Madeira Escape: Dorisol Mimosa's Sun-Kissed Paradise Awaits!
Madeira Escape: Dorisol Mimosa - Sunshine, Surprises, and… Sanitizer? A Messy, Honest Review.
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to take you on a rollercoaster ride through Dorisol Mimosa in Madeira. Forget the polished brochures and filtered photos; I'm giving you the real deal… warts and all. And trust me, there were some warts.
First Impressions & The Great Leveling of the Playing Field (Accessibility):
Okay, first off, let's be real. Madeira is stunning. Like, jaw-droppingly beautiful. But… mountains. And hills. Lots and lots of hills. So, when they say "accessible", take it with a grain of salt. Wheelchair accessible, not perfectly, but there's a decent attempt. The entrance wasn't a death trap, and the elevators (thank the gods!) were actually functional. Finding my way around? Well, that involved some head-scratching, a few near-misses with rogue suitcases, and a lot of friendly (and patient) staff. Accessibility, and the Facilities for disabled guests are there, but it isn't the easiest.
Cleanliness & the Sanitization Symphony: A COVID-Conscious Crusade
Listen, I went during the height of… well, everything with COVID. So, let's talk about the elephant in the room: hygiene. Dorisol Mimosa takes it seriously. I mean, serious. The anti-viral cleaning products were in full effect, and the air practically crackled with sanitization. The folks are trained in staff trained in safety protocols and there was daily disinfection in common areas. The hand sanitizer was everywhere, and I developed a slight obsession with the individually-wrapped food options. Room sanitization opt-out available, great because I wanted to be able to choose. My first impression was 'wow, they REALLY care!'
I opted in for room sanitization, just 'cause.
The Rooms: A Tale of Two Worlds (Plus a Few Unexpected Guests)
My room? A bit… basic. Okay, it was very basic. Decent sized, with a balcony that offered some pretty sweet views. It's an old enough hotel that the carpeting felt a little lived-in, but clean. Air conditioning, thankfully, was a lifesaver. They provide an additional toilet and there was a separate shower/bathtub, important to me. Bathrobes were included, and there was a complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker, but I think I've had better.
Available in all rooms, you have: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Breakfast, Brunches and Blissful Bites: Food, Glorious Food! (And the Occasional Hangry Episode)
Let's be honest, the food is a major part of the experience, right? Breakfast [buffet] - a classic example of a slightly chaotic buffet. I'm talking about the kind of buffet where you end up with a plate full of… stuff. Still, there's a wide selection of Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, with everything from eggs to pastries to… well, whatever that mystery meat was. At least the coffee/tea in restaurant was decent. Breakfast takeaway service meant I could escape the buffet chaos.
Dining, drinking, and snacking are plentiful as well. There's A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, options available.
Things To Do: Because Relaxation is a Contact Sport (Mostly)
Okay, this is where Dorisol Mimosa really shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, with a pool with a view that will take your breath away. Several sauna, steamroom, spa, spa/sauna, but didn’t seem top-notch. I did a body scrub and body wrap, both of which were… okay. Nothing life-altering, but relaxing. The Fitness center, gym/fitness, were there too, but again, I had higher expectations. My favorite part was the Foot bath, honestly. Just… bliss.
Relaxation and Romance: Because We All Need a Little "Me" Time (or Couple Time)
The Couple's room is there. The Couple's room is there, and they have a proposal spot. While I didn't get engaged, the view definitely made me contemplate some life-changing decisions.
Internet & Connectivity: Wi-Fi Woes (and Wins!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - Praise be! Though the signal occasionally decided to take a vacation, which was frustrating when I tried to work. Internet [LAN], were less reliable. Internet services, were provided. Wi-Fi in public areas seemed more stable, so I spent some time in the lobby/bar area, hoping for a signal, and soaking up the atmosphere.
The Extras: Convenience, Chaos, and (Slightly) Strange Service
Services and conveniences, include: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center and more.
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, were all big positives. There's a good heart at the core of this hotel.
Security & Safety: Keeping You Safe (Hopefully)
I felt safe. The staff are on duty 24-hour, and there's CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, were there.
Getting Around: Adventures in Transportation
Airport transfer was smooth. Bicycle parking is available. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Valet parking, and Taxi service, are also on offer. Navigating the hills meant I mostly relied on taxis.
The Verdict: Is Dorisol Mimosa Your Sun-Kissed Paradise?
