Madeira Azul | 5-Bedroom Villa in TABUA Ribeira Brava

Picture this: twelve guests stepping into a contemporary villa perched above the southwestern coast of Madeira, where the Atlantic horizon meets terraced gardens in Tabua, a quieter corner of Calheta district. Madeira Azul sleeps 12 guests across 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, positioned just 10 minutes from Ponta do Sol’s town centre and mere kilometres from some of Portugal’s most compelling coastal terrain. This is the kind of property where groups arrive planning activity schedules and leave remembering conversations on sun-warmed terraces instead.

Inside Madeira Azul

Ground floor living begins with a generous lounge—the kind with substantial seating arrangements facing a wall-mounted television and a functioning fireplace that transforms cooler evenings into gathering spaces. Terrace access means the living room fades into outdoor space rather than ending abruptly at glass doors. The dining zone accommodates eight people at a formal table with high-backed seating, also spilling onto the terrace where wine tastes somehow sharper at altitude. The kitchen operates as a working hub rather than mere catering space: white joinery, extensive countertops, and a separate dining alcove for ten suggest the property’s designers anticipated serious cooking, not just reheating. A guest toilet on this level prevents bottlenecks when visitors descend from upstairs.

First floor quarters divide into working and resting zones. The fitness area—equipped with cardio and strength setup—commands a balcony view, making morning workouts feel less obligatory. Three bedrooms occupy this floor: a master with double bed, walk-in closet, en-suite shower room and balcony access; two additional doubles each with balcony entry and separate shower room. The shower room serves those two bedrooms with efficient pragmatism.

Top floor tranquility comes courtesy of a second living area—seating, coffee table, balcony—where guests can decompress away from ground-level traffic. Two further double bedrooms provide sleeping capacity here, alongside a bathtub-equipped bathroom offering soak options rather than shower-only functionality. This separation means multi-generational groups or friendship clusters maintain autonomy without isolation.

Every bedroom contains substantial double beds (not compromised singles pretending to be doubles). The 4 bathrooms distribute across three floors, minimising morning logistics for larger parties. Central heating, air conditioning and Wi-Fi function throughout—connectivity is assumed, warmth is guaranteed, despite Madeira’s generally temperate climate.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The heated pool dominates the exterior: chlorinated water maintained at swimmable temperature year-round, surrounded by terrace decking and a collection of loungers for post-swim recovery. The barbecue station sits within the covered terrace area, allowing cookouts to proceed regardless of afternoon cloud cover—common at this altitude. Private parking accommodates multiple vehicles without guests hunting for spaces. The terraced layout means sight lines extend across different elevations; standing on the upper terrace observes the pool, which observes the lower gardens. This topographical staging creates visual interest and usable microclimates.

The outdoor dining setup permits alfresco meals without tables crowding the pool zone. Sun loungers face varying aspects—some catch morning light, others favour afternoon shade beneath the covered terrace structure. The cumulative effect is a garden that functions rather than merely displays.

Location: TABUA and the Surrounding Area

Tabua positions Madeira Azul within the municipality of Calheta, on Madeira’s southwestern coast—a region characterised by cliffside villages, agricultural terraces and Atlantic exposure rather than tourist saturation. Ponta do Sol lies 3km away, a genuine working town with fishing heritage and contemporary restaurants rather than resort infrastructure. The namesake beach at Ponta do Sol stretches 400 metres of dark volcanic sand backed by a promenade where locals outnumber tourists even during July and August; swimming works year-round thanks to the Gulf Stream’s moderating influence.

Calheta itself, 4km east, operates as the district’s administrative and commercial hub. Supermarkets, pharmacies and the regional food market cluster here, selling espetada (beef grilled on bay-leaf skewers) from butchers and prepared versions from cafés. This isn’t tourist espetada—it’s the working dish of local agriculture and fishing communities, available from any establishment with a barbecue.

Bica da Cana, 30km northeast, offers substantial hiking through montane landscape where temperature drops noticeably and cloud forest vegetation takes over from cultivated slopes. The trail accommodates fitness levels from active walkers upward. Completion takes 3-4 hours including photo stops at ridgeline vistas. Access requires 50 minutes of driving, but rewards justify the distance.

Cristóvão Colombo Museum in Funchal (30km east, 45-minute drive) documents the explorer’s Madeiran connections through documented collections rather than conjecture. Funchal’s Mercado dos Lavradores offers local produce daily except Sunday, with sections selling everything from lychees to passion fruit. Explore our luxury villas in Madeira across the island’s distinct districts, or review our full collection in Portugal for mainland alternatives. For deeper destination planning, read our Calheta travel guide covering seasonal conditions and activity timing.

Seasonal patterns matter here: April through June and September through November deliver temperate weather (20-22°C), minimal rain and functional hiking conditions. July-August peaks at 25°C with occasional afternoon thunderstorms; winter (December-March) brings Atlantic swell and cloud cover, though rarely severe cold. The island’s position at 32°N latitude means sunset in December occurs at 5:10pm, sunrise at 7:10am—winter daylight shortens noticeably. Beach swimming remains feasible year-round due to ocean temperature holding 17-18°C minimum.

