Vivenda Avista Navios Apartments

1 reader found this review helpful

This was my first holiday abroad and I loved it!! The apartments were clean, neat and the cleaners were very friendly. We did get lost for three hours after our plane had landed, but that didn't put a damper on our holiday! The pool was regulary checked for cleanliness and the views at night from apartment 1 were stunning. I will definetly return when I am older as I am only 13 now!!

16 readers found this review helpful

We have just returned from a fabulous two weeks at the Vivenda apartments. My husband and our two children shared a two-bedroomed apartment which was extremely spacious. There was a very comfortable open-plan living area with a fully equipped kitchen (including oven, microwave and fridge-freezer)- the lounge area comprised of a sofa and two easy chairs, coffee table, side table and television. There was also a dining table and four chairs. We had a large balcony with superb views over the sea and the surrounding hills/mountains and we watched the sun rise over the top of the mountains every morning whilst enjoying our breakfast at our patio table.
The pool area has sufficient sunbeds and parasols and is surrounded by beautiful flowering shrubs and taking a dip in the pool to cool off was absolute heaven. Both the apartments and pool area appear to be well maintained.
There is a very large supermarket (Sa) located near the apartments. Turn right on leaving the apartments, up the road (which has no pavement and quite a bit of traffic - you may need to take care here!!) and then left at the junction, follow the road for a few metres and the supermarket is on the opposite side and you will find everything you could possibly need.
The apartments are situated quite a way out of Funchal. It took us approximately 30-40 minutes (downhill) to get to the centre of Funchal but it was a very pleasant walk. We didn't even attempt to walk back up to the apartments as the roads are simply too steep. We did, however, buy a 5 day bus pass which allowed us on any of the local buses and the bus stop going down to Funchal and also the stop at which to alight when coming back up from Funchal were located roughly outside the apartment building.
Without the Giro bus ticket, one trip for 4 persons from Funchal to the apartment is 8 Euro. The 3/5/7 day pass (for the Yellow local buses only) can be bought from the green, circular hut at the very far end of the promenade (just before the old town. A 5 day pass costs just 11 Euro. We used this pass not only to and from the apartment, but also from Monte, to Jardin Botanica,Pico de Barcelos and elsewhere. If you wish to travel further afield, there are several other bus companies, all travelling from the centre of Funchal to places such as The Valley of the Nuns, Ribero Frio etc. A bus timetable listing all buses and their times of departure/arrival can be obtained for 1.20 euro from the Information Centre on the Avenue Arriaga (near the Cathedral).
As mentioned in other reviews, there were some barking dogs in the vicinity, but it wasn't constant, and it did not disturb us in any way. We had no ants and no cockroaches. There wasn't much road noise to speak of. All in all, this holiday probably ranks as one of the better ones we have had and in part, this is due to the fabulous apartments.

5 readers found this review helpful

Just returned from a week at these apartments in Funchal. We were made very welcome by the cleaner and the owner, who explained everything about the local area, the supermarket (which provides a washing and ironing service), the buses and gave us a useful map. The apartments were very spacious, clean and well kept, everything required for a self catering holiday. The views from the balcony were fabulous. We enjoyed staying in the residential area, away from other tourist attractions, we mixed with the locals and found them very friendly and helpful. Yes the dogs did bark, but did not keep us awake. We used the local buses and occasionally a taxi. Also went on some of the First Choice trips which were expensive but quite spectacular. The First Choice Rep, Annette, was wonderful. Looking forward to returning next year.