Look, Dorisol Mimosa isn't perfect. It's a little rough around the edges. But it's got character. It's got charm. And it's got a serious commitment to making you feel safe (and well-sanitized!).
Here's the bottom line: if you're looking for a luxurious, flawlessly polished experience? Maybe look elsewhere.
BUT, if you want:
- Stunning views that will make you want to cry.
- A genuinely friendly and helpful staff, even when they're dealing with a slightly stressed-out reviewer.
- A good base for exploring the beauty of Madeira.
- A place that takes your safety and health seriously.
- A little bit of adventure and a whole lot of relaxation.
Then, Dorisol Mimosa might just be your sun-kissed paradise.
Book Now, and Get Ready for an Unforgettable Madeira Escape!
Don't miss out on the chance to experience the beauty and wonder of Madeira! Book your stay at Dorisol Mimosa today and receive:
- Complimentary welcome cocktail on arrival!
- A special discount on spa treatments!
- Free Wi-Fi access throughout your stay!
- Flexible booking options!
Click the link to book your stay at Dorisol Mimosa and experience the magic of Madeira!
Uncover OYADO MOTOYASHIKI's Nagano Secrets: Japan's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this Madeira Island itinerary from the Dorisol Mimosa Studio Hotel is gonna be… well, it's gonna be me. Prepare for a chaotic masterpiece of travel, fueled by questionable planning, copious amounts of coffee, and a healthy dose of “winging it.”
Dorisol Mimosa Studio Hotel, Machico, Madeira - My Version (and Honestly, You Might Want to Take Notes…Or Not)
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Regret (Just Kidding! … Mostly)
- Morning (7:00 AM -ish): The airport. Ugh. Let's be honest, airports are just glorified holding pens for your freedom. Flight landed. Sun streaming. Madeira is beautiful, even from the window. Grabbed my luggage, which thankfully arrived, unlike that one time in Dublin.
- Morning (8:30 AM): Taxi! The driver, bless his heart, clearly hadn't had enough caffeine either. Driving on these roads… holy hairpin turns, Batman! I'm already feeling queasy.
- Morning (9:30 AM): Arrived at the Dorisol Mimosa. Check-in… Smooth enough… Except for the minor hiccup that I'd somehow booked a twin room instead of the double I swear I reserved. Cue internal screaming. Managed to get it sorted though. Whew.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Room reveal! Okay, the studio is… small. But clean! And the view… Breathtaking. I could, and probably will, spend the next week just staring out the window. Unpacked (kinda…), threw my suitcase in a corner, and decided the balcony deserved immediate attention.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Balcony bliss. Coffee. The first glorious, caffeine-infused sip of actual vacation. Smelling that sea breeze. Feeling the sun. YES. This is what I needed. Felt like a goddess of leisure, until a rogue seagull tried to steal my croissant. Rude.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a local restaurant. Found Sabor da India, which has a good review online. The food was delicious, especially the garlic naan. The waiter, a sweetheart, kept trying to teach me Portuguese. My best effort? "Uma cerveja, por favor." Nailed it.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Walked along the beach. Saw some local fishing boats. The water looked so inviting. Had a serious internal debate about whether to go for a swim. Chicken out. Maybe tomorrow.
- Evening (6:00 PM): A bit of a nap, because, you know, jet lag.
- Evening (7:30 PM): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Honestly? Mediocre. Bit disappointing after the Indian food. Wine was good, though. And the view, still spectacular.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Bedtime. Tired. The day's been a lot. Already made a mental list of all the things I want to do tomorrow. (Spoiler: it's going to be a long list.)
Day 2: Levada Walks & Existential Crises (and Probably a Mistake or Two)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Coffee on the balcony. Watched the sun rise. Feeling optimistic. Feeling… adventurous.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Decided to conquer the Levada dos Tornos walk! The reviews said it was "easy." They lied. Or maybe my definition of "easy" is different.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Found the start of the trail. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sound of water. This is what I came for.
- Morning (10:30 AM - 12:30 PM): Walked. And walked. And then walked some more. The views were staggeringly beautiful. Seriously, pictures don't do it justice. But my knees were screaming, and at one point I nearly slipped on a wet rock and kissed the mud. Dramatic, much? Yes.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Reached the end (finally!) and sat down to have a picnic lunch I packed. Forgot to bring a bottle opener for my water bottle. (facepalm) Realize the absurdity of life.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Took a taxi to a different part of town and had a delicious Madeiran cake.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Back… to the hotel. Exhausted. Sore. But also exhilarated and slightly smug.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. More mediocre food. Starting to think the food here is not its best quality.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Wine and relaxation. Planning tomorrow's adventure. (Hint: it doesn't involve Levadas.)
