Savoy Palace

When Ricardo’s family conceived the Savoy Palace, they decided that the spa would be like no other. Yes, it would be the largest in Portugal. Yes, it would have amazing design and architecture. But in a spa, what matters most, apart from the professionals who work there, is what comes into contact with our skin. That, to be good, must be unique. So instead of choosing a generic brand, the Savoy selected six. Each one suitable for ladies or gentlemen, for specific treatments. Above all, they are brands with a history. In other words: “Those brands have a name and a person behind them. When we opened the hotel, all its founders were still alive. So, there was someone to tell the story of each brand”. The point being: that personalized aspect certainly endures across the hotel.

This philosophy of thoughtful intention and authenticity has always been evident in his family, says Ricardo, revealing a passion and pride, and a deep personal connection with everything the Savoy Palace represents today. “My father was the founder and the visionary behind everything that’s mostly related to the infrastructure and the facilities. We come from a construction background. The family business started in the 80s as a building company. It was not only until the 90s that we had our first venture. At that point we built a small hotel in the west side of Madeira. It’s still in the portfolio, but it was not so much seen as part of the business as a give back to the community. And the Savoy might be the epitome of luxury, but only because it follows the same principle.” Then he adds, almost like a mantra: “We bring the island’s soul into everything we do.”

“Let me tell you something”, continues Ricardo. “Something that maybe is not known to those who visit the hotel or pass by it, who are not aware of the extent it represents an asset to the Savoy”. Here it is: “It’s our gardens, plants, trees and flowers, that we have in every one of the 70 floors of the building. We have more than 50,000 square feet of gardens spread out throughout the hotel. More than 250 different species. Twelve of them are native to the island”.

It’s nature’s power, making the city a better place. “The greenery, the plants, the flowers, really mitigated, if any, the impact we have in the landscape of the city. I guess these pretty huge numbers, one would not expect them in an urban area”.

Speaking about urbanism and the relationship with Funchal: “We say that the Savoy Palace is cosmopolitan because we have a modern view perspective on the architecture and the interior design of the building. It’s a cosmopolitan urban resort, very close to the ocean. We are oceanfront, with access to the sea. But at the same time at a walking distance to the very center of Funchal. The old town is a five-minute walk away!”

Ricardo certainly knows what he’s doing. He’s continuously excited about it. “I see myself, as the second generation in the business, as the one that focuses more on the soft product, the experiences that our guests have. And also, as the propeller of not only innovation, but also the principles of sustainability. They are in the core of what we offer and our vision for the future. Not that sustainability is something new or modern, but that’s something we’re very, very conscious about.”

Oh yes, Ricardo is in love with the Savoy. Who wouldn’t be, being this the modern Hanging Gardens of Funchal?