Madeira was a pleasant surprise for Rosie Doran who took a trip with Mediterranean Experience, an operator who specialises in the crème de la crème of the Med and has three hotels on offer, each being a contrast to the other...

Upon arrival at Funchal, we were driven up into the hills, navigating the hair-pin bends, to the beautiful estate of Casa Velha do Palheiro. The hotel was built in the 19th century as a hunting lodge, and is housed within extensive and beautiful grounds. Madeira is famous for its flowering trees, bushes, and jacarandas. Several acres of the grounds have been created into a stunning golf course, making this a perfect venue for the golf enthusiast. Other facilities include a pool and tennis courts, while the rooms are spacious and graciously decorated. Indeed, the overall feeling is of being a guest in a fine country house.

We were treated to an exceptionally wonderful meal – the chef, Benoit Sinthon, deserves a Michelin star! The restaurant is a must-do, even if you are not staying in the hotel.

We boarded a deep sea fishing boat from the Marina and took a trip round the coast. Funchal gets generally better weather, which is probably why it has become quite built up with modern hotels. By virtue of our boat trip, we discovered an amazing inlet where monks had originally farmed avocados just below the dramatically steep cliffs – now there is a restaurant on the site and is apparently a brilliant place to linger over lunch!

Next stop, Choupana Hills, a stunning hotel devised by French architects who are also responsible for the Datai in Malaysia and the Meridien in Bora Bora . Asian and African influences are evident – a mix of exotism and good taste. The lovely indoor pool and spa overlook the stunning outside free-form green tiled pool. You must treat yourself to an exhilarating hydrotherapy bath and relaxing massage or a Turkish bath. The rooms are all stilted bungalows, some with spectacular views over Funchal, and all with beautiful furnishings and wooden decked balconies. The restaurant at the Choupana is equally stylish and has a superb menu.

This hotel would be a perfect retreat for honeymooners but equally a good choice to relax from the stresses of everyday life!

Our final destination was the magnificent Reids Palace, built in the tradition of Edwardian hotels and set in 10 acres of lush sub-tropical gardens on its own headland and offers style and superb service. Now trying to appeal to a wider range of clients, they've introduced a complimentary kid's programme. The extravagant dining room requires formal attire, but there are three other restaurants that are more casual, including the Brisa del Mare for al-fresco dining.

Reid's boasts three swimming pools, and offer Afternoon Tea and a wide range of activities from Portuguese lessons, wine tastings and cookery lessons to reductions on green fees for the avid golfer. For the energetic, try some Levada walking, following an amazing network of footpaths and primitive man-made irrigation canals that cover the island, which enable visitors to meander through forests and valleys.

There is much to see on Madeira, and it is possible to achieve a lot in a short time, making it the perfect destination for a long weekend.