Sitting majestically along the captivating coastline of Madeira, the Savoy Palace Hotel stands as a testament to opulence and elegance. With its awe-inspiring architecture, breathtaking vistas, and unparalleled amenities, it has earned its place as one of the world’s most prestigious destinations. Set to host the Grand Final of the World Travel Awards and the World Golf Awards later this year, the Savoy Palace Hotel beckons travelers from around the globe to experience a realm of luxury like no other.
A Marvel of Architecture and Design

From the moment one sets foot inside the Savoy Palace Hotel, they are enveloped in an atmosphere of grandeur and sophistication. Designed by the renowned architect, Ricardo Bofill, this architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends contemporary aesthetics with timeless elegance. The façade of the hotel, adorned with intricate details and sleek lines, exudes a sense of luxury that is truly captivating.

Unparalleled Luxury and Comfort

Every aspect of the Savoy Palace Hotel is crafted to provide guests with an unparalleled experience of luxury and comfort. The hotel boasts an array of lavish accommodations, ranging from spacious suites to indulgent penthouses, each meticulously designed to cater to the discerning tastes of its guests. From plush furnishings to state-of-the-art amenities, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to ensure a truly unforgettable stay.

A Gastronomic Journey of Culinary Excellence

At the Savoy Palace Hotel, dining is not just a meal—it’s a culinary journey of unparalleled excellence. With a selection of world-class restaurants and bars, guests are treated to an exquisite gastronomic experience that tantalizes the taste buds and satisfies the soul. From innovative fusion cuisine to traditional Madeiran delicacies, each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients and presented with impeccable style.

Indulgence and Relaxation

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the Savoy Palace Hotel offers a haven of tranquility and indulgence. Guests can unwind in the hotel’s luxurious spa, where a range of holistic treatments and therapies await to soothe the mind, body, and soul. Alternatively, they can soak up the sun by the hotel’s sparkling infinity pool, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and panoramic views of the azure Atlantic Ocean.

A Paradise for Golf Enthusiasts

For golf enthusiasts, the Savoy Palace Hotel is a true paradise. Set against the backdrop of Madeira’s stunning landscapes, the hotel is home to an array of world-class golf courses that offer a challenge for players of all skill levels. Whether teeing off amidst towering cliffs or overlooking the ocean, golfers are treated to an unforgettable experience that combines breathtaking scenery with exhilarating gameplay.

A Venue for Prestigious Events

As the host of the Grand Final of the World Travel Awards and the World Golf Awards later this year, the Savoy Palace Hotel further cements its reputation as a venue of distinction. With its unrivaled facilities, impeccable service, and stunning surroundings, it provides the perfect setting for celebrating excellence in the world of travel and golf.

BTN caught up with the very busy team at this amazing property to find out more as to why they are performing so well and delivering far and beyond on their guests expectations.

BTN: Following a recent interview for BTN with Dr. Eduardo Jesus- Regional Secretary of Tourism/MPB President it is abundantly clear how proud the island is to be hosting not just the Grand Final of the World Travel Awards but the 11th World Golf Awards. The choice of hotel when it comes to hosting these major events which draws tourism officials from across the region is critical, what then do you think were the key points in selecting Savoy Palace Madeira as the Host Venue for both?

SPH: At Savoy Palace hotel, we host events combining dedication, grandeur, and flexibility. With a highly professional and efficient approach, we manage each demand as our own, ensuring maximum support for a successful event. Together, in the heart of Funchal and in Madeira Island’s largest and most modern hotel, we can curate remarkable and impactful moments that transcend geographical boundaries. With our luxurious facilities, world-class service, and attention to detail, we provide an exceptional experience for guests and attendees alike.

Moreover, our strategic location in Madeira offers a stunning backdrop for these prestigious events, adding to the overall appeal and allure of the gatherings. Our island’s natural beauty, coupled with our state-of-the-art event spaces and accommodations, creates an unparalleled atmosphere for such esteemed occasions.

Our team’s dedication to ensuring the success of every event is unmatched. From our experienced event planners to our skilled culinary team, we go above and beyond to meet and exceed the expectations of our guests and organizers.

