Madeira's BEST Kept Secret: VidaMar Resort's ALL-INCLUSIVE Dine Around!

VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira - Dine Around Half Board Madeira Island Portugal

Madeira's BEST Kept Secret: VidaMar Resort's ALL-INCLUSIVE Dine Around!

VidaMar Resort Madeira: My All-Inclusive Dine Around Diary (Spoiler Alert: It's Amazing!)

Okay, listen up, because I'm about to spill the beans on Madeira's BEST-KEPT SECRET. Forget those generic package holidays. I'm talking about VidaMar Resort Madeira's ALL-INCLUSIVE Dine Around! Prepare yourselves, because this isn't just a hotel review, it's a full-blown, borderline-obsessive account of my trip, complete with triumphs, minor meltdowns, and enough food-related anecdotes to make your stomach rumble.

First Impressions & Accessibility: Smooth Sailing (Mostly!)

Right off the bat, let me tell you, the airport transfer was a breeze. Shoutout to the super friendly driver who helped with my luggage. The hotel itself is modern, sleek, and… whoa. The ocean views are insane. This is where the "reveal" moment lands, you know, the one where my jaw actually hits the floor? Well I never even knew that was going to happen, but oh, it did. The lobby is spacious and bright, and the check-in? Smoother than a perfectly blended smoothie. Contactless check-in/out is a godsend in these times, and the staff are genuinely welcoming. They even had a little welcome drink!

Now, about accessibility: VidaMar gets a massive thumbs up. Elevators galore, ramps where needed, and they explicitly mention facilities for disabled guests in the description. Although, I must confess, I didn't personally need to use them, I did see people making use of them.

Oh, and Wi-Fi: Free and available in all rooms! Hallelujah! Plus, more Wi-Fi in public areas. No more hunting for a signal like a digital scavenger. I have to add that I was working during this trip, and the Internet [LAN] also came in so handy, in case I had a poor connection from my room. I am a complete techie, so this was an important point for me.

Rooms: My Personal Oasis (With a Few Quirks)

My room? Let's just say I could happily live there. Seriously, I think the design of the room was beautiful. The bed was huge, comfy, and with extra-long bed option. Air conditioning in its finest condition! The blackout curtains were a game-changer. Seriously, I could have slept for a week… which I almost did, despite having sooooo many amazing events planned. I loved complimentary tea and free bottled water. Oh god, I loved the daily housekeeping. The bathroom phone, though, felt a little… unnecessary. But hey, I am not complaining! The separate shower/bathtub combo was pure bliss. The slippers and bathrobes were a lovely touch – perfect for lounging. And the in-room safe box was a nice peace of mind.

Safety and Cleanliness: (So Much) Peace of Mind

Okay, this is where VidaMar truly shines. I was genuinely impressed with their commitment to safety. Anti-viral cleaning products, professional-grade sanitizing services, and rooms sanitized between stays? Check, check, check. Daily disinfection in common areas and staff trained in safety protocol. I even saw them using sterilizing equipment. It felt incredibly safe, and that's a huge plus. They had a first aid kit and doctor/nurse on call if needed, too. I felt like I could actually relax, and that is something I haven't felt for a very LONG TIME.

The All-Inclusive Dine Around: My Culinary Conquest!

This is where things get really interesting. The ALL-INCLUSIVE DINE AROUND! This isn't just your bog-standard buffet (though they do have a fantastic one). This is an experience. The choice! The freedom! My stomach is rumbling just thinking about it.

• Restaurants: A veritable feast of options. They have so many restaurants, including Asian cuisine in the restaurant, vegetarian restaurant, and a Western cuisine in restaurant. Every single place delivered an outstanding experience, so I would definitely rank them as restaurants.
• Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet] with everything your heart (and stomach) could desire, from the best Asian breakfast to a classic Western breakfast. I loved all the desserts in the restaurant. Every meal felt like a celebration.
• Lunch: A la carte in restaurant. I didn't want to leave the resort, so what a pleasure it was! And the quality was amazing.
• Dinner: This is where the Dine Around truly shines. The Asian cuisine in the restaurant was divine. Seriously, I had some of the best sushi of my life. The international cuisine in restaurant was outstanding. But, let's be honest, I still had to go back for one last helping of the salad at the last day.

The Verdict on Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:

The poolside bar was perfect for cocktails. The coffee/tea in restaurant was a constant delight. The bottle of water was much appreciated. I may have frequented the snack bar more than I'd like to admit. Room service [24-hour]? Essential, particularly after one… ahem… particularly lively evening at the Happy hour. The staff are attentive and friendly. They accommodated my every whim. And, the sanitized kitchen and tableware items gave me complete peace of mind.

