.
Oceania Cruises offers a 12-night Bounty of Brazil sailing from Buenos Aires to Rio from £2,889pp; departing January 10 2026.
America's revolutionary spirit
Turn leaf-peepers amid the autumnal colours of North America's Eastern Seaboard as 930-passenger Viking Mars follows a coastline filled with the heritage of the New World, from the Gallic culture of Quebec to the maritime history of Halifax. Relive Boston's revolutionary past along the city's Freedom Trail and trace the steps of the first settlers who arrived on the Mayflower at Plymouth.
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The Guardian
03-08-2025
- The Guardian
The Greyhound, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire: ‘An oligarch's saloon bar teetering on the edge of chintz' – restaurant review
Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire is heroically lovely, but it does have about it a heavy whiff of the Hot Fuzz. It's a market town with a nearby model village, while the 'best things to do' section on TripAdvisor highlights the cemetery or a trip to the former residence of writer GK Chesterton. If all that fails to thrill, you could just go for lunch at the pub – although be aware that the Greyhound isn't anything as simple as a plain old gastropub. Heck no, that would be something completely different: more shabbily chic, more carbohydrates on the menu, fewer staff calling you 'Madam' while you're en route to the loo and not even a hint of white peach granita on your burrata starter. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Rather, this is a charming, pale-fronted pub in a grade II 17th-century former coaching inn that also boasts a decidedly fancy and swanky restaurant that steers well away from muddy wellies and sticky toffee pudding, and instead pitches its tent in the land of wood pigeon with white beetroot and lavender, Norfolk chicken pressé with pickled girolles and sweetcorn, and ajo blanco with grapes, cantaloupe melon and nasturtium. And, to be fair, it might well not be for everyone. Gourmands, birthday treats and special occasions, perhaps, but picky children and Aunty Pam who just wants toad-in-the-hole might find the semi-formality a bit testing. Over at the Ritz in London, I note that they call this style of dining 'an epicurean journey', which is, I feel, modern shorthand for small yet significant portions of largely French-influenced gastronomy heaving with finesse, technique and accomplishment. Whether or not epicurean journeys are delicious is a moot point, however, because we are here to gasp spellbound at the chef's imagination and to nod sagely as a surprise amuse-bouche of fresh peas and lovage is delivered in a teeny ramekin with an equally ickle spoon. That's followed by an equally precise and inoffensive minuscule tartlet of fresh sweetcorn and whipped cream cheese. Decor-wise, and despite its L'Enclume vibes, the Greyhound hasn't gone fully stripped back with stone floors and crofter's cottage chic, as so many other highfalutin country pubs have done, and prefers instead to complement its olde-worlde low beams and wooden floors with warm, cinnamon-coloured leather horseshoe banquettes, patterned wallpaper, bottle-green velour cocktail chairs and modern art on every wall. This may be an oligarch's saloon bar teetering on the edge of chintz, but it's still hugely cosy and welcoming. Daytrippers lured this way by the model village could not help but be seduced by its sheer quaintness. We ordered from the à la carte, rather than the six-plus course, £110-a-head tasting menu, and began with a pleasant bowl of La Latteria burrata in a green nasturtium pesto and topped with a sweet, peachy granita. Hereford rump cap tartare looked like something out of a fairytale, and was served very roughly chopped and arranged like a bird's nest around a miso confit egg, pickled shimeji mushrooms and some capers. A main of roast sea bass had a gorgeously crisp skin and came with a silky spin on beurre blanc and some rather al dente braised baby fennel. Another main of wood pigeon erred on the side of well done and was submerged in a rich cherry jus that resembled nothing so much as a crime scene. There's some clever, cogent