One of the newest additions to the hospitality landscape of the city of Funchal, situated on the island of Madeira, is the four-star Hotel Caju. It opened at the end of 2019 and is the sister property of the five-star design jewel The Vine and, as the Savoy Palace (review in German), a baby of one of the world’s leading hotel designers: Nini Andrade Silva.
The design at Hotel Caju
Since Nini was born on the island of Madeira and has one of her offices in Funchal, I walked over to her atelier to have a talk with her. Regarding the interior design, she told me that Caju is a casual, clean hotel. She kept the frames of the old windows, and the historic walls from the time the building served as a supermarket are visible. The supermarket was called Caju because — among other things — it sold cashew nuts. I was told that it had been the first supermarket on the island.
I appreciated the tension in the rooms between the concrete and the historic, centennial walls, the mix of old and new. Nini told me that you should feel the empty space in the hotel. Downstairs, in the spa and gym area, there is a bathroom in the form of a big caju nut.
Nini told me more about the materials she used in the rooms and public spaces: the floors are vynil, offering a fake wooden look. In addition, she used ceramics and microcement. The carpets in the rooms are synthetic, made of polyamide. Some hotel wallpapers look like cement. The reception bar is made of fiber-glass, the open kitchen is in inox. Nini used neutral colours throughout the hotel, brightened here and there by warm tones from wood, saffron and copper.
The façade of Hotel Caju, situated at 112, Rua da Carreira in Funchal 9000-042 on the beautiful island of Madeira, situated a stone’s throw away from the Cathedral. This small street is full of restaurants and small shops, popular with locals, just 300 meters away from the sister property The Vine. Rua da Carreira was formerly known as Rua da Carreira dos Cavalos, because here they used to organize horse races. During Carnival, revellers danced and sang in the street, fruit fights would take place and rotten eggs would be thrown from the windows over the Carnival procession participants to the amusement of the wealthy bourgeoisie who prepared for the occasion with extravagant fantasies. To find photographs of those turbulent past times, have a look at Museu de Fotografia da Madeira — Atelier Vicente’s, situated at number 43 further down the street.
Hotel Caju only features 24 rooms. Here a view of one of three Attic Rooms. They were among my favorites on my hotel tour because they are cosy and charming. If you prefer a balcony, the Superior Rooms offer balconies. Please be aware that only one room comes with a bathtub: my Junior Suite 301. In addition to balconies on two sides, the Junior Suite 301 features an iron and ironboard; laundry and ironing services are of course available, if you prefer professional help. All 24 rooms at Hotel Caju are equipped with a kettle and offer complimentary tea and coffee. I’m traveling with tea, so this “vital” for me.
Prima Caju Restaurant
A fondly remember my breakfasts in November 2020 at Prima Caju Restaurant with freshly squeezed orange juices and equally fresh juices of the day, for instance consisting of watermelon, strawberry and lime. In addition, I enjoyed a soy joghurt, a fruit bowl (with really fresh fruit — this is Madeira island!), some bred and cheese. The lounge music included The Peaky Blinders song “Right Right Hand” performed by Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds. Great!
Prima Caju Restaurant is the baby of three cousins — prima is the Portuguese word for cousins —, relatives of the owner of hotel The Vine who also owns Hotel Caju, both part of the Divine Hotels Collection.
The three cousins had the dream to create a restaurant where one could taste delicious and delightful healthy food. Indeed, in addition to my breakfasts, I also enjoyed a brunch or lunch at the restaurant. All dishes came with fresh, delicious and nutritious ingredients, where possible with organic certification, bought from local farms.
The restaurant and bar offer a good choice of artisan beers as well as locally produced organic wines. Smoothies, fresh juices, teas, herbal teas and infusions are available too.
Prima Caju Restaurant offers fruit bowls, wraps, pancakes, natural juices, but also seabass and ceviche were on the menu when I stayed there. I tried for instance a vegan bowl with chick peas, red cabbage, broccoli, soy bean sprouts, rocket salad, cherry tomatos, tahine and sunflower seeds with a honey sauce with chickpeas on the side. In addition, I went for the daily special, a veggie pasta made of rice flower with soya, orange, honey and almonds. The sweet noodles with an orange on top where a bit overcooked but, nevertheless, had great taste. Once again, I tried the daily juice made of freshly squeezed watermelon, strawberry and lime. Prices are fair. Therefore, the Prima Caju Restaurant is popular with locals. The restaurant was always full when I stayed there and is still busy, whenever I walk through through Rua da Carreira.
View of the lounge and Prima Caju Restaurant. Photo copyright: Hotel Caju — Le Petit Hôtel, Funchal, Madeira.
View of the underground level with the gym, visible in the background, where I worked on my lockdown kilos already earlier in 2020 when staying at the nearby The Vine; because of covid19, hotel guests from The Vine are currently sent over to Hotel Caju to use the gym.
View of my great Junior Suite 301. It is the only room with a bathtub; the bathroom entrance is situated on the other side of the room. In addition, the bathroom offers a separate shower as well as the trademark design by Nini Andrade Silva. All photos copyright: Hotel Caju — Le Petit Hôtel, Funchal, Madeira.
View of a Superior Room with balcony. All photos in this hotel review are the copyright of Hotel Caju — Le Petit Hôtel, Funchal, Madeira.
View of a Prima Caju Restaurant. All photos in this hotel review are the copyright of Hotel Caju — Le Petit Hôtel, Funchal, Madeira.
Review of Hotel Caju in Funchal added on December 1, 2020 at 13:46 Madeira time. Last update on December 2, 2020 at 13:02 Madeira time.