Pools, Spa, and Ways to Relax: Time to Unwind (and Possibly Flirt)

Okay, the swimming pool [outdoor]… is breathtaking. Surrounded by lush vegetation, with pool with view. It's simply idyllic. I spent hours lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun. I even tried out the Body scrub and Body wrap at the Spa. Pure bliss! A little bit of pampering went a long way. They also have a sauna, steamroom and foot bath. I always tell myself, "Maybe I will try these next time" but somehow, never did! I really liked the gym/fitness centre also.

Things To Do: More Than Just a Pretty Face

VidaMar is more than just a place to eat and relax. They have a fitness center, and I saw many people using it. There's a convenience store if you forget anything, and a gift/souvenir shop for those last-minute presents. They also had a shrine, and I thought, how cool! I didn't go, but I thought it was a nice touch.

Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras That Make All the Difference

Here are the little things that made a big difference: Air conditioning in public area, concierge service (super helpful), daily housekeeping (essential!), dry cleaning, elevator, facilities for disabled guests, and luggage storage. They even had a cash withdrawal machine in the Hotel chain!

For the Kids: Fun for the Whole Family

While this was a solo trip for me, I noticed VidaMar is definitely family/child friendly. They have a babysitting service, kids facilities, and even kids meal options.

Getting Around: Convenient & Hassle-Free

Airport transfer, car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], taxi service, and valet parking - they have you covered. The Bicycle parking was super easy.

Final Verdict: Book It. Seriously. Now.

Look, I could go on and on. But the tl;dr version is this: VidaMar Resort Madeira's ALL-INCLUSIVE Dine Around is a winner. It offers incredible value, delicious food, stunning views, and a commitment to safety that's unparalleled. The accessibility is fantastic, the staff are wonderful, and the experience is unforgettable.

My Only Imperfection: Next time, I'm scheduling two weeks. One week just wasn't enough to conquer all the amazing food!

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Here's My Pitch to You, the Future VidaMar Adventurer:

Are you ready to trade the ordinary for the extraordinary? To trade the same 3 meals at the same hotel for the freedom of a culinary adventure?

Stop dreaming and start booking!

Special Offer:

Book your VidaMar Resort Madeira ALL-INCLUSIVE Dine Around experience within the next 30 days and receive:

• A complimentary bottle of local wine in your room upon arrival. (Because, why not?)
• A free upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability). (So you can admire those views!)
• A guaranteed reservation at the most popular restaurant, the Asian one that I recommended so highly! (Because you really, REALLY don't want to miss it.)

But hurry! This offer won't last forever. Escape to paradise. Escape to VidaMar. And happy feasting!

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VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira - Dine Around Half Board Madeira Island Portugal

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… well, it's my attempt at one for the VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira. And it's gonna be a bumpy ride, just like my emotions.

VidaMar Resort & Dine Around: Madeira Island - The Reality Show (with me as the incredibly flawed star)

Day 1: Arrival - Sweet Relief & Mild Panic

• Morning (Beforenoon?): Flying from, well, somewhere (I’ll spare you the boring details), and honestly? The flight was a blur of stale peanuts and existential dread. I swear, I get worse at flying every year. The legroom situation was a crime.
• Afternoon: Landed! Madeira! Sun! Smells of… something vaguely floral? Definitely an improvement on the airplane recirculated air. Finding the transfer was a mini-adventure, involving a LOT of staring at signs and internally debating the merits of yelling "VIDAMAR?!" at everyone until someone, anyone, acknowledged me. Success! Found the shuttle.
• Late Afternoon/Early Evening: VidaMar itself. Woah. Okay, okay, not bad. The lobby is… impressively large. The check-in process felt like a slow-motion ballet of exhaustion. My room? Ocean view! (I did, however, immediately find a rogue dust bunny judging me from the corner. Rude.)
• Evening: Dinner at the Ocean Restaurant (part of the dine around). Oysters! I love oysters. Or, I thought I loved oysters until I tried these. Texture was a bit… slippery, let’s say. Forced myself to have a couple more (because, hey, fancy! And I'm paying!) The view, though? Unbelievable. Felt a profound sense of "Wow, I'm actually here." Followed by a wave of "Oh God, did I pack enough sunscreen?" (Spoiler: I hadn't).

