Hôtel Top Clubs Energie Pestana Royal Ocean & Spa ResortAll Inclusive in Madeira

Claire Vasseur

JustRelax travel writer · 5 min read

Some addresses make an impression the moment you lay eyes on them. The Pestana Royal Ocean & Spa Resort is exactly that kind of place. From its elevated position above Funchal, the view sweeps wide across the Atlantic, with the dramatic Cabo Girão cliff dropping sheer into the water on the horizon. The hotel's colonial architecture, soft tones and well-kept gardens speak of an elegant, unhurried Madeira. Add a French-speaking Top Clubs team running the entertainment, and the energy lifts without ever losing its refined edge.

Arrival

The transfer from the airport takes around 25 minutes and is included in your package. As you approach, the hotel's white colonial facade gradually comes into view, framed by the deep blue of the ocean visible from the entrance. The classically decorated lobby sets the tone immediately: this is a property that takes its standards seriously. All 313 rooms are thoughtfully equipped with a private bathroom featuring a bathtub or shower, hairdryer, air conditioning, television, telephone, free Wi-Fi, safe and refrigerator. The Deluxe Balcony rooms are located on the upper floors and offer extra space along with a private balcony from which you can watch the sunrise over the sea. Deluxe Balcony Sea View rooms and Suites complete the range, accommodating couples as well as families of various configurations. One practical note: the hotel is not recommended for guests with reduced mobility due to the clifftop terrain. Also plan for a local tourism tax of 2 euros per person per night, payable on-site.

Dining, all included

The all-inclusive formula at the Pestana Royal covers all your meals at the main buffet restaurant, with a varied and regularly updated selection making the most of local produce. For a change of scenery, you can dine up to twice a week at one of the three à la carte restaurants, which serve Madeiran specialities and Italian cuisine. These restaurants operate according to the weekly hotel schedule and require advance booking, so we recommend reserving early in your stay. On the drinks side, the formula is clear and generous: a selection of non-alcoholic beverages and international spirits is included from 11am to 11pm. Light snacks are available from 11am to 6pm at the pool bar. The hotel has two bars to complete the offering. We recommend confirming the exact details of the all-inclusive formula directly with Top Clubs or your JustRelax advisor, as inclusions and posted schedules may vary by season and room type.

Days by the water

The hotel is built around two outdoor swimming pools fitted with sun loungers and parasols, plus a dedicated children's paddling pool where little ones can splash safely while adults enjoy their own space. An indoor pool rounds out the aquatic offering for cooler days or those who prefer to swim under cover. The pebble beach of Praia Formosa is accessible from the hotel via a path or lift, two practical options that account for the clifftop elevation. Sports facilities include a fitness room, a multi-sport court, a tennis court, a billiard table and a mini-golf course. The animation team runs a structured daily programme six days out of seven, with aqua gym sessions, fitness classes, volleyball and pétanque keeping things active without any obligation. The Magic Spa offers massages and treatments on-site, available at an additional cost and not included in the all-inclusive formula. Parking is available at 20 euros per day, and a laundry service is offered with a surcharge.

Evening vibes

Once the sun drops behind Cabo Girão, the Pestana Royal shifts gear. Six evenings out of seven, the Top Clubs team runs a programme of live shows, dance evenings, live music and signature formats like Top Exploreur and Top Surprise, events that bring families and friends together around lively and often unexpected moments. The atmosphere is festive without being intrusive. You choose to join in or not, and that balance is precisely what makes it work for everyone. For those who want to venture out, a free shuttle to the centre of Funchal runs twice daily subject to availability, a genuine opportunity to explore the old town, covered markets and waterfront as evening falls.

Who is it for?

The Pestana Royal is built for everyone, and that is genuinely one of its strengths. Families with children aged 4 to 17 benefit from a Mini Club (4-12 years) offering games, creative activities, supervised lunch twice a week and a weekly evening event. The Teen Club (13-17 years) picks up with sports, tournaments, photography and mini-reporting activities, with some activities shared with adults depending on group size. Parents breathe easy, kids thrive. Couples and seniors will appreciate the quality of the relaxation spaces, the constant ocean view from upper-floor rooms and the shuttle to Funchal for cultural outings. The Top Clubs representative is on-site several times a week and reachable daily, providing a reassuring point of contact throughout your stay. This hotel is for those who want to enjoy without having to manage, and it delivers exactly that.