cooking going on at the Greyhound, with some hits, some misses, but an overall sense that, in a bid to be the best restaurant for miles around, they might just be missing the chance to be simply delicious. Still, diners all around us, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, were having a lovely time of it, and the restaurant was ticking over very nicely, thank you, especially for a Tuesday evening. It was only in the dessert list where a mood of pure decadence was allowed to let rip and flourish, because here we had îles flottantes with limoncello custard and raspberry souffle with sarsaparilla sorbet. Beforehand, we had foxtrotted neatly and nimbly around the world of fine dining, but thank God we were now in the sugary and comparatively silly ante-room. We opted for the heavenly sounding blackcurrant tart, which turned out to be a fat, chunky, individual tart with a crisp, buttery casing loaded with berries and clotted cream, all infused with the sharp kick of lemon verbena to break through all the lactose richness; best of all, it was topped by a glorious blackcurrant sorbet. Now we were talking. On the tasting menu, I noticed that they serve Yoredale Wensleydale with homebaked fig loaf and chutneys, which sounds equally rustic and exquisite. If only the Greyhound did more fig loaf and less forlock-tugging, I might well be back for more. The Greyhound 33 Windsor End, Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire, 01494 671315. Open Tues-Sat, lunch noon-1.30pm (2pm Fri & Sat), dinner 6.30-8.30pm (last orders). From about £70 a head à la carte; set lunch £40 for two courses, £49 for three; six-course tasting menu £110 (£95 vegetarian or vegan), all plus drinks and service The next episode of Grace's Comfort Eating podcast is out on Tuesday 5 August – listen to it here.
Telegraph
30-07-2025
- Telegraph
Five essential things to know before you board a Windstar cruise ship
Launched in 1986, Windstar Cruises ticked along for years with four, then three, motor sailing ships – meaning they sail but are often powered by an engine. One was based in Tahiti, the others spent summers in the Mediterranean and winters in the Caribbean. That changed in 2013 when it bought three all-suite yacht-like ships and spent millions of dollars 'stretching' them – a procedure that involved cutting them in half and adding a new bit in the middle – to take capacity from 212 to 312 passengers. At a stroke, Windstar had a fleet of something-for-everyone vessels (as long as you wanted something small), between them offering romantic holidays under canvas, cabins with or without balconies, a variety of places to eat and an informal ambience. More ships also meant more destinations, with Alaska, Japan and Asia among those added to the line-up. The story doesn't end there. This December, Windstar – part of cruise giant Carnival's empire until bought by US-based travel group Xanterra – launches Star Seeker, a new 224-passenger ship able to cruise the polar regions (although so far there are no plans to take it there). Star Explorer, a sister ship, joins in December 2026. 1. Where does Windstar sail? Whether you fancy island-hopping in the Caribbean or Greece, going in search of geysers in Iceland or hiking through rainforest in Central America, Windstar has a cruise to suit. The yachts visit popular ports such as Kusadasi in Turkey (for Roman Ephesus) and Dubrovnik in Croatia, but their smaller size means they also sail to ports and harbours others can't. Instead of St Lucia's cruise port, its vessels anchor in quiet Rodney Bay. They can squeeze through Greece's narrow Corinth Canal. In Thailand, they dock close to the city on the Khlong Toei River in Bangkok, instead of being two hours or more from the city. All three sailing ships are in the Mediterranean in summer and autumn. Two then follow the sun to the Caribbean in winter while the third heads to the Canary Islands for a series of 10-night island-hopping cruises from Tenerife. Caribbean cruises are mostly one or two weeks, visit a port every day and depart from Philipsburg in St Maarten, San Juan in Puerto Rico and Bridgetown in Barbados. Two motor yachts are also in Europe in summer, sailing