When Hyatt introduced its first all‑inclusive resort in Portugal to the Inclusive Collection in late 2024, it did so by completely transforming a former Quinta do Lorde property on Madeira’s east coast. Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina (now operating as Hyatt Ziva Madeira) brings the brand’s Unlimited‑Luxury concept to a secluded marina‑side setting near Machico. This review examines the property’s pools, dining, inclusions and how it compares to alternatives like the Riu – drawing on official data, travel‑professional reviews and guest feedback.
Last checked: 2026-07-28
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Property name: Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina (Hyatt Ziva Madeira) · Star rating: 5-star · Location: On the beach in Machico, near São Lourenço Point · Key amenities: 4 swimming pools, spa, free WiFi, private parking
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-28.
Sources reviewed: official Hyatt Inclusive Collection website, Eurowings Holidays listing, Expedia hotel page, British Airways Holidays product page, Upgraded Points review, Melissa’s Travel Addiction review, Booking.com listing, Kayak aggregated ratings.
No on‑site visit, no staff interview and no independent price verification were conducted.
Snapshot of Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina
- 366 rooms, completely renovated in 2024 (Eurowings Holidays)
- Approximately 900 m² spa with water circuit and treatment rooms (Hyatt official site)
- Check‑in from 15:00, check‑out by 12:00 (British Airways Holidays, Booking.com)
- Approx. 15 km from Funchal Airport (FNC) – about 20–25 minutes by car (Eurowings Holidays)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property name | Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina (Hyatt Ziva Madeira) |
| Star rating | 5‑star |
| Location | On the beach in Machico, near São Lourenço Point |
| Key amenities | 4 swimming pools, spa, free WiFi, private parking |
| Number of restaurants | 7 international gourmet restaurants (British Airways Holidays) |
| All‑inclusive type | Unlimited‑Luxury (Hyatt Inclusive Collection) |
Property specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Room sizes | Standard doubles 29–35 m², suites up to 60 m² with kitchenettes (Expedia) |
| Pools | 3–4 outdoor pools including adults‑only, children’s splash park, and a natural pool by the beach (Melissa’s Travel Addiction) |
| WiFi | Free in‑room WiFi with 25+ Mbps; free in public areas (Expedia) |
| Kids’ club | Explorers’ Club and Core Zone for children and teens (YouTube reviews) |
| Spa access | Full‑service spa, but treatments and water circuit may incur extra charges (Hyatt official site) |
| Beach | Private black‑sand beach (stone/rocky) on‑site (Melissa’s Travel Addiction) |
Is Dreams a High-End Resort?
Dreams Madeira carries a five‑star rating and sits within Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection, a portfolio that markets itself as “Unlimited‑Luxury.” The official Hyatt site describes it as “concebido para garantir umas férias inesquecíveis e luxuosas” – designed for unforgettable, luxurious holidays. Guest reviews on Kayak give it an aggregate score of roughly 8.6 /10, with particular praise for cleanliness and staff.
What truly defines the high‑end experience here is the breadth of amenities: four swimming pools (including an adults‑only quieter pool), a 900 m² spa, seven specialty restaurants and a private black‑sand beach. An Upgraded Points reviewer who stayed off‑season rated the food between 7.5 and 8 out of 10 and noted that the “stay had more positives than negatives”.
The bottom line: The resort unquestionably operates in the luxury all‑inclusive tier, though some services (premium wine, spa treatments, room service) carry surcharges that careful travellers should budget for.
Does Dreams Madeira Have a Private Beach?
Yes, the resort has its own private beach – but it is not a typical sandy stretch. Multiple sources describe it as a black‑sand or stone/rocky beach right on the property. Melissa’s Travel Addiction calls it “a unique touch” and notes that it also features a natural pool carved by the sea. The hotel’s Expedia listing emphasises that it is “on the beach” in Machico, near the São Lourenço peninsula.
Practical note: The beach is more rugged than the manicured sands of hotels in Funchal; guests who prefer a classic swimming beach may gravitate toward the main pool complex instead.
What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Dreams Madeira?
Madeira enjoys a subtropical climate, but seasonality affects which facilities are fully operational. An Upgraded Points reviewer who visited in December found that “some facilities were closed off‑season”, though the pools and main restaurants remained open. Spring (March–June) and early autumn (September–October) deliver mild temperatures and lower crowds, making them the sweet spot for most travellers.
For families, summer (July–August) guarantees the splash park and kids’ clubs running at full capacity, while couples may prefer the quieter shoulder months to enjoy the adults‑only pool without crowding.
The pattern: Book between March and June or September and October for a balance of pleasant weather and full amenities; avoid December if you want the complete outdoor experience.
Which Hotel Chain Owns Dreams?
Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina is operated by Hyatt Hotels & Resorts as part of the Hyatt Inclusive Collection. The property was formerly Quinta do Lorde Resort Hotel & Marina before a complete renovation in 2024 and rebranding into the Dreams brand – which Hyatt owns. Upgraded Points confirms that it “marked the first Hyatt all‑inclusive in Portugal”.
The property is also marketed as Hyatt Ziva Madeira in some distribution channels, though the Dreams name remains prominent on the official site and travel‑seller listings.
Is Dreams Better Than Riu?
Comparing Dreams to Riu requires looking at location, pool design and overall offering. Dreams sits in a quieter east‑coast marina area with a private black‑sand beach and a three‑tiered pool layout that many reviewers find distinctive. The Riu (likely Riu Madeira, a popular cliff‑side resort in Funchal) has a more central location and a larger body of guest reviews over many years.
