Casa Velha Awarded Green Key Certification for 2026

Casa Velha do Palheiro Relais & Châteaux is proud to be certified with the Green Key distinction for the third consecutive year in 2026 🗝️💚

This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility, sustainable hospitality, and the preservation of the natural beauty that surrounds us. Every thoughtful choice we make contributes to creating memorable guest experiences while caring for our planet.

The Green Key certification is the leading international standard of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operations within the tourism industry, inspiring us to continue building a more sustainable future, one stay at a time.

Arraial Gourmet Returns to Casa Velha do Palheiro

The gardens of Casa Velha do Palheiro, Relais & Châteaux, will once again host Arraial Gourmet on 29 August, from 7:00 pm, for a unique gastronomic experience celebrating the flavours of Madeira through the creativity of some of the island's most acclaimed chefs.

Following the success of its inaugural edition, the event returns with an even more ambitious concept, bringing together eleven chefs for a series of live cooking experiences, where tradition and regional ingredients are reimagined through contemporary cuisine. Each culinary station pays tribute to the spirit of Madeira's traditional summer festivals, showcasing local produce, sustainability, creativity, and the island's rich culinary identity.

Eleven Chefs, Eleven Interpretations of Madeira

  1. Gonçalo Bota – Oxalis Restaurant
  2. David Jesus – Seiva & Feitio Restaurants
  3. Filipe Janeiro – Gazebo Restaurant
  4. César Vieira – Audax Restaurant
  5. Júlio Pereira & Carlos Gonçalves – Kampo Group
  6. Roberto Barros – Galáxia Restaurant, Savoy Palace
  7. Fábio Vieira – Adega do Pomar Restaurant
  8. Duarte Oliveira – Vista Balancal Restaurant
  9. Tony Fernandes – Pastry Chef and Founder of Uaucacau
  10. Joana Gonçalves – Pastry Chef at Choux

The experience will be complemented by a selection of renowned regional and national producers, showcasing the very best of their craft, including Aquanostra (oysters), Queijaria da Avó (Azorean cheeses), Blandy's (Madeira Wine), Levadia Brewery (craft beer), Reizinho (Madeira rum), and Champagne Monopole Pommery.

Set within the elegant yet relaxed surroundings of the gardens of Casa Velha do Palheiro, guests will enjoy an evening of discovery, sharing, and celebration, where exceptional food, music, and conviviality come together to create a truly memorable experience.

Arraial Gourmet takes place on 29 August 2026, from 7:00 pm, in the gardens of Casa Velha do Palheiro, Relais & Châteaux.

Tickets are €165 per person. Places are limited and reservations are confirmed upon payment. Tickets are non-refundable.

For further information and reservations:

Email: oxalis@palheiroestate.com
Telephone: +351 291 790 350
Website: www.casa-velha.com

Award-Winning Royal Ascot Florist to Host Floral Arrangement Workshop at Casa Velha do Palheiro

When award-winning florist Joanna Whitaker helped transform a hospitality box at Royal Ascot into a spectacular floral display, her work received royal approval.

“When Queen Camilla heard about the colourful floral decorations, she asked to see the box and said it looked wonderful,” Joanna recalls proudly.

It has been a memorable year for the London-based florist and mother of three, who also received her second award from the Worshipful Company of Gardeners earlier this year for the floral arrangements she created for insurer Howden’s reception.

On Saturday, 27 June 2026, Joanna returns to Madeira for a special floral arrangement workshop at Casa Velha do Palheiro, where participants will have the opportunity to learn some of the techniques behind her craft and create their own nature-inspired floral arrangement using flowers and foliage from the Palheiro Nature Estate.

Joanna, who has a deep affection for Madeira’s flora and has been visiting the island for more than 25 years, strives to work with seasonal flowers and foliage whenever possible, creating arrangements in a natural, relaxed, and country-garden style.

In addition to her work at world-renowned events such as Royal Ascot and the Guineas Festival at Newmarket Races, Joanna has helped transform major music festivals and prestigious venues in London, including the Guildhall, Spencer House, and the V&A Museum, as well as castles, hotels, and private estates throughout the United Kingdom. Outside the UK, she has also been invited to decorate the National Gallery of Denmark in Copenhagen.

“I am delighted to be returning to a place I love so much and to have the opportunity to share some of the techniques I use in my profession,” says Joanna.

The workshop will begin at 9:45 a.m. with a welcome session and herbal teas at the Pavilion, followed by an introduction to flowers, tools, and techniques. Participants will then enjoy a guided walk through the gardens and trails of the Palheiro Nature Estate to identify flowers and foliage for use in their arrangements, before taking part in a practical session featuring a live demonstration by Joanna Whitaker and personalised guidance while creating their own floral designs.

The event includes a welcome herbal tea, coffee break, tea/coffee, and the opportunity for each participant to take home their own floral arrangement.

Event Details

Event: Floral Arrangement Workshop with Joanna Whitaker
Date: Saturday, 27 June 2026
Venue: Casa Velha do Palheiro, Madeira
Time: 9:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Price: €85 per person

Includes: Welcome herbal tea, coffee break, tea/coffee, and your own floral arrangement to take home.

Bookings: +351 291 790 350 | sales.pne@palheiroestate.com

Casa Velha do Palheiro & Oxalis Honoured in Boa Cama Boa Mesa 2026

Casa Velha do Palheiro and its restaurant Oxalis are distinguished in the Boa Cama Boa Mesa 2026 guide by Expresso.

This recognition reinforces an integrated approach to the guest experience, where place, product and service are carefully aligned.

It reflects a consistent vision across hospitality and gastronomy, rooted in the identity of Madeira.

From Ocean to Nature - A Culinary Journey Through Madeira

The Oxalis Restaurant, located at Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro, Relais & Châteaux, will host an exclusive four-hands dinner uniting Chef Gonçalo Bota, recommended by the Michelin Guide, and Chef José Diogo Costa, holder of a Michelin Star at Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, in an extraordinary culinary collaboration entitled “From Ocean to Nature”.

This unique event invites guests on a gastronomic journey through Madeira, celebrating the island’s vibrant landscapes, traditions, and producers — from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean to the serenity of the Palheiro Nature Estate highlands.

The six-course menu — featuring four savoury dishes, a pre-dessert, and a dessert — will be paired with a selection of Premium Champagne, carefully chosen to enhance the dialogue between the freshness of the sea and Madeira’s natural richness.

Rooted in local produce, sustainability, and respect for nature, the dinner’s concept reflects the shared philosophy of Relais & Châteaux and Belmond: timeless hospitality, culinary excellence, and a deep connection to place.

“This dinner celebrates the essence of Madeira — the meeting of two culinary worlds united by a shared respect for the ingredients and traditions of our island.” says Chef Gonçalo Bota of Restaurante Oxalis.

“From Ocean to Nature is more than a menu; it’s a story of origin, of land and sea, and of how the art of cooking transforms nature’s bounty into experience.” adds Chef José Diogo Costa of Reid’s Palace.

The dinner will take place on Friday, 14 November 2025, at 7:00 p.m., at Restaurante Oxalis, Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro, Relais & Châteaux.

Date: Friday, 14 November 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Restaurante Oxalis, Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro, Relais & Châteaux
Price: €245 per person, including Premium Champagne pairing

Reservations:
📧 reservations.casavelha@palheiroestate.com
📞 +351 291 790 350

Places are limited, and early booking is strongly recommended.

International Recognition for Madeira!

Casa Velha do Palheiro has been featured by the prestigious The Telegraph as one of the top places to stay in Funchal. A mark of excellence that reflects the elegance and uniqueness of this historic retreat.

✨ What makes us so special?
✔ Surrounded by century-old gardens for moments of pure tranquility
✔ Prime location next to the renowned Palheiro Golf
✔ Exceptional gastronomy and authentic hospitality

When TheTelegraph recommends it, you know it’s truly exceptional.

Read the full article: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/portugal/madeira/funchal/hotels/casa-velha-do-palheiro-hotel/

Six Chefs Celebrate the 1st Anniversary of Oxalis

– Arraial Gourmet on the lawn of Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro, Relais & Châteaux, bringing together Tradition, Innovation, Sustainability, and Nature –

One year after opening its doors, Oxalis restaurant celebrates its first anniversary with the 1st edition of Arraial Gourmet — a unique event that combines contemporary cuisine, Madeiran tradition and nature, set in the unforgettable surroundings of the lawns of Casa Velha do Palheiro, Relais & Châteaux, on September 12th at 7:00 pm.

The event will feature Live Cooking, where six renowned chefs of contemporary cuisine will create and serve dishes inspired by regional traditions — reinterpreted in gourmet form. Each food station will pay tribute to the essence of the arraial (traditional festivity), with its own distinct identity and elevated creativity.

