VIDAMAR RESORT HOTEL

We read good recommendations from fellow vegan travellers and I am happy to add my own. The Ocean restaurant where the breakfast and dinner buffet is served lacks an official vegan/vegetarian menu but the hotel staff were familiar with the requirements. On day one our room number went on a special guest requests list, so every evening our drinks order was taken and the special vegan special dish of the day was brought to our table.

Chef Pedro had a vegetable curry prepared, or a pasta (by our suggestion) , a burger or a salad with couscous. All very well balanced flavours, with excellent produce and generous serving sizes. For dessert the dark chocolate tarts and crème de lait were especially good.

With breakfast the story is similar. Chef Susie had tofu, vegan cheese and assorted vegetables set aside for us so that each morning we had veg prepared by the chefs who are making omelettes for the other guests (the vegetables hot plate/grill is separate even if we didn't insist on that).

We were welcomed and received service with a smile on all occasions. When my partner caught a head cold and I dined by myself, the restaurant front of house team lead was particularly helpful.

My photos are of the dinners only but the breakfast buffet and the fresh fruit on offer should have been photographed as well :)

We loved staying here!
Highlights included spacious room for myself and 2 teens, pool tables we played at endlessly! Epic views out to sea. Incredible buffet breakfast and dinner each night. Nice bar with live music. We loved walking into the centre - easy and picturesque. Reception helped us book activities, which were ideal!

Very relaxing hotel, well located to walk into Funchal or along the coast. Good buffet food and specialty restaurants included in the half board.

Had a great holiday in the sun with good friends. Half board is the perfect way to holiday. The buffet breakfast is good, but it took me several days to get decaf white coffee from the machine. The singing egg lady is definitely worth a visit. There's a toaster for only gluten-free bread. Good selection of fruit, cheese and meats. Bacon leaves a little to be desired. Evening meal buffets were varied but there was not a lot of flavour to anything. It was disappointing to have to pay for water and a bit strange that salt and pepper was only available in sachets.

First time staying at this hotel and can't fault it..great service...kind welcoming staff... excellent food and drink