The one where everyone stayed all winter

When did you arrive, how long were you supposed to be here for, and when did you finally go home?
We arrived in Madeira on Monday, 14 December 2020 and were due to leave again on Monday, 1 February 2021 but were not able to leave until Monday, 19 April 2021.
However, because the of incompetence and intransigence of TAP at Lisbon Airport we didn’t get home to the Isle of Man until Thursday, 22 April 2021

Did you feel safe here?
We felt completely safe throughout our stay and were impressed with the safety measures introduced by the Porto Bay Group.

What did you miss from home?
Nothing other than our normal routines and certainly not the weather.

What was different in this holiday?
There was an abundance of time and so visits or tours could be planned well in advance.
We were expecting to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in Rio de Janeiro, followed by a trip to the Iguaza Falls and a 17 night a cruise.
However, we much enjoyed our party on the upper grass area with our fellow “detainees” that was kindly organised by Barbara and Pam.

Did you make friends with people you didn’t know before this?
We certainly met new friends and enjoyed socialising with them and will look forward to catching up in the future.

What was it like to finally get home? Do you miss it?
It was actually good to be home after more than four months away just to catch up with things that needed to be done.

Will it change how you holiday here in the future?
It won’t really change how we holiday in Madeira in the future but will seem a bit strange at first only having a seven week stay.
What will change is our travel arrangements as we will not entertain flights with TAP in the future.

What members of staff made a difference to your stay?
All of the staff were brilliant and helped to make our stay most enjoyable.
The Porto Mare reception, aided by Suzano and his team from the Residence, was well organised and efficient and gently prompted forgetful guests to wear their masks.

Paulo was ever present and welcoming whichever restaurant you visited.
The Residence team under Steve’s stewardship provided help and advice in abundance.

Sabine and Clare quietly and efficiently dealt with accommodation requests and John was in his element with IT and technical guidance.

Once the accommodation requests were passed on to Alex and Suzano they were smoothly implemented .

Alex, Luis, and Licia ran a weekly quiz set by Mervyn that was very popular indeed (We did win a few times!). It was during Happy Hour so Carlos was on hand to look after everyone and help the bar receipts!

Davina enjoyed her twice weekly sessions of Aqua led by Aurelio.

Rosario made sure that our apartment was kept spic and span.

When did you arrive ?

Jim and I arrived in Madeira on 18th December and expected our youngest son to join us on Thursday 24th. Sadly that did not happen as flights were banned from the UK. 

How long did you originally come for and when did you leave?

Our return flight was originally for Friday 5th February. We didn't leave until Monday 24th May 2021. We used some timeshare weeks from the end of our contract, used some 7 Across weeks and spent 7weeks in the same apartment but with the hotel on a bed and breakfast rate. 

How did it feel being away during a pandemic?

Over all that time we felt very safe both in Madeira and in the Porto Mare/ Residence. People kept social distancing and masks were worn in the hotel buildings. During that time I was able to attend Aqua classes twice weekly which I love and Pilates once weekly. 

What was the atmosphere like?

There were about 21 of us British folks and we all got to know one another much better which was an unexpected but positive outcome. We had Wednesday quiz nights and often went  out for lunch during curfew. The weather was unbelievably warm and sunny during most of that time which was obviously a bonus.

What were the staff like?

The number of people in the hotel was obviously low but the staff were all exceptional. The Residence reception was closed as was the Eden Mar. However the staff were always helpful and although different cleaners and dining staff only worked certain days they were always cheerful and friendly.

The management team helped us to celebrate golden weddings and birthdays and were very keen to listen and help in any way. I would like to thank Alex the room manager and Luis Suarez for their exceptional help when one person was hospitalised. It is knowing that there are people there to help in a crisis which exemplifies the motto of ‘Welcome back’ .

As always the team from the Timeshare office helped with booking Covid tests, booking flights and helping to complete the locator forms and printing the necessary paperwork.

Looking back what are your thoughts?

Thankfully due to technology we were able to keep in touch with family and friends back home but never again will we spend a 5 month holiday in Madeira. What a treat! 

We arrived on 13 December 2020 on a TUI package.
Because of the fluctuating Covid situation in the UK, uncertainty of flights due to the UK putting Portugal on the Red List and no direct flights available, we originally decided to extend our stay until the end of March. As there were so few cases and fatalities here in Madeira and a rigorous testing program on arrival and  better controlled, we felt it was by far a much safer option to stay. All of the Porto Bay team have gone out of their way to make us feel that we really belong here despite their own challenging
circumstances. So much so that we do not feel homesick and embraced the peace, safety and greater freedom, weather and better facilities than we would have found had we been back in the UK. Over Christmas,they went out of their way to provide us with fabulous fayre, a trip to see the lights and fireworks all in a safe controlled way. It was an unforgettable Christmas.
 
We had fun at the quiz nights, socialised, met some very interesting people from all walks of life and formed friendships that will continue long into whatever the future holds. With amazing tenacity shown by the Porto Bay staff and Management and our safety and well-being paramout, we were able to participate weekly (with limited numbers ) in aqua- gym, pilates, garden tours and Portuguese lessons.
 
We are still staying at the Porto Bay and thanks to the kindness of the Residence Team and Andre and Alex, were able to bring weeks forward from the end of our contract. We have also secured our stay in comfort with all our needs met by an excellent long stay hotel package until we return.
 
The whole Covid situation has really made us take stock and re-evaluate priorities. It has influenced our decision to stay longer in a much safer, healthier and friendlier environment maintained by all the staff of the Porto Bay team who are doing their very best to protect us and keep Madeira safe.