Casa Velha Do Palheiro - Relais & Châteaux

Imagine an elegant boutique hotel nestled in the lush greenery of subtropical forests on hillsides overlooking the ocean. Casa Velha do Palheiro is a unique early 19th-century estate located on the outskirts of Funchal. This historic quinta in Portugal once served as the hunting lodge for the Count of Carvalhal and is now an exclusive member of the Relais & Châteaux collection.

Casa Velha do Palheiro. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The architectural ensemble consists of three buildings, including "The Old House," which underwent a meticulous restoration in 2022. The hotel's interiors are adorned with antique furniture and fine marble, which, combined with modern comforts, creates the atmosphere of a grand country estate. The crown jewel of the property is the famous Palheiro Gardens, where rare camellias bloom alongside exotic trees brought by explorers from all over the world.

This is more than just a place to stay; it is a complete destination blending history, botany, and sport. Guests can enjoy a round on the championship golf course or wander through the shaded alleys of the Blandy family's private residence. Casa Velha do Palheiro is considered a benchmark for luxurious and secluded relaxation on the island of Madeira.

For booking inquiries or to plan your visit, you can use the official communication channels. The hotel is located in the São Gonçalo district and is always ready to assist future guests.

A visit to this estate offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for lovers of aesthetics and active leisure. Start with a walk through Quinta do Palheiro — gardens where a neoclassical temple and a Baroque chapel are hidden among winding paths. Botany enthusiasts will be delighted by the camellia collection, while art lovers will notice the unique ancient frescoes preserved in the main building.

For those who prefer sports, an 18-hole championship golf course awaits, stretching through pine forests with panoramic views of the Atlantic. After an active game, you can relax in the spa or spend time on the tennis court. The gastronomic evenings deserve special mention: the local restaurant offers a refined fusion of Madeiran cuisine and famous wines from Blandy’s Wine Lodge cellars.

The Blandy family, now in its fifth generation of ownership, carefully preserves the traditions of hospitality. You can join a wine tasting, take a tour of the estate, or simply enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace while watching the sunset over Funchal Bay.

Reaching this secluded retreat is straightforward. A car ride from the center of Funchal takes about 15–20 minutes; follow the ER103 road towards São Gonçalo. If you are coming directly from Madeira Airport, the journey takes approximately 20–30 minutes.

For those preferring public transport, city buses run from the center. Routes No. 34 or No. 36 will take you to the Palheiro stop. From the stop near the golf club, it is about a 10-minute walk while enjoying the fresh mountain air.

Taxis and Uber are also widely available, with a trip from the city costing roughly 15–20 euros. To enjoy maximum freedom of movement across the island's hilly terrain, many tourists opt for car rentals. Free parking is provided for guests on-site.

The history of this estate began in 1801, when João José Xavier de Carvalhal purchased a hilly plot of land. Originally, Casa Velha do Palheiro was built as a summer residence and hunting lodge for the Count. As early as 1804, a French landscape architect laid the foundation for the famous quinta, creating a unique irrigation system and planting hundreds of exotic trees brought from Brazil.

In the 19th century, the estate was a hub of social life, hosting high-profile figures. Notable guests included Princess Leopoldina of Austria, the future King Luís of Portugal, as well as King Carlos and Queen Amélia. The Count's legacy is still symbolized by the exquisite frescoes of acorns decorating the building's interiors.

The estate experienced a decline in the late 19th century, but in 1885, it was acquired by John Burden Blandy, a member of the famous winemaking dynasty. The Blandy family not only preserved the historic building but also transformed the gardens into one of the island's greatest treasures. It was not until 1997 that descendants Adam and Christina Blandy opened Madeira's first five-star country house hotel here, meticulously preserving the spirit of the old estate.

To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this historic estate, it is recommended to set aside 4 to 6 hours for your visit. This is enough time for a leisurely stroll through the famous gardens, a visit to the old chapel and neoclassical temple, and an exquisite lunch at the hotel restaurant.

If your goal is to play a round of golf on the professional 18-hole course or visit the spa, you should plan for a full day. For those who want to completely escape into the silence and luxury of Madeira's nature, staying at the hotel for a couple of nights is the ideal option.

As fits a five-star hotel, Casa Velha do Palheiro welcomes guests 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The reception and guest services operate without holidays or breaks, providing access to rooms and main relaxation areas at any time.

However, specific operating hours may apply to individual facilities on the grounds, such as the Palheiro Gardens or the golf club. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the estate's official website or contact the administration directly before your visit.

The hotel's elevated location makes it easy to combine a peaceful retreat in the gardens with exploring the region's cultural heritage. Its proximity to the historical center opens up many interesting locations for travelers.