- Evening (9:00 PM): Scrolling through Instagram at the hotel, the photo I took of the cliff, and the sea, posted.
Day 3: Funchal & Finding My Inner Tourist (and More Near-Death Experiences)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Coffee! Needed it. Today, Funchal! Decided to rent a car. Big mistake? Probably. But hey, YOLO! Driving on the other side of the road is a contact sport.
- Morning (10:30 AM): Reached Funchal. The drive… let's just say I’m glad I survived. Street parking is a nightmare. Eventually, miraculously, found a spot.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Visited the Mercado dos Lavradores (farmers market). The colors! The smells! The… loudness of the vendors trying to sell me something. Managed to buy some exotic fruit I'd never seen before. (Hopefully, I won't get food poisoning.)
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a restaurant in Funchal. Found a great spot with a nice view, and ordered the local specialty: Espetada. Delicious!
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Took the cable car up to Monte Palace Tropical Garden. This was an absolute highlight. The views! The lush gardens! The feeling of floating above the world. Pure magic.
- Afternoon (3:30 PM): The famous toboggan rides down from Monte. OMG. Pure, unadulterated, slightly terrifying fun. The drivers are crazy. I screamed. Loudly. My butt hurts from being slammed around. But I would do it again in a heartbeat.
- Afternoon (4:30 PM): Drove back. The drive… still a death trap.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant near my hotel. More food. More wine. Trying to forget the near-miss with the oncoming bus while driving.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Fell asleep on the bed.
Day 4: The Long (Messy) Day
- Morning (9:00 AM): Decided to explore the east coast of Madeira. Specifically, Porto da Cruz and Santana.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel. Needed fuel for the day!
- Morning / Afternoon (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM): Porto da Cruz, beautiful beach, rough sea though. Santana, the famous triangular houses. Took a lot of pictures, ate lunch.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Went to a coffee shop. The owner, he was a local. He made me another Madeiran cake. He told me about the real Madeira. He told me the people, and the nature.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Drove back, and somehow, had no problem finding things on the road.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Packing and preparing for the next day!
Day 5: Back to Reality? (Probably Not)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Coffee.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Check out of the hotel.
- Morning (10:30 PM): Airport.
- Afternoon (6:00 PM): Home.
Key Takeaways/Musings:
- Madeira is, quite simply, stunning. The landscapes are breathtaking, the views are gorgeous.
- Levadas are cool, but also challenging. Bring comfortable shoes.
- Funchal is a must-see.
- The driving here is… an experience. Take a deep breath. and stay alert!
- The food is… hit or miss. Do your research.
- I need more sleep.
- I need more coffee.
- I already want to come back.
This, my friends, is my Madeira adventure. It's messy, it's honest, and it's undeniably human
U Stay Hotel Batik Jakarta: Indonesia's Chicest Hidden Gem!
Madeira Escape: Dorisol Mimosa - My Brain Dump of Awesomeness (and Mild Annoyances)!
Okay, spill the beans! Is Dorisol Mimosa REALLY as sun-kissed and paradisiacal as they claim?
Alright, alright! Sun-kissed? Definitely. Paradise? Hold your horses a bit! The sun *does* slap you in the face in the mornings, which is freaking glorious. I'm talking wake-up-and-immediately-slap-on-sunscreen glorious. Paradise… well, it's *Madeira*. The island itself is pretty darn close to Eden, with its dramatic cliffs and the floral explosion everywhere. The hotel itself? More like a *gateway* to paradise. You've got the pools, the views… but look, let’s be honest, you gotta work for your paradise. I mean, sometimes the elevator felt like it was run by hamsters on a treadmill and the Wi-Fi decided to take a vacation every afternoon. But hey, who needs Wi-Fi when you've got the Atlantic Ocean practically at your doorstep?!
What's the food situation like? I’m a hungry human being!