6 readers found this review helpful

We were pleasantly surprised at the size of our apartment and the view was absolutely breathtaking. We could not fault the apartment at all, everything was clean and tidy and Anna showed us where everything was and gave us a map of restaurants and the local supermarket. She also told us about the buses. The first thing we did was go to the supermarket to stock up on the essentials. It was a 5 min walk up a steep hill and you have to just keep an eye out for the cars but it was no problem. The supermarket had everything you could possibly want and the walk back to the apartment was much easier because it was downhill. We used the buses quite a lot and the service was brilliant. The holiday rep was ok, not going to say anymore. The locals are the friendliest people you could meet. The dogs didn't bother us at all, yes they barked, but not enough to keep us awake at night. Bus numers 3 and 8 take you straight into town, just come out of the apartment, turn left and the bus stop is on the other side of the road. We stayed in most evenings and cooked something to eat and sat outside on the massive terrace and watched all the lights coming on when it was getting dark. It was very relaxing in the evening. I would recommend these apartments, it's the best apartment we've ever stayed in.

7 readers found this review helpful

We spent a lovely week here at these apartments. They are part of typical Funchal, and therefore don't expect hotel-like conditions. Our room was a double bedroom, clean and in pretty good condition. Only negatives were: the cooker was a bit weak, and limited cookware, and barely enough crockery for 4 people; there is a very interesting part of the living room floor which is bowed up, so it made other furniture bounce when you tread on it. More odd than a problem, as it is a concrete floor beneath this raised finish.
We had a nice view, and although the pool was rather cool still, being April, we did enjoy using it.
Anna and the other maid were very nice, and did a good job.
The dogs - umm, there a couple above the shop on the other side of the road, one in the road below, and others further away. Mostly they barked around twilight, but they did put up a racket in the early hours of our last night. I'm not sure this is just a local problem, as there seemed to be dogs from quite a long way away joining in. We found it wasn't a real problem, as we just accepted it and got on with it. There is road noise, but at least for us it was no more than at home.
Although the apartments are about 3km out of the centre, the buses are very good to use - but no-one really tells you how it works! So I'll tell you. The local buses for around Funchal are basically an orangey-yellow colour, and use an electronic card system. If you don't have a card, you pay 2 Euros per person per trip. If you go down to the Avenida do Mar (the main strip by the sea) and go to the old town end, you'll pass the major bus stop area. Keep going, and you'll see a major street going up into the town with more buses parked in it; there will be a large green kiosk on the further corner, adn if you can see up far enough on the left, there is a shopping centre called the Anadia. The kiosk is for the yellow buses (company called "Horarios") where you can buy an electronic ticket, with pre-paid journeys on it. (you can also get the tickets form a the bus office in the shopping arcade - this is where we got ours). Once you have this (it is 50 cents for the ticket and it has the word "Giro" written on it) any single trip on a bus for any distance is 85 cents for an adult, or a child's Giro is 45 cents a trip. So it is very cheap! A number 3 or number 8 bus will get you to or from the Apartments to the city centre. We went everywhere on the buses, and it was good fun as well as cheap. A taxi from the centre to the apartments will cost between 5 and 7 Euros.

4 readers found this review helpful

We have traveled quite a lot around Europe and cruising as well.
We arrived in the apartment a liitle early and Anna wa still sorting the apartment out. Most appologetacly she suggested we went for a walk up to the suppermarket to get the essentials. This we did and when we got back the apartment was sparkling. The view from the balcony over Funchal and the Christmas lights was incredible. We walked down to the harbour for New Years Eve and found a seat outside a bar in the harbour (but the walk back up was hard). We sat in a pair of shorts and a fleece to watch the fireworks. One word describes it...amazing!
The main show was towards the airport, but all the mountains and islands were all syncronised with fireworks through 360 degrees. This show lasted a good 30 minutes and not a cross word was heard anywhere.
The Christmas lights would put London to shame. We have now dropped Milan, Rome, Venice etc for next New Year and have booked the same place again.
There are a few dogs in the neibourghood, but we found them no more annoying than at home,we certainly didn't loose ane sleep.
Anna has added a nice touch with a wine rack of assorted wines in the foyer. When you fancy a bottle, help yourself and leave the money in your apartment. Very handy when you have cooked a nice meal but forgotten the wine
We found that we could walk down to the harbour quite easily, about 20 minutes downhill, but we very soon decided that the local bus (very often and very cheap from just outside the apartments) was the best bet. We also, on occasions took a taxi back up, this cost around 5 Euros. We have given this apartment / holday a 9 because we think a 10 would be perfect, very hard to reach, but we were very tempted.

4 readers found this review helpful

We have just returned from our 2 week holiday. The apartments are spacious, very clean and well equipped. There are 2 cleaners who are very helpful, Ana speaks very good English and provided a map of Funchal, places to eat, bus stops etc, she also gave us some great advice of places to visit on the island.
The owner of the apartments is very nice, he has a very professional approach to customer requirements, speaks good English and went out of his way to help us. Thank you once again.
The cleaners keep the apartments spotless, we had no cause for any complaints, the pool is small but clean, gardens are well maintained, it was very quiet and peaceful.
We did not find the rep for First Choice at all helpful and were unable to book any excursions with her. However we managed to hire a car and tour the island ourselves.
Nuns valley is a must, cable cars and toboggans.
People on the island are very friendly and go out of their way to try and help you.
My son found the older Portuguese children liked to try out their English and were extremely friendly.
The lido is very good you do not have to pay for children and both our children loved it.
We tended to walk in to Funchal nice walk downhill, however always got a taxi back up!!
The supermarket is a short walk and is open every day until about 10 I believe, stocks everything.
Really good restaurants towards the Lido - lots of choices.

3 readers found this review helpful

Just arrived back from this wonderful place!! The flight was great; the apartment was very clean and spacious. The pool was crystal clear!!! So quiet it felt we had the place to ourselves!!
The kids loved it, I loved it, and my partner more than loved it!! As it is his homeland and we went for two weeks to visit his family, first visit for me and I found it breathtaking!!!
Lovely friendly people the island itself has to be seen to be appreciated, already missing it very much and hope to go again very soon and I would definitely stay in these apartments again.
As for the dogs, yes they barked but not constantly and it didn’t spoil the stay. There are dogs all over the island so it’s a shame for reviews that can put people off staying in these apartments as it is actually quite peaceful. I am a very light sleeper, but after many walks and days filled with exploring the beauty of madeira I soon slept at night!!

4 readers found this review helpful

The landing into Madeira was a bit bumpy because of very strong side winds, but we knew that it may be the case as we had done some research beforehand.
Transfer to apartment very quick and smooth by mini bus, which was unexpected as we thought it would be by coach, so we got to our apartments before most people had left the airport.
We were met at the apartment by a very nice lady, whose name we can't remember, who explained to us where everything was, where to shop for food, where to catch buses to and from town etc, she also gave us a map highlighting things in and around town.
Roads are very steep in places, but it is a volcanic island and to be expected. We came back fitter after all the walking we did.
We did experience a few ants in the apartment, but not an army of them as some people have wrote. As for the barking dogs, it was not a great problem, if you are a light sleeper take some foam ear plugs.
Apartment was very clean as was surrounding area, flowers are amazing, as is the scenery, local food was very simple and very tasty, do try the scabbard fish.
Fantastic holiday.

3 readers found this review helpful

The apartment itself was very pleasant, well equipped and spotlessly clean. It is located in a residential area.
The maid service was exceptionally good. As far as furniture was concerned, the only drawback was a rather uncomfortable sofa bed, to sleep on, in the living room.
The terrace offers a lovely view.
The centre of Funchal is 30 minutes walk away along the streets, some of them very busy and without pavements. On the plus side there is a bus stop virtually outside the apartment.
There is a big supermarket two bus stops away.
The real drawback is the dogs, kept outside the neighbouring houses. These dogs bark a lot, especially at night; sometimes there is a cacophony of 4 or more dogs barking all at once.
Therefore I would not recommend these apartments for anyone who is a light(ish) sleeper.