Day 2: Levada Walks, Lost in Clouds & (Mostly) Finding Inner Peace (and a Pastry)

• Morning (7:00 AM -ish): Woke up way too early, thanks to jet lag and the persistent fear of missing out. Coffee, a balcony staring contest with the Atlantic, and a frantic search for my hiking boots. Seriously, where are those things?
• Morning (Later, Much Later): Levada walk. The official plan: stunning views, fresh air, enlightenment. The reality: muddy boots, near-death experiences (the path was… narrow), and a constant fear of falling into the abyss. The views WERE incredible, though. Seriously, breathtaking. Felt a sudden urge to write poetry, which I violently suppressed. (Poetry is the devil)
• Afternoon: Lunch at a teeny café in a charming village. Found the best bolo do caco. I'm pretty sure I could live on that alone. It's like a warm hug of bread perfection. Also, managed to nearly order an entire side of potatoes, just because they looked so… potato-y. Restrained myself. (Mostly).
• Afternoon (Part 2): Lost in the clouds. Literally. We were supposed to see a viewpoint, but the fog rolled in like a grumpy giant, and visibility was, well… bad. But you know what? The air smelled amazing.
• Evening: Dinner at Il Basilico (dine around). Italian night! Spaghetti and wine! Honestly, felt a bit homesick for my own Italian. Still, very nice food!
  • Anecdote: I forgot my camera in the restaurant. Had to go back and retrieve it. Felt like a complete twit. But at least I got to thank the incredibly nice staff (again). Their patience with my clumsiness is truly remarkable.

Day 3: Funchal Frenzy & Fishy Business

• Morning: Funchal city! Wow, what a beautiful city! Got on a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour because I'm a sucker for tourist traps. Found the market. Fruits I'd never seen before, fish that looked like they'd escaped from a Dr. Seuss book, and flowers that smelled like a tropical explosion. Spent a terrifying amount of money on a "souvenir" (a tiny ceramic donkey that now sits on my window sill, judging me).
• Afternoon: Trying to navigate the steep streets of Funchal in heels. A disaster. Ended up taking a cable car. Views spectacular. Fear level: high.
• Late Afternoon: Dinner at Casa da Carvão (dine around). Ordered a grilled fish. Huge mistake. So many bones!!! But I'm so bad at eating fish. Still, I survived (mostly). More importantly, the wine was fabulous.
  • Quirky observation: The locals seem to live and breathe coffee. Everywhere! Even the dogs are caffeinated, I swear.
• Evening: Finished the night with a stroll alongside the harbor. Watched the sunset. It was…perfect.

Day 4: Deep Sea Dive (of Boredom), The Art of Relaxation (Finally), & The Poolside Drama

• Morning : Went on a boat trip. I was expecting whales - didn't see any. A long, boring, long boat trip and the sea just kept on rocking and rolling.
• Afternoon: Finally the relaxation I needed - the spa. It included a full body massage, where I feel the therapist's hands. Then, I proceeded to go to the pool.
• Afternoon 2: Saw some girl talking to the barman with her husband next to her, both laughing at everything she said. Felt a bit envious.
• Evening: Had dinner at Paladar (dine around). Food was good, but I went to bed and couldn't sleep because I was thinking about the lady with the barman.

Day 5: Departure - A Tearful Farewell (Maybe)

• Morning: Last breakfast. Cried, because it was the best one.
• Afternoon: Leaving Madeira, never wanting the good times to end.
• Evening: Back home.

Overall Assessment:

• Overall Mood: A rollercoaster. Joy, fear, confusion, mild food poisoning (just kidding… I think).
• Highlights: Levada walks (despite the near-death experiences), bolo do caco, sunsets, the incredible kindness of the Madeiran people.
• Lowlights: The bone-filled fish situation, the flight home (again).
• Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Even with the dust bunnies, the potential for falling off cliffs, and the ever-present threat of bad seafood. Madeira, you charming, chaotic, beautiful island, I’ll be back… eventually. And next time, I'm bringing ALL the sunscreen. And a better fish-eating technique.

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VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira - Dine Around Half Board Madeira Island Portugal

Alright, so you've heard the whispers... VidaMar's Dine Around. Is it heaven? Is it hype? Let's dissect this thing, shall we? Brace yourself, because I'm not sugarcoating anything.

What's the big deal? What *is* this "Dine Around" thing anyway?

