We were met at the airport by not Manuel (but his nephew), and taken to the Vila Formosa, where Rita showed us in. The Vila was clean with lovely view out to sea and overlooking the pool. We found the information that the owner had sent beforehand very useful, our first trip was to the supermarket which is a good 10/15 min walk - it may have been best to get a taxi back whilst carrying our purchases (wine,beer,gin!) also some food. All other supplies we just nipped up to the row of shops opposite the Vila complex, where buses also ran from.
This was our first trip to Madeira and found the week went very quickly, the situation suited us as quieter than being in Funchal centre, the pool did get busier at weekends, but for a lot of the time we had it to ourselves.
We found an excellent pizza place not far away, turn left out of gates, carry on past round-about, cross road turn left up by the Brazilian steak bar, Papa 2 further up that road - very reasonable they will, if asked, wrap up what you cannot eat bring home for lunch the next day!
You do need to be prepared to do a fair bit of walking, if like us we did not hire a car, but the buses are frequent we did buy a 5 day ticket, which saves Hassel. Our only criticism would be the sofa was not particularly comfortable and the pillows left a bit to be desired, but now I am nit picking! We hope to go again.