An Upgraded Points reviewer noted that Dreams’ food scored 7.5–8/10, while Riu’s reputation on forums is mixed. Dreams’ Unlimited‑Luxury concept bundles more inclusions, but some services like room service incur extra fees – a point where Riu’s simpler all‑inclusive may be more transparent. For travellers who prioritise a marina setting and a newer, fully renovated hotel, Dreams has an edge; for walkable access to Funchal’s restaurants and nightlife, Riu is more convenient.
The trade‑off: Choose Dreams for modern luxury, private beach and quieter surroundings; opt for Riu if you want to be close to the capital and prefer a proven, straightforward all‑inclusive.
Pros and cons at a glance
Strengths
- Private black‑sand beach and natural pool
- Multiple pool options including adults‑only area
- Seven restaurants and live entertainment
- Near hiking trails at São Lourenço Point
Limitations
- Room service fee reported (approx. $20 per order) (Melissa’s Travel Addiction)
- Premium wine and spa treatments not fully inclusive (Upgraded Points)
- Off‑season some facilities close early (Upgraded Points)
- Location is 20–25 min drive from Funchal
Pricing context: what does a stay cost?
Exact rates fluctuate by season, but an Upgraded Points review from the off‑season (December) quoted standard rooms starting around $303 per night, Preferred Club rooms at about $363 and suites near $469. These prices reflect the all‑inclusive rate. Early‑bookers and members of the World of Hyatt programme may secure lower rates.
For comparison, a local bus fare from the nearby town of Machico costs €5.30 return – a reminder that the resort sits in a relatively secluded area where a car or organised transport is helpful. Always check the official Hyatt booking page for the most current prices.
Location and getting there
Dreams Madeira is on the east coast of Madeira, in the parish of Caniçal near Machico. It is about 15 km from Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) – a 20‑ to 25‑minute taxi ride. The resort is not within walking distance of Funchal (roughly 20–25 minutes by car), so guests relying on public transport should plan a bus from Machico bus station.
The area around São Lourenço Point offers excellent coastal walks, and the marina provides a scenic backdrop. The hotel’s own private parking is free for guests.
Alternatives on Madeira
If Dreams Madeira doesn’t fit your plans, two other well‑reviewed hotels on the island offer different experiences:
- Riu Madeira – a cliff‑side all‑inclusive in Funchal with a larger beach club and a more established reputation.
- Enotel Lido – a four‑star adult‑friendly hotel in the Lido area, often cited in related searches for “Dreams hotel Madeira”.
For a luxury boutique alternative in the city centre, the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel and Hotel da Baixa are both located in Funchal and offer different style of accommodation.
Our pick: who will love Dreams Madeira most?
Dreams Madeira is best suited to couples and families who want a fully‑packaged, high‑amenity resort experience away from the bustle of Funchal. The private beach, multiple pools, kids’ club and multiple dining options mean you can spend the entire vacation on‑site. Solo travellers and those seeking nightlife or cultural attractions may prefer a Funchal‑based hotel.
Sample three‑day stay
Day 1: Arrive at FNC, check in by 15:00, spend the afternoon at the adults‑only pool, dinner at the Italian specialty restaurant.
Day 2: Morning hike along the Ponta de São Lourenço trail (accessible from the hotel), afternoon at the spa, evening dinner at the seafood grill.
Day 3: Breakfast at the buffet, morning on the black‑sand beach, late checkout at 12:00, transfer back to airport.
This itinerary works best in spring or autumn when hiking weather is mild and all restaurants are open.
Find it on the map
Map embed placeholder – show Dreams Madeira Resort on the east coast of Madeira, near Machico.
Real map iframe would go here.
“Hyatt opened this property in October 2024, marking the first Hyatt all-inclusive in Portugal.”
– Upgraded Points reviewer, Travel writer at Upgraded Points
“Concebido para garantir umas férias inesquecíveis e luxuosas, o Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina é a escolha perfeita para casais, famílias ou grupos de amigos graças a uma vasta gama de serviços, incluindo um serviço Unlimited-Luxury com tudo incluído.”
– Hyatt Inclusive Collection, Official brand marketing copy
tripadvisor.com, pursuitist.com, vacations.united.com, ar.trivago.com, sovereign.com, facebook.com, youtube.com, maps.apple.com
Related coverage: ausführlicher Guide zum Dreams Madeira Resort f?rdjupar bilden av Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina: All-inclusive-Guide 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the nicest hotel in Madeira?
Hyatt Ziva Madeira (Dreams) is a top contender with a 5‑star rating and beachfront access. Other high‑end options include Riu Madeira and Castanheiro Boutique Hotel in Funchal.
What is the best time to visit Madeira overall?
Spring and early autumn (March–June, September–October) for mild weather and fewer crowds. The resort’s off‑season (December) sees some facilities closed.
Is Madeira an expensive destination?
Moderately priced: luxury resorts like Dreams cost more than local guesthouses. A standard room in the off‑season was quoted at about $303 per night in 2024.
Is Dreams Madeira all‑inclusive?
Yes, it operates as an all‑inclusive resort under the Unlimited‑Luxury concept, bundling meals, drinks, WiFi and entertainment. Some premium services (spa treatments, room service) cost extra.
Does Dreams Madeira have a spa?
Yes, the 900 m² spa includes a water circuit, treatment rooms and a relaxation area. Access may require an additional fee.