The Bela Vista Hotel & Spa Portimao is set over the Praia da Rocha cliff with a direct access to the beach. It was built in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, along with area’s historical chalets.

After its recent refurbishment, the Bela Vista welcomed the Presidents of the Portuguese Republic Mário Soares and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Both leaving their comments in the hotel’s Book of Honour.

It was built to serve as the private home of António Júdice de Magalhães Barros, a local fishing and canning industry businessman (1879-1960) and it was inaugurated in February of 1918 in a ceremony that included the presence of the President of the Portuguese Republic at the time, Sidónio Pais, as the guest of honour.

It was then called “Our Lady of Sorrows Villa”, and in it Magalhães de Barros’ five daughters grew up and it was the stage of many memorable events, including visits by artists and politicians.

In 1934, Henrique Bivar de Vasconcelos, the original owner’s cousin, turned it into a hotel. And the Bela Vista was born, the first hotel in the Algarve. Even before becoming an official hotel, Bela Vista welcomed as guests families from Andalusia, fleeing from the Spanish Civil War.

Bela Vista’s many honourable guests, include personalites such as Sidónio Pais, King Humberto of Italy, Fulgêncio Baptista, the Counts of Barcelona and the Brazilian President, Juscelino de Oliveira.

A special mention to Finland’s war hero Baron Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, whose picture and letter of appreciation to the hotel are placed on top of our piano. The Marshal of Finland stayed at the hotel recovering from a period of poor health.

One of the most remarkable eras of the Hotel Bela Vista was during World War II. Portugal was politically neutral during that period and served as an intelligence exchange site and the Bela Vista was a privileged site for meetings of spies and messengers.

Rooms
With a good taste that breathes in every detail, the decoration is currently signed by Graça Viterbo, one of the most respected professionals of the area in Portugal. Here is a dream destination, with a charming environment that will provide you with unforgettable moments.

Classic
Classic double rooms located in “Palacete”, “Bela Vista Jardim” or “Casa Azul”. Views of the garden or the main avenue of Praia da Rocha. Optional balcony, subject to availability.

Character
Double rooms in the “Palacete” with unique characteristics of the historic building. Sea view. Optional balcony, subject to availability.

Chef´s Table
There is always an opportunity for a romantic getaway. Celebrate that special moment at Bela Vista with a dinner prepared by Chef João Oliveira and his team at the exclusive Chef´s Table.

Spa

400m2, 5 treatment rooms including 2 for couples, Sauna, Hammam, Relaxation Area and a comforting Fitness Lounge. Genuine Mediterranean scents provided by L’Occitane.

Fostering authenticity, respect for the environment and for the senses since 1976. All the products reflect the practices of demanding producers and the ancient flavours and the traditions of Provence.

Fresh or salt water?

Next to our modern outdoor pool you will have a bartender at your disposal and all the tranquillity you are looking for to enjoy the blue sky, the main feature of this region, where Praia da Rocha is located. Bela Vista also has a private access to the beach, just in case you prefer to take a walk on the sand or bathe in the ocean.

WHERE WE ARE LOCATED

The city of Portimão is located in the extreme southwest of Europe, the link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. In one of the most emblematic places in the city, Praia da Rocha, the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa stands on the cliff, with a privileged and stunning view to the ocean.

WHAT WE HAVE NEAR

The Algarve region is characterized by its fantastic climate, unique landscapes, traditions and cuisine. The beaches of Portimão extend for kilometers of golden sands. A paradise for memorable holidays, to be enjoyed by land and sea.

At a short distance from the hotel, we find the town’s center and the villages of Alvor and Ferragudo, also known as the pearls of Algarve’s rural and maritime traditions. A short trip takes us to Monchique, the highest point in the Algarve region.

A few kilometers distance us from the historic towns of Silves, Lagos and Sagres, the most southwestern point of mainland Europe.

The Algarve
The days are sunny and in the Algarve there is always a lot to explore! Discover the diversity of activities available in the region: from the Benagil caves to Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, passing by the Sagres fortress. If you like Golf, the Algarve has the best golf courses in Europe.

Benagil or Ponta da Piedade?
We invite you to discover the most emblematic towns and cities in this wonderful region. From the mountains to the Algarve coast, let yourself be carried away by the colors and traditions of Terra do Sol.

The coastline is spectacular and can lead you to fall in love with the region, while exploring the immense range of cliffs and rock formations that border the blue sea and the coastal cities and towns that founded this splendid territory.

Enjoy the Sunset
Let yourself go with the wind and contemplate one of the most beautiful sunsets along the Algarve coast towards Sagres, where the sun sets.

Oysters
Oysters, we all know how they taste like and how to serve them. But how do they get to our table? Join our Chef, João Oliveira, on a discovery journey to the less known world of the oysters.

Website: www.hotelbelavista.net

Rooms: 38

Price: from 253 EUR per night

Casa Velha do Palheiro is a Relais & Châteaux country house hotel, set within the award-winning Palheiro Gardens in the foothills of Funchal, which combines history, beauty and elegance.

The hotel has been lovingly restored from an 18th century hunting lodge and is now fully integrated into the 120 hectare Palheiro Nature Estate with its own par 72 championship golf course, a fully serviced spa with indoor and outdoor pools, and over 20 kilometres of nature trails, birdwatching, restaurants, bars and even a tea house.

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.

ROOMS & SUITES
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.

Warm, dark-coloured hardwood furnishings and floral-patterned drapes and bedware combine to illustrate a graceful and discerning interior replete with sprays of fresh flowers, large mirrors and framed prints of rare and beautiful flora. Outside, there is little to disturb the peace and quiet except, perhaps, the piping of birdsong or the gentle sigh of a light breeze.

SENIOR SUITES GOLF WING
The two Senior Suites located in the Wing are named after noted topographical painters Frank Dillon and Andrew Pickens. The Frank Dillon Suite is decorated with lithographs depicting 19th-century Madeira executed by the English artist and illustrator in 1848.

Similarly, prints and engravings of Madeira Island views in the mid-1800s by fellow expatriate Andrew Pickens enliven the Andrew Pickens Suite. Both suites enjoy substantial floorspace, with separate bedroom and lounge-sitting room. Bathrooms with separate bath and shower.

JUNIOR SUITES
The three Junior Suites located in the Old House offer a rare combination of generous floorspace and ambient light. Beautifully appointed and exuding a graceful, 19th-century aura, the interior of each suite conveys a unique personality and is named after a distinguished individual inexorably linked with Madeira Island and the Palheiro Estate.

On the upper level, The Conde de Carvalhal Suite honours the 1st Count of Carvalhal who created the estate in 1801 and built Casa Velha. The Rei Dom Carlos Suite, also upstairs, remembers Carlos de Bragança, King of Portugal, who stayed here in 1901.

Named after the man who subsequently purchased the land and buildings of Palheiro in 1885, The John Burden Blandy Suite is situated on the ground floor of the Casa Velha.

DOUBLE GOLF WING
Fronting the hotel’s well-manicured back lawn, the architecture of the two-tier Golf Wing is very much in keeping with Casa Velha’s country house-style appearance. The Double Golf Wing Rooms offer more floorspace and bathrooms with separate tub and shower. The floor-length rear windows allow glimpses of the golf course.

THE VISTA BALANCAL RESTAURANT 
Gastronomy at the Vista Balancal combines local culinary tastes with a southern European flavour. Set under the 18th green at Madeira Island Palheiro Golf, the Vista Balancal sits high above Funchal and affords a glorious panorama of the bay, the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Vista Balancal benefits from a unique open-plan design. A generous veranda, where that same magnificent view can be appreciated in all its splendour, further accentuates the sense of space. Here, the environment is one of calm and relaxation. Golfers can enjