A Relais & Châteaux Hotel with over 220 years of history, beauty & elegance.
Casa Velha do Palheiro
Welcome to Casa Velha do Palheiro A Relais & Châteaux Hotel
On the stunning island of Madeira, known as the "Pearl of the Atlantic," Casa Velha do Palheiro eagerly awaits your arrival, perched above the bustling city of Funchal. Originally constructed in 1804 as a hunting lodge by the esteemed Conde de Carvalhal, this historic building underwent a meticulous restoration in 1997. Today, Casa Velha stands as a serene sanctuary, enveloped by the renowned Palheiro gardens and the magnificent 72-par Palheiro golf course. It is the perfect retreat to relax, revel in the gardens' beauty, and explore the 150 hectare Palheiro Nature Estate.
Indulge in the tranquil ambiance of our Spa, challenge yourself on the golf course, and relish a delectable lunch at Vista Balancal the Golf Club House while overlooking the majestic Atlantic Ocean. For an exquisite dining experience, visit Oxalis Restaurant, where seasonal Madeiran flavors are crafted into culinary masterpieces. For a taste of Madeira’s renowned wine, venture into Funchal, where you can visit the world famous Wine Lodges.
At Casa Velha do Palheiro, we aim to provide an unforgettable experience, combining the natural beauty of the estate with unparalleled hospitality. Whether you seek relaxation, outdoor activities, or a taste of Madeira's rich culture, we are dedicated to making your stay truly remarkable.
The guest rooms and suites at Madeira Island Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro perfectly convey the history, beauty and elegance of the Palheiro Estate. Staying here is to embrace over 200 years of family tradition, and the sense of occasion is tangible. Each room combines classic, bespoke design with contemporary flourishes and is appointed to the very highest standards of comfort and luxury.
At Casa Velha do Palheiro, every stay is a unique experience. Whether you’re drawn to a scenic round of golf, relaxing spa treatments, gourmet dining, our enchanting gardens, or thrilling adventures across Madeira — we’ll help you create the perfect itinerary.
We offer personalised packages designed entirely around your preferences. From intimate escapes to group getaways, simply contact us and let our team craft an unforgettable stay tailored just for you.
At Palheiro Nature Estate, we are committed to providing a positive hospitality experience while minimizing our environmental impact. We have implemented a set of sustainability actions that include using eco-friendly products, reducing food waste, supporting local communities, and planting trees.
Join one of our sustainability events to enjoy a great day out while helping us make a small difference for our world.
Our spa's chic, minimalist design amplifies the luxury experience. In our four exclusive treatment rooms - guests are invited to enjoy a wide array of authentic massages and beauty therapies.
The gardens at "Quinta do Palheiro" are famous not only for the variety of plants that grow there but for the beauty of their setting in the hills to the east of Funchal, the capital of Madeira.
Play on our newly-renovated synthetic grass tennis court, nestled within lush gardens. Perfect for a light rally or spirited match, this court blends elegance and play in a tranquil, verdant setting.
Yoga
Join our weekly yoga sessions in the peaceful Pavilion at Casa Velha do Palheiro. Surrounded by greenery, flowing breaths and gentle movement restore balance, calm mind, body, and spirit.
Swim outdoors in our tiled garden pool, complete with loungers and bar service, or unwind indoors at Palheiro Spa’s heated pool, featuring soothing Jacuzzi beds for pure relaxation.
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Palheiro Nature Estate News
Weekly event
Meet the Chef
Join us every Tuesday from 17:30 to 18:00 for our "Meet the Chef" event, where you'll enjoy a personalised experience with Chef Gonçalo Bita Bota. The visit begins with a tour of our on-site garden, highlighting our sustainability practices and the importance of locally sourced ingredients. Chef Gonçalo will also share insights into our commitment to using national meat suppliers, ensuring the highest quality for our dishes. Throughout the tour, Chef Gonçalo is happy to answer your culinary questions and share recipes of your favourite dishes.
NEWS
Introducing Our New Pavilion: A Serene Sanctuary for Yoga, Wellness Retreats, and Elegant Events at Casa Velha do Palheiro
We're pleased to announce the addition of a new Pavilion at our hotel, dedicated to yoga and wellness activities. Situated in the heart of the hotel's grounds, this Pavilion offers a peaceful setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. It's an ideal spot for guests to enjoy yoga, engage in wellness workshops, or simply unwind in a serene environment. We look forward to welcoming you to this new space where comfort meets tranquility.
NEWS
Palheiro Nature Estate is Dog-friendly
At Palheiro Nature Estate, we love our furry friends and welcome them to explore the estate alongside their owners. To keep pets and guests happy, we have established a dog charter.
The room was a good size, very nicely decorated and furnished, with an extremely comfortable large bed and feather pillows. The hotel is set in beautiful gardens. Breakfast was of a high standard. Staff very friendly and efficient.
Alastair - UK
via booking.com
I spent 11 lovely days at Casa Velha do Palheiro, the hotel is the perfect place for a retreat, and to do a variety of things, relax, walk, hike, play golf or tennis, go on hikes or excursions, enjoy treatments and spa, and the wonderful gardens, nice rooms, and good food.
collisyannette05
via Tripadvisor
A beautiful small and luxurious hotel. Warm and welcoming staff. 32 individually special rooms. Fine dining restaurant. Set in a truly vast and beautiful historic estate which also features an 18 hole golf course. At its core, a magnificent hunting lodge.
Trevor Edwards
via Google Reviews
Relais & Châteaux, established in 1954, is an association of 580 unique hotels and restaurants throughout the world, owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs – most often families – who are passionate about their craft and deeply committed to forging warm, lasting relationships with their guests.
Established on five continents, from the Napa Valley vineyards to Provence to the beaches of the Indian Ocean, Relais & Châteaux invites people across the globe to savor delicious journeys, to discover the inimitable art de vivre engrained in each local culture and to share an incomparable, unforgettable experience.
Relais & Châteaux members protect and promote the wealth and diversity of the world’s culinary and hospitality traditions, to ensure they continue to thrive. They are equally dedicated to preserving local heritage and the environment, as articulated in the association’s Vision presented to UNESCO in November 2014.
Conveniently located close to town and only 20 minutes from the Madeira International airport, Casa Velha do Palheiro is perfectly situated to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, a unique place to actively unwind, where the only noise you are likely to hear is birdsong.
Address: Rua da Estalagem, 23 9060-415 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal |Phone: +351 291 790 350 (chamada p/rede fixa nacional)
Experience the perfect balance of relaxation and sport with our exclusive Stay & Play offer. Enjoy accommodation in a Superior Room, Junior Suite or Senior Suite, daily breakfast for two, early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability), transfers to and from Palheiro Golf Course, and complimentary green fees throughout your stay.
This offer is valid for stays of a minimum of two nights, booked directly with Casa Velha do Palheiro, for travel between 5 January - 28 February 2026. Reservations must be made between 1 January - 28 February 2026 and apply exclusively to new bookings, subject to availability.