the Mediterranean and Northern European cruises to Norway, around Iceland and from the UK. One relocates to the Caribbean and Costa Rica for winter. The other, Star Legend, stays in the Med, offering out-of-season sailings for those who want to escape the heat and crowds. A third yacht, Star Breeze, sails seven-night cruises around the Society Islands year-round from Papeete in Tahiti and on longer voyages that also visit the Tuamoto Islands. New ship Star Seeker will sail expedition-style cruises in Alaska between May and August 2026, then relocate to Japan and Asia. 2. Who does Windstar appeal to? Cruises in Europe are likely to have a higher number of Brits on board, but the vast majority of Windstar fans are couples from North America, with an average age of 50. That's a tad lower than many other cruise lines, mainly because the sailing ships have a romantic aura that attracts a younger audience, especially in the Caribbean. Couples can also splash out on various wedding, engagement or renewal of vows packages. Regardless of age or nationality, Windstar cruisers are active types who like the line's casual 'do as you please' vibe. Something smart of the evening is all it asks, which essentially boils down to no ripped jeans or vests. Food-themed cruises in partnership with the James Beard Foundation and restaurant menus created by JB's award-winning chefs are an extra draw, especially for Americans. Smaller ships make it easy for solo travellers to meet people. The standard 75 per cent supplement sounds steep but keep an eye out for special offers that can bring that down to 20 per cent. 3. Windstar's fleet Wind Surf (342 passengers) With its five 67-metre tall masts and seven sails, Wind Surf is quite the picture when the canvas is hoisted. Just be aware that a lot of the time it is only for show. Don't expect large cabins or private balconies; instead there are fixed windows or portholes. If space matters, choose one of 18 suites that are essentially two cabins made into one with a living area and two bathrooms, or the three grander rooms on the bridge deck. Four restaurants, a spa, pool, gym and a water sports platform complete the line-up. Sails to: Mediterranean and Caribbean Wind Star/Wind Spirit (148 passengers) These were the line's first ships, launched in 1986 and 1988 respectively. They have teak decks, four masts and six sails, and handle better under sail than Wind Surf but again the canvas is hoisted mostly for show. Cabins have fixed windows or portholes; the Owner's Suite has separate living and dining areas. There are three places to eat, including al fresco. Passengers can snorkel, kayak and paddle board at no extra cost. Star Legend, Star Pride and Star Breeze (312 passengers) These three launched in the early 1990s but their story really began five years ago when they were stretched to add capacity (50 more cabins, or 100 passengers). Cabins and suites have fixed windows, portholes and balconies big enough only to stand on. New restaurant Basil + Bamboo serves a blend of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, has opened on Breeze and will be added to Star Legend and Star Pride in December 2025 and April 2026 respectively. From December 2025: Star Seeker (224 passengers) The first of two sister ships joining the fleet in the next 18 months (Star Explorer is slated for December 2026), Star Seeker will have four places to eat, including Basil + Bamboo and Star Grill, an alfresco option that's heavy on barbecued meat and fish. All rooms are suites and in a first for Windstar several have full-size private balconies. For the biggest and best, choose the Horizon Owner's Suites (there are two) with beds looking out to sea. Sails to: Caribbean, Alaska, Japan 4. Loyalty scheme Passengers are enrolled in the Yacht Club loyalty programme after their first cruise and move up the ranks the more they sail, earning discounts off excursions, laundry and other rewards. 5. Access for guests with disabilities There are no accessible cabins on the sailing ships (and no lifts either on Wind Star and Spirit). Choose instead the Star-class ships (Star Breeze, Star Pride and Star Legend), which each have four accessible suites.
Metro
27-07-2025
- Metro
I loved every minute of the 'Hawaii of Europe' — but you better go soon
I'm sailing over a cerulean sea, glass of champagne in hand, with three men I've just met. Around us are black sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, and craggy mountains bursting with 50 shades of green. It looks a lot like Pandora, the fictional world of Avatar, but this is Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago north of the Canaries. Marooned in the Atlantic, this cluster of volcanic rock is rightfully nicknamed the 'Hawaii of Europe'. And it's becoming a popular holiday choice — easyJet now runs year-round direct flights from London, Manchester and Bristol. It's an easy adventure. Three-and-a-half-hour flights are shorter than to the Canaries, and while Madeira is certainly not a secret, its eye-popping pebble beaches remain unspoiled, for now, at least. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. A cross between paradise and an adventure playground, Madeira is drawing more visitors than ever. In 2023, it welcomed over 1.7 million, a sharp rise from 1.1 million in 2021. Since Covid, social media has fuelled Madeira's popularity, with thousands of posts spotlighting so-called 'hidden gems' across the island. Alexandre Von Essen, a skipper for Happy Hour boat tours, says that many off-beat places he used to visit as a teenager now attract thousands of tourists per day. 'It's cool that we have so many visitors,' he says. 'But it's definitely strange. 'Before the pandemic, it was mainly pensioners visiting. You'd have rich old ladies, they'd stay at the Ritz and spend loads of money.' Now there's an influx of travellers of all ages — especially those who wish to explore and discover. And there's so much for nature lovers to appreciate. Nicknamed the 'Pearl of the Atlantic' in the 1930s for its breathtaking scenery, Madeira has long relied on tourism to fuel its economy. But even with viral travel guides and post-Covid wanderlust, Madeira has so far been spared the overtourism chaos seen in parts of Spain and European cities like Prague. During a tour of the island with Hugo, from Adventureland tours, we visit Fanal Forest, a misty laurel woodland that looks straight out of a fairytale. He's so protective of his homeland's beauty spots that he refuses to reveal some remote locations, unless tourists promise not to share pictures of them online. 'I want people to really appreciate it,' he says. All credit to him, because Madeira does feel calmer than other popular tourist destinations. The volcanic rock pools are still relatively quiet, even during the lunchtime rush, and Seixal beach – a stretch of black sand hugged by vibrant, jungle-like cliffs – looks like something from a dream, even with countless other visitors taking pictures along its shores. The capital Funchal is replete with traditional mercearias, old grocery stores that once served as places to shop and socialise. They still sell everything from local beer and wine to baby powder, sweeping brushes and chewing gum. Bento's Grocery, for instance, has been in the Bento family since 1974. It has a rustic charm and is filled with local people at all times of the day. It's also a great place to try Poncha, a traditional drink made from sugarcane rum, honey and citrus juice. It was originally drunk by sailors as a tonic to ward off scurvy. Now, you can get it at any bar and restaurant across the island in almost any flavour you can think of. Madeira is also known for its world-class seafood. I tried a tuna cornetto, which is much tastier than it sounds. You'll also find mouthwatering prawn dishes, octopus and limpets, usually served with garlic and butter. And don't leave without trying a banana passion fruit, a local favourite unlike anything you'll find in the UK. For foreign visitors, prices are incredibly reasonable. A cup of coffee and a chocolate at most local cafes will set you back as little as €2. Alcohol is similar, with a pint typically between €1 to €3, while a Poncha is between €3-€6. At the same time, Madeira is working to attract a more luxury crowd. It's become popular with digital nomads and long-stay travellers who stay at the island's more upmarket hotels. Sleek wellness centres are popping up to match demand. In the capital Funchal, I stopped by CoolZone, the world's largest Cryotherapy centre, which features a -110C chamber and infrared rooms. The state-of-the-art treatment focuses on longevity and caters to travellers looking to reset and relax, rather than rush around. More Trending And that's how the island should be enjoyed. Madeira's magic is undeniable. From its cloud-covered mountain peaks to rugged coastlines, it's made for slow and sustainable travel. The kind that locals are happy to share, as long as you take it all in, and actually be there. And, even though I've only just scratched the surface, I already know I'll be back. I was hosted at The Vine hotel by Visit Madeira, where standard rooms start from €265.70 per night. The hotel is in the heart of Funchal, with the city's best restaurants and attractions right on your doorstep. Santa Caterina Park, which boasts a lake and views over the bay, is just a five minute walk away, as is Funchal Cathedral, built in the 15th century. Funchal's Farmer's market is a must visit in the city, full of exotic fruit, spices and knick-knacks and is just a 10 minute walk from the hotel. The hotel's rooftop features a sleek infinity pool with panoramic views of the city and hills. You can also enjoy the scenery from its rooftop restaurant or bar. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 100ml liquid limit set to be scrapped for flyers across Europe MORE: I tried Heathrow's £3,177 VIP terminal — how the other half fly MORE: Emirates business class review: I 'turned left' — now I'm ruined for life
