Palheiro Madeira, Portugal
Opened
1997
Price
$$$
Rated for
Resort Heritage WellnessOutside the door
Historic botanical showpiece
Tucked in the subtropical hills of a 150-hectare nature estate, days drift between ancient botanical gardens, championship golf, and poolside afternoon tea.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A 150-hectare nature estate offering championship golf, tennis, heated pools, and walking trails through historic botanical gardens.
Notable
An 1804 hunting lodge built for the Count of Carvalhal, restored with original architectural features and antique furnishings.
Notable
Four treatment rooms, a Turkish steam bath, Finnish sauna, indoor hydro pool, and weekly garden pavilion yoga.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Perched five hundred meters above sea level in São Gonçalo, the secluded estate looks out over Funchal and the Atlantic.
The rooms
Accommodations span the historic 1804 hunting lodge and garden wings, appointed with traditional antiques, polished timber, and terraces opening toward the greenery.
The pools and yoga
Bring a swimsuit.
A garden pool sits bordered by tall trees, with a heated indoor hydro pool and outdoor yoga platforms nearby.
The spa
A stone pavilion houses curtained daybeds and treatment rooms offering Ayurvedic therapies and hot stone massages.
Dogs stay too.
Oxalis Restaurant
Arched windows look out across the lawns, where tables set against botanical wallpaper serve modern Madeiran dishes.
At the table
The lounge serves drinks from a curved wooden counter, and wicker tables on gravel terraces host afternoon tea.
How it began
Constructed in 1804 as a hunting lodge for the Count of Carvalhal, the estate was preserved by the wine-making Blandy family.
Good to know
Stay here
Casa Velha Do Palheiro
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Madeira
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.