Specialist activities cluster around coastal and mountain pursuits: boat hire for sport fishing operates from Funchal and Porto Santo; the Madeira Wine Company offers tour and tasting in the capital; cycling routes vary from steep mountain passes to valley floor circuits. The island’s narrowness—never more than 22km wide—means reaching contrasting environments within 45 minutes of driving.

Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (formerly Madeira Airport) at Santa Cruz operates 45km north of Tabua, approximately 60-75 minutes by hire car depending on traffic and weather-related speed restrictions on the coastal motorway. Direct flights connect to Lisbon (90 minutes), London (4 hours) and several European capitals.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended family groups spanning three generations function efficiently here: teenagers occupy top-floor bedrooms maintaining autonomy; parents claim first-floor master quarters; grandparents appreciate main-floor accessibility without stair negotiation. The dual living spaces prevent everyone occupying the same room simultaneously.

Friendship groups of six to twelve, particularly those mixing fitness enthusiasts with relaxation seekers, divide naturally: the gym accommodates morning workout routines while others use sunrise terraces and coffee. Couples seeking privacy can rent the property entirely, treating upper floors as guest zones and enjoying substantial owner-operator space.

Professional groups requiring co-working space (writers, designers, small team retreats) leverage the dual living areas and Wi-Fi infrastructure while accessing Atlantic views rather than conference-room walls.

Families with children benefit from the heated pool (safe year-round), proximity to non-crowded Ponta do Sol beach, the fitness gym’s capacity for yoga or pilates classes, and multiple bedroom configurations allowing adult supervision without parent-child bed-sharing.

Practical Information

Capacity: 12 guests maximum. Bedrooms: 5 (all doubles). Bathrooms: 4 (shower rooms on first floor for two bedrooms; en-suite for master; bathtub bathroom on top floor). The property includes Wi-Fi, air conditioning, central heating, pool heating, washing machine, dishwasher and hair dryer. Linens and towels are provided. Cot and high chair available on advance request. An alarm system monitors the property during occupancy. Parking accommodates multiple vehicles on private grounds.

Check-in timing shows flexibility; coordinate with Excellence Luxury Villas for specific arrival windows. The property maintains Tourist License 126043/AL with the regional authority.

Frequently Asked Questions about Madeira Azul

How many guests does Madeira Azul sleep?

Madeira Azul accommodates 12 guests across 5 double bedrooms (three on the first floor, two on the top floor) and 4 bathrooms. The property distributes sleeping space across three floors, allowing multi-generational or multi-group dynamics without shared bedroom arrangements.

What is the nearest airport to Madeira Azul in Tabua?

Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (Madeira Airport) at Santa Cruz lies approximately 45km northeast of Madeira Azul. Transfer time via hire car averages 60-75 minutes depending on coastal motorway conditions and weather-related speed restrictions. Direct flights operate to Lisbon, London, and major European hubs.

What is the best time of year to rent Madeira Azul?

April through June and September through November provide optimal conditions: temperatures of 20-22°C, minimal rainfall and functional hiking weather. July-August attracts visitors seeking warmth (25°C) but brings occasional afternoon thunderstorms and busier local tourism. Winter (December-March) offers solitude and dramatic Atlantic conditions but reduced daylight and cooler ocean temperature (17-18°C). The heated pool mitigates winter water temperature concerns. Seasonal crowds concentrate July-August; shoulder months deliver comparable weather with quieter villages and restaurants.

Is Madeira Azul suitable for families with children?

Yes. The heated pool operates year-round at swimmable temperature. Ponta do Sol beach (3km away) provides non-crowded swimming with lifeguard presence during high season. The property includes a cot and high chair on request. Multiple bedroom levels allow parent supervision without shared sleeping arrangements. The fitness gym accommodates children’s classes if arranged. Local restaurants across Calheta and Ponta do Sol maintain casual family-friendly environments. Age-appropriate activities range from coastal walks to mountain trails with graduated difficulty.

What is included in the rental price at Madeira Azul?

The rental price includes Wi-Fi connection, air conditioning, central heating, pool heating, electricity, water and gas utilities. Linens, towels, hairdryer and basic cleaning supplies are provided. The washing machine and dishwasher operate freely. Cot and high chair are available on advance request at no additional charge. The private heated pool, barbecue facilities, parking and alarm system function throughout your stay. Standard housekeeping turnover is included; additional cleaning services can be arranged for extended stays.

What restaurants and shops are near Madeira Azul?

Ponta do Sol (3km, 5-minute drive) contains multiple restaurants serving regional cuisine, particularly espetada and fresh fish. Calheta (4km, 8-minute drive) hosts the regional supermarket, pharmacy, post office and the traditional food market selling local produce daily except Sunday. Funchal (30km northeast, 45-minute drive) provides larger supermarket chains, the Mercado dos Lavradores public market and numerous restaurants spanning casual to fine dining. Local bakeries in Ponta do Sol open early; the coastal town maintains fishing fleet activity providing daily fish deliveries to restaurants and market stalls.