Palace on a cliff

FOR those who enjoy the old world elegance of Singapore's Raffles Hotel, you'll feel right at home in Portugal's Belmond Reid's Palace Hotel.

Reid's was built on a high cliff overlooking the bay and harbour of Funchal, on the isle of Madeira, in 1891 - four years after the Raffles became an icon of Singapore. The late Victorian architecture is very similar with colonnades and high-ceiling dining and reception rooms. The difference is that the Raffles is painted white, while Reid's trademark is pink.

Incorporating all the facilities of luxurious modern hotels plus those special extras - history, character and style - it is hardly surprising that Raffles and Reid's are listed in Andreas Augustin's Most Famous Hotels in the World. While the Raffles is known for its creation of the Singapore Sling and its high teas, "Tea at Reid's", at 36 euros (S$57), is an event, not only for the blends of tea on offer, delicate finger sandwiches and cakes, but the pianist's sweet melodies.