Okay, so picture this: you're at VidaMar Resort in Madeira, the stunning Atlantic winking at you. You’ve paid for all-inclusive. Normally, that means the same buffet every. Single. Day. Ugh. But NOT here. They've got this "Dine Around" dealie, which means you can ditch the buffet (bless!) and eat at a bunch of their restaurants. Think Japanese, Italian, the works. It's like... all-inclusive with actual choices. Mind. Blown.
Honestly, it's the *only* reason I wouldn't instantly burst into tears at the thought of an all-inclusive. Which, let's face it, is a feat in itself.

How Many Restaurants are in the Dine Around Experience?

Well, it depends on the season and their ever-changing whims (more on that later…), but usually, you're looking at *at least* three or four restaurants accessible. I've seen it fluctuate, so don't quote me on the exact number. Check the current list when you get there, and pray to the culinary gods they haven't *deleted* the sushi place (more on my existential horror of that possibility later). They typically include a buffet (which, let's be honest, you'll probably hit up once or twice), an Italian place, and some other fancy options like Asian fusion or a more refined grill.
My advice? Scope out all the menus *immediately* upon arrival. Strategic dining is key here, people!

Okay, sounds good… but is the food any *good*? Seriously?

Okay, this is where things get SUPER subjective. Look, it's not Michelin-star dining. Let's be real. But for all-inclusive, the food is *astonishingly* good. Way better than I expected. The Italian place? Solid. Pasta, pizza, the works. The Asian fusion spot (when it's on the menu) can be a bit hit-or-miss, but sometimes… *chef's kiss*. And the grill? Delicious. Juicy steaks, perfectly cooked fish.
I had a grilled octopus one night that nearly brought a tear to my eye. I'm a sucker for octopus. Anyway, I'm getting off track... food is awesome.

Is it actually "all-inclusive"? Like, no extra charges?

Mostly. Drinks are included (duh). But some premium spirits, and certain meals *may* have surcharges. Read the fine print! (I usually don't, and then I'm dramatically fishing for the bill only to be met with a small, but unpleasant, number I wasn't prepared for!) Look, they've got to make money somehow, right? But the core meals are included, and that's the important part. Check the menus, ask questions! Don't be shy!

How do I book a table at these restaurants? Is it a nightmare?

This is often the CRITICAL part. Listen closely. It *can* be a bit of a pain, depending on how busy the resort is (and the time of year). You usually have to book in advance. There's often a dedicated desk or a QR code to scan. Book *as early as possible*. I'm talking, Day One, people. Don't be like me and think, "Oh, I'll do it later." My later turned into a desperate scramble for a table at 9:30 pm.
Pro-tip: Book your favorites, and then book again anyway. Cancel if you don't need it. Better to have a table than to be hangry and eating at the buffet out of desperation. Trust me on that one. Don't underestimate the power of hunger!

Okay, let's talk about that sushi place. Is there one? And is it any good? (Because you sound highly strung about this particular restaurant.)

Okay, deep breaths. Yes, there has, in the past, been a sushi restaurant. And yes, it was AMAZING. Fresh, flavorful, perfect. I dreamed about that sushi for months.
*THIS IS WHERE MY FEARS LIE.*
VidaMar management, if you're reading this: PLEASE KEEP THE SUSHI. PLEASE. Don't take it away. Don't replace it with mediocre burgers. Preserve the sushi. It's the heart of the Dine Around experience. The soul. The… Okay, I'm getting carried away. But seriously. Check if it's still there before you book. If it's not... I may need therapy. For real.

Are there any downsides? What should I watch out for?

Oh, there are a few. Firstly, the booking system can be frustrating. Secondly, depending on the restaurant or time, it CAN get busy. Sometimes you might feel a little rushed. Thirdly, the variety, while good for all-inclusive, might still get, at some point, repetitive if you're staying for an extended period. Fourthly... and this is a big one… restaurants change around. Menus change. Sadly the sushi can disappear (see above).
But overall, the upsides vastly outweigh the downsides.

Should I do it? Is it worth the extra money?

YES. Absolutely, unequivocally YES. If you're even considering VidaMar and the Dine Around, do it. It elevates the whole all-inclusive experience from "meh" to "actually enjoyable." It’s not just about the food; it's about the *experience*. The feeling of having choices. Of not being trapped in the same buffet hellhole day after day. It's mental freedom, people!
Honestly, it's worth every penny. Just... book early. And pray for the sushi. Seriously. Pray.

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VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira - Dine Around Half Board Madeira Island Portugal

VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira - Dine Around Half Board Madeira Island Portugal

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