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Casa Velha do Palheiro is a Relais & Châteaux property set above Funchal on the island of Madeira, Portugal. Originally constructed as a hunting lodge in 1804 and fully restored in 1997, the hotel features 38 rooms and suites surrounded by the famous Palheiro Gardens and golf course. It offers wellness amenities including a spa, heated pools, and access to levadas walks, water sports, and wine experiences.
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Casa Velha do Palheiro sits above Funchal, the capital of Madeira, an island known as the 'Pearl of the Atlantic.' The property originated as a hunting lodge built by the Conde de Carvalhal in 1804. After full restoration in 1997, it overlooks the city while surrounded by the famous Palheiro Gardens.
The estate sits adjacent to the 72-par Palheiro golf course. Walking trails include the levadas—irrigation channels that wind through the foothills and offer countryside views. Funchal is accessible for exploration, with the city's Wine Lodges offering local Madeira tastings. The property also maintains the Casa Velha motor yacht 'Balancal' in Funchal marina.
The hotel offers 38 rooms and suites across different wings: the Double Garden Wing, Double Main House, Double Golf Wing, Junior Suite Main House, and Senior Suite Golf Wing. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and internet access throughout the property.
The Palheiro Spa provides personalized relaxation massages and wellness treatments. The property features a heated indoor pool and heated outdoor pool, alongside a fitness room, sauna, hammam, and beauty center.
Recreational facilities include 9-hole and 18-hole golf courses on site. Tennis, yoga lessons, wine tasting, oenology courses, and wine cellar visits are available. Water sports and outdoor activities include sailing, diving, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, badminton, and birdwatching.
The property welcomes families with family suites, connecting rooms, multi-bedroom villas, babysitting services, kids' menus, and highchairs. Golf enthusiasts will find multiple courses on the estate. Those seeking relaxation will appreciate the gardens, spa, and wellness activities. Active travelers can pursue water sports, hiking, wine experiences, and visits to Funchal.
Editorial verification: Casa Velha do Palheiro is affiliated with Relais & Châteaux; this was confirmed on the brand's own website or hotel list, and the hotel was matched to its official website by our editorial board.
Casa Velha do Palheiro is situated above Funchal on the island of Madeira, Portugal, at Rua de Estalagem 23, Palheiro Ferreiro, São Gonçalo, Funchal. The property overlooks the city while surrounded by the Palheiro Gardens estate.
The property was built in 1804 as a hunting lodge by the Conde de Carvalhal and underwent complete restoration in 1997. It is now operated as a Relais & Châteaux hotel.
Casa Velha do Palheiro has 38 rooms and suites, including Double Garden Wing, Double Main House, Double Golf Wing, Junior Suite Main House, and Senior Suite Golf Wing options.
The Palheiro Spa offers massages and wellness treatments. Guests also have access to heated indoor and outdoor pools, fitness room, sauna, hammam, and beauty center. Yoga lessons are offered on site.
The estate includes 9-hole and 18-hole golf courses. Water activities include sailing, diving, canoeing, and kayaking. Land-based options encompass hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, tennis, badminton, wine tasting, and oenology courses.
Yes, Casa Velha do Palheiro welcomes families with family suites, connecting rooms, multi-bedroom villas, babysitting, kids' menus, and highchairs. The hotel is also pet friendly in select rooms and common areas for an additional cost.
Casa Velha do Palheiro is affiliated with Relais & Châteaux; this was confirmed on the brand's own website or hotel list, and the hotel was matched to its official website by our editorial board.
Casa Velha do Palheiro is in São Gonçalo, Portugal. Address: Rua de Estalagem 23, Palheiro Ferreiro, São Gonçalo, Funchal, 9060-415, Portugal.
| Location | São Gonçalo, Portugal |
|---|---|
| Address | Rua de Estalagem 23, Palheiro Ferreiro, São Gonçalo, Funchal, 9060-415, Portugal |
| Brand / alliance | Relais & Châteaux |
| Official website | relaischateaux.com |
| Verified | by the editorial board |
Sources: relaischateaux.com/gb/hotel/casa-velha-do-palheiro/
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hotel data: Wikidata (CC0), OpenStreetMap (ODbL), official websites.