Madeira

Madeira

The island of Madeira is a green subtropical paradise of volcanic origin with a year-round summer climate. With its beautiful parks and gardens full of exotic flowers and varied wildlife, stunning coastal and mountain walks and the historic capital of Funchal, Madeira has rightfully been crowned best island destination in the world at the 2015 and 2016 World Travel Awards.We have chosen to go in February as a welcome break from the UK weather when we should expect warm daytime temperatures, though not too hot - ideal for bridge, golf and walking!

Casa Velha do Palheiro 

Casa Velha was originally a hunting lodge for the Count of Carvalhal. In 1885, the estate was acquired by the Blandy family, synonymous with the Madeira wine trade, to whom it still belongs. Now an elegant 5-star luxury hotel, it forms part of the prestigious Relais and Chateaux hotel group. Filled with sunlight and antiques, fresh flowers and floral chintzes, this peaceful hotel is beautifully preserved and brimming with country house charm. The attractive, cream coloured building with a terracotta-tiled roof has wisteria rambling along balconies and framing doorways which open out onto one of Madeira’s most stunning gardens.

Within the extensive Palheiro grounds, there is an outdoor swimming pool and in the superb spa, an indoor heated pool with sauna, steam bath and a fitness room. There is an all-weather tennis court, croquet lawn, badminton court and games room. A private motor yacht is available for hire to go dolphin or whale watching or deep sea fishing.

The bedrooms are situated in two separate low lying wings, close to the hotel itself, and look onto the lush gardens. These two-tiered buildings are very much in keeping with the country house style of the original house. The interior bedroom decor has deep carpets, floral fabrics and antique furniture including dressing tables and hardwood polished bed heads. The en-suite luxurious bathrooms are beautifully tiled in white, inset with hand-painted floral details. For more information about Casa Velha and an enticing photo gallery, please click here to visit their website. 

Things to do locally

Adjacent to the hotel, Palheiro Golf is one of Europe’s most beautiful golf courses. This 18-hole par 72 championship golf course has magnificent views overlooking Funchal Bay. It passes through a verdant environment of maritime pine and botanical woodland, lined with lush, sub-tropical vegetation. There are privileged tee offs  from the ‘Halfway House’, a short stroll from the hotel gates, and discounts on green fees for hotel guests.

The gated Palheiro Gardens, famous for their camellias, are open to the public and are a year-round place of pilgrimage for flower lovers offering great horticultural interest and a peaceful wildlife haven full of beauty and contrast. There are also a number of marked walking trails through the hotel’s estate and beyond and if you want to explore further, you can book a walking guide to take you on one of the island’s classic walking routes. The lively capital of Funchal with its busy marina, enticing shops and interesting historical buildings is only 20 minutes away.

We will be organising two optional excursions during the stay to include a stunning tour of the east of the island, a boat trip to spot dolphins and whales, and a visit to the famous Monte Palace Tropical gardens.