Oh, the food! Right. Look, it’s a buffet. Buffets are always a bit of a gamble, aren't they? Sometimes you hit the jackpot, other times you're wondering if that mystery meat has been sitting there since the Jurassic period. But generally, the Dorisol Mimosa buffet was… solid. Lots of options, a decent amount of fresh stuff, and the desserts were a definite highlight (I may or may not have gone back for seconds… or thirds). I'm not going to lie, there was a night where the beef stew tasted like sadness, but the next night’s grilled fish? *Chef’s kiss*. Plus, you’re in Madeira! Get out and eat! Exploring the local restaurants is an absolute *must*. That's where the real culinary magic happens, trust me. I ate the best Espetada (meat skewer) of my life at a little place in Funchal... the memory alone makes my mouth water. I'd go back just for that!
Tell me about the rooms! Are they, like, actually clean? And what's the view like?
Okay, the rooms. Let's be real, they weren't exactly a palace. They're functional. Clean-ish. I mean, they cleaned them every day which is a plus. The décor is… well, let's call it "retro-chic" - it might have been chic *in the 80s*! But honestly, who cares? You're in MADEIRA! You'll be spending minimal time in the room. And the view? *That* depends. I highly recommend trying to get a room with a sea view. Waking up to the sound of the ocean and the sunrise painting the cliffs orange? Priceless. I'm pretty sure the first morning, I just sat on the balcony and stared. I might have even cried... a little... It was that beautiful. The other views… well, they might involve other hotel buildings. My suggestion? Request a sea view – beg, plead, threaten! Totally worth it.
Pool time! What’s the pool situation? Crowd, space, is it actually enjoyable?
Pool time is a mixed bag. There are a few pools, but they can get crowded, especially in peak season. The main pool area is where most of the action happens. Sometimes there's music, sometimes there's not. You get the sun loungers, but they can often be claimed by early birds (you know the type!). Space-wise, it can feel a bit cramped, but, you're usually going to find a spot. The water is clean, which is always a bonus. I prefer the infinity pool, if you can get to it. The view from there is incredible. Just be warned: some people are overly enthusiastic about their poolside conversations... and their sunbathing habits. I witnessed a few people getting *seriously* burnt, which honestly, was a bit hard to watch! Seriously: sunscreen. Lots of it!
What activities are available at the hotel, and what's worth doing?
Okay, so… the hotel has *some* activities. I’m not going to lie, I'm not the most "organized activity" kinda person. There was a water aerobics class one day that I briefly considered, then decided I'd rather watch the sea gulls. They had a little mini golf situation that looked… well, mini. They also had live music some nights, which was hit or miss. Sometimes great, sometimes... a little cheesy. They also had a game room, which I bravely avoided. The real activities are *outside* the hotel! Madeira is all about exploring. Go hiking! Go whale watching! Go to the Cristiano Ronaldo museum (if you’re into that sort of thing). Go to the Levada walks! Trust me, they're stunning and you'll see the most spectacular nature. They are a must-see.
How's the location? Is it easy to get around?
The location is decent. It's in a nice, if a little bit touristy, area. Close to shops, restaurants, bars, and the promenade. You can walk into Funchal, but it's a bit of a schlep, and it's all uphill on the way back. Public transport is available, also taxis are relatively cheap and uber is a godsend. They're definitely the easiest method of transportation. Renting a car is definitely worth it if you want to really explore the island. The roads are… interesting. Very, very twisty. So, if you're prone to motion sickness, pack some remedies. But overall, the location is pretty good. Close enough to everything without being stuck in the middle of the absolute chaos. You can easily escape the tourist traps and experience the true essence of the place if you're willing to find them.
Give it to me straight - what was the *one* absolute highlight of your trip?
Okay, okay, the *one* highlight? This is a tough one. The whale watching was an absolute must. The views from the top of Pico do Arieiro... mind-blowing. But if I had to pick… it would be… the Levada walks. Specifically, the one at Levada do Caldeirão Verde. I nearly messed up on the steep drops. I'm not going to lie, I was terrified. But… there was this moment, where the sunlight filtered through the trees, the sound of the water, The air was so crisp, and the only thing I could hear was the birds. The landscape was like something you see in a movie. The feeling of being completely immersed in nature, and then, turning a corner and seeing this absolutely breathtaking waterfall. Tears welled up. It was pure, unadulterated magic. Like something from Lord of the Rings. That moment... that's what Madeira is about. That's what I came for. I still can't believe it was real. Seriously, do the Levada walks. They're lifeStay By City
Post a Comment for "Madeira Escape: Dorisol Mimosa's Sun-Kissed Paradise Awaits!"