Overall, the combination of our commitment to excellence, prime location, and dedicated team made Savoy Palace the ideal choice to host both the Grand Final of the World Travel Awards and the 11th World Golf Awards.  We are honored to have been selected and look forward to welcoming guests from across the region within the travel industry to experience the best that Madeira has to offer.

BTN: Your property has an excellent range of meeting facilities to host a wide range of functions; can you give me an example of some of the large functions held over the past 12 months?

SPH: We have hosted a variety of functions over the last year. Holding events such as international conferences, corporate gala dinners, product launch events, annual industry summits, business luncheons, Savoy Palace offers accommodations for all different types of unique events. We take pride in our ability to tailor our meeting facilities to meet the unique needs and objectives of each event, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.

Below are some examples of the types of events we had the privilege of hosting in our excellent range of meeting facilities over the past 12 months.

● International Conferences: Our hotel served as the venue for high-profile conferences from different industries such as automotive, communications, energy, IT, sustainability, tourism, virtual reality and some from official organizations. These conferences brought together different industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies and promote their practices worldwide.

● Corporate Gala Dinners: We hosted several glamorous gala dinners for multinational corporations, providing a sophisticated setting for networking, entertainment, and celebration of achievements.

● Product Launch Events: Renowned brands chose Savoy Palace to unveil their latest product lines to industry professionals, media representatives, and VIP guests. Our versatile meeting spaces provided the perfect backdrop for showcasing their innovations in a captivating and memorable setting.

● Annual Industry Summits: We hosted annual summits for leaders, offering a platform for discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities. Our spacious meeting rooms and advanced audio-visual equipment facilitated productive exchanges and collaboration among participants.

BTN: Size isn’t everything? It is important to have the space to host large gatherings and functions, but the key to hosting these successfully must come down to how they are delivered, from the planning, to build and of course the execution of the event itself by the management and staff responsible. What training measures do you have in place to ensure that all areas function cohesively and deliver on the client’s expectations?

SPH: At Savoy Signature, we take pride in our commitment to continuous learning and professional development through our esteemed Savoy Academy. Our academy serves as a cornerstone for nurturing talent and enhancing skills across all teams and departments within the company. Through diverse courses, tailored training, and targeted improvement initiatives, we empower our team members to thrive and excel in their roles. At Savoy Signature, we recognize that investing in our people is paramount to achieving excellence and driving innovation within our organization.

At Savoy Palace, while having ample space is important for hosting large gatherings, the success of such events ultimately hinges on the delivery. At this property, we prioritize comprehensive training measures, across all departments, to ensure that all aspects of event planning, execution, and management align seamlessly to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations. We always aim to encourage a culture of excellence and professionalism among our staff, focusing on the following key areas:

● Event Planning and Coordination: Our event planners undergo rigorous training to develop expertise in understanding clients’ needs, conceptualizing event themes, coordinating logistics, and managing timelines effectively.

● Customer Service: We emphasize the importance of providing exceptional customer service to all our clients and guests. Our staff receives training, according to the rules required by the standards of The Leading Hotels of The World of which we are a member, and reinforces the interpersonal skills, communication, and problem-solving to ensure that every interaction is positive and productive.

● Technical Skills: From AV equipment setup to technical support during presentations, our team is trained to handle various technical aspects of event management with proficiency and confidence.

● Crisis Management: We provide training in handling unexpected situations or emergencies that may arise during events, ensuring that our staff remains calm, composed, and capable of resolving issues swiftly and efficiently.

● Continuous Improvement: We foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, encouraging our staff to seek feedback, learn from experiences, and adapt to evolving industry trends and client preferences.

BTN: Is your property preparing to make any changes in 2024 to the hotel and its many excellent facilities?

SPH: One of the recent additions to our collection of properties is The Reserve, which is located within Savoy Palace. The Reserve guarantees a unique stay, meticulously crafting each moment to perfection and delivering personalized experiences where guests are immersed in a world of luxury and impeccable hospitality.

At the heart of The Reserve experience is the Guest Experience Personal Assistant (GEPA), a dedicated concierge service available 24/7. Serving as the single point of contact for all guest needs, the GEPA exclusively collaborates with all hotel departments to ensure a flawless visit tailored to each guest’s desires. Beyond internal affairs, the GEPA extends its expertise to collaborate with external organizations and help facilitate experiences outside of the hotel by creating itineraries for guests to explore all the island has to offer. From the moment guests book at this premier hideaway, they are embraced by personalized service designed to anticipate and fulfill their every request even prior to arrival in paradise. To curate a one-of-a-kind stay, guests at The Reserve receive exclusive assistance upon arrival and departure at Madeira International Airport, for a smooth and hassle-free transition. Guests of The Reserve have a dedicated private elevator that takes them from the reception to The Reserve, providing a full VIP experience.

BTN: From your wide experience in the meetings and conventions area, what do you think clients are looking for in 2024 and is technology playing a much larger part in the delivery of events?

SPH: According to our experience in the meetings and conventions industry, we believe that in 2024, clients are increasingly seeking innovative, immersive, and technologically integrated event experiences. Here are our five pillars:

Personalization: Clients are looking for customized experiences that cater to the unique needs and preferences of their attendees. This includes personalized event agendas, interactive sessions, and tailored networking opportunities.

Sustainability: There is a growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-conscious practices in event planning. Clients are seeking venues and suppliers that prioritize environmental sustainability, from energy-efficient facilities to waste reduction initiatives.

Authentic & Unique Experiences – with such a well-traveled clientele, in order to be successful, it is essential to provide authentic experiences, turning original traditions into creative and unique experiences.

Immersive Technology: Technology is playing an increasingly prominent role in event delivery, with clients leveraging immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and interactive displays to enhance engagement and create memorable experiences for attendees.

Client satisfaction/Surveys: Clients are utilizing data analytics tools to gain insights into attendee behavior, preferences, and engagement levels. This data-driven approach enables more informed decision-making and facilitates continuous improvement in event planning and execution.

Overall, clients in 2024 are seeking dynamic, experiential, and technologically advanced event solutions that deliver meaningful outcomes and drive engagement. As technology continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play a larger and more integral role in the delivery of events, shaping the future of the meetings and conventions industry.

BTN: Lastly, a great event needs so many areas to work well as we know, but one of the most important is the creativity and delivery of the catering services, this one area can make or break a major event, how do you ensure this area delivers what clients need and expect?

SPH: Catering services play a crucial role in the success of any major event. At Savoy Palace, we prioritize creativity, attention to detail, flexibility, and exceptional quality in our catering offerings to ensure that this crucial aspect of the event consistently delights our clients and contributes to the overall success of the gathering, exceeding our clients’ expectations.

Here’s how we ensure that our catering services deliver what clients need and expect:

● Customized Menus: We work closely with our clients to create customized menus that reflect their preferences, dietary requirements, and event theme. Our culinary team is adept at crafting diverse and innovative dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
● Quality Ingredients: We source the freshest, highest quality ingredients from local suppliers and vendors to ensure that every dish is of the utmost quality and flavor. Our commitment to excellence extends to every aspect of our culinary offerings, from ingredient selection to presentation.

● Creative Presentation: We understand that presentation is key to creating a memorable dining experience. Our culinary team takes great care in the presentation of each dish, incorporating creative plating techniques and garnishes to delight the senses and enhance the overall dining experience.

● Attention to Detail: We pay meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of our catering services, from menu planning to execution. Our dedicated team of chefs, servers, and event coordinators work seamlessly together to ensure that every aspect of the dining experience is flawless.

● Flexibility and Adaptability: We recognize that clients’ needs and preferences may evolve throughout the planning process. Our catering team is flexible and adaptable, able to accommodate last-minute changes and requests to ensure that we deliver a truly bespoke experience.

In conclusion, and as you can see from the above interview, the Savoy Palace Hotel stands as a beacon of luxury and refinement in the heart of Madeira. With its extraordinary architecture, unparalleled amenities, and breathtaking surroundings, it offers guests an experience that is truly beyond compare. Whether indulging in gourmet dining, unwinding in the spa, or teeing off on the golf course, visitors to the Savoy Palace Hotel are invited to immerse themselves in a world of splendor and sophistication that will leave a lasting impression for years to come