Published: August 10,2016
The wildfire raging through the capital city of Portugal’s Madeira island has completely destroyed a 5-start resort set in the hill overlooking the city of Funchal.
The Choupana Hills Resort & Spa confirmed on its Facebook page Wednesday “because of the tragic situation we lost the hotel.” According to a source quoted by Dinheiro Digital, the emergency plan of the establishment "executed successfully with no injuries to register with guests or hotel employees."
Aqui está o estado do Choupana Hills na Madeira, depois do incêndio que o destruiu. #PrayForPortugal
According to the resort's web page, the hotel, designed by the French architect Michel de Camaret, features wood and stone as main building materials.
(MORE: Residents Fleeing in Panic as Wildfire Sweeps into Capital of Portuguese Island Killing 3)
In 2004 and in 2014, the Choupana Hills Resort & Spa won the best award Boutique Resort of Europe by the World Travel Awards, Cofina Media reports.
In 2016 the resort won a traveler’s choice award from Trip Advisor, who's members described the property as "a jewel" and "paradise in the mountains."
"Such sad news," one user wrote on the hotel's Facebook page. "We loved our family holiday with you and your wonderful staff this year - we hope you are all safe and well! We truly hope the hotel will be rebuilt as it was quite magical and I'm sure will be again."
The wildfire, which officials think may have been intentionally set, has been burning in the hills above Funchal since Monday, and swept into the island's capital overnight Tuesday, killing three people and injuring hundreds more.
The blaze, fueled by hot weather and strong winds, forced the evacuation of around 1,000 residents and tourists in the islands off northwestern Africa. Residents described chaotic nighttime scenes, with people fleeing the flames by car at high speed on the wrong side of the road. Firefighters said the island's steep hills and dense woodland have made it hard to reach the flames.
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