Six chefs, six visions, one garden:

In a warm, relaxed yet refined atmosphere, each creation is designed to surprise, inspire, and mark this special occasion. Guests can expect a night of unique flavors, sharing and lasting memories — with the lawns of Casa Velha do Palheiro providing a vibrant and unforgettable backdrop. The evening will also feature entertainment moments, including a special performance by Maya Blandy.

This exclusive event is open to the public with limited availability of 150 guests. Price: €135 per person. Reservations are confirmed upon pre-payment.

Casa Velha do Palheiro warmly thanks all its sponsors and partners, whose support makes this event possible: Aquimadeira, Blandy’s Wine Lodge, Grupo Kampo, 4Cakes, Cannings Gin, Adega do Mar (Quinta da Moscadinha), Aquanostra, Névio Dias Videography, Quinta de Lemos, Pommery (Alberto & Filhos), Delta, Chabom, Levadia Brewery.

Casa Velha do Palheiro Awarded Green Key for Second Year Running

We are excited to announce that Casa Velha do Palheiro, Relais & Châteaux, has been awarded the Green Key for the second consecutive year in recognition of our ongoing efforts to protect the environment!

Our Hotel Manager Cátia Afonso is a huge supporter of the Green Key Initiative.

“This Award is a testament to our ongoing commitment to sustainability. At Casa Velha do Palheiro, we believe that every small action contributes to a better future — and this year, we’ve taken a meaningful step forward with the launch of The Maze.

Developed in partnership with Greener Act, this unique reforestation project at Palheiro Nature Estate features over 800 trees and is expected to offset around 20 tons of CO₂ annually.

We are proud to be part of the Green Key community”

Casa Velha do Palheiro Celebrates 220 Years of History with the Launch of "Open Kitchen"

Casa Velha do Palheiro - Relais & Châteaux, is celebrating 220 years of history with the opening of an "Open Kitchen," marking a new chapter in its journey. The new kitchen, developed in partnership with Aquimadeira and Fagor, has been designed to offer a unique gastronomic experience. To commemorate this special occasion, two events are planned to showcase the new culinary concept.

On September 13th, the celebration begins with a four-hands tasting dinner featuring Chef Gonçalo Bita Bota of Casa Velha do Palheiro and Chef Gil Fernandes from Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho (1* Michelin). The exclusive menu reflects the creativity of the new kitchen and will be served in an "Open Kitchen" format, allowing guests to observe the creation of the dishes. The dinner will be preceded by a cocktail in the gardens at 7:30 PM, available by reservation and subject to limited capacity.

To complement the celebration, on September 15th, the "Culinary Golf Experience by Fagor" will bring together a select group of personalities from the worlds of golf and gastronomy in a private event.

The new kitchen at Casa Velha do Palheiro stands out for its "open kitchen" concept, which invites guests to interact with the culinary process, and a menu that highlights fresh, local ingredients with a sophisticated touch.

Casa Velha do Palheiro wins “Grande Ouro” Award in International Cuisine

Casa Velha do Palheiro Relais & Châteaux has been awarded the prestigious “Grand Gold” prize in International Cuisine. This accolade recognizes the restaurant's culinary excellence and innovation, solidifying its position as one of the leading gastronomic references in Europe.

The award was presented during the Tejo Gourmet Awards ceremony on June 21, where Casa Velha do Palheiro stood out among esteemed competitors, reaffirming its reputation for the extraordinary quality of its dishes and its commitment to haute cuisine.

Executive Chef Gonçalo Bita Bota celebrated the achievement with enthusiasm: “This award is the result of our team’s hard work, dedication, and passion. We are committed to offering a memorable culinary experience by combining the unique flavors of Madeira with international influences. This distinction is an honor and a motivation to continue raising our standards of excellence.”

Casa Velha do Palheiro is renowned for its innovative international cuisine, which blends authentic flavors with modern techniques. With a strong focus on sustainability, the restaurant uses local and seasonal ingredients sourced from regional suppliers.

About Casa Velha do Palheiro: Located on the beautiful island of Madeira, Casa Velha do Palheiro is an elegant hotel that combines historical charm with modern comfort. As a member of Relais & Châteaux, Casa Velha do Palheiro is dedicated to providing unparalleled hospitality and unique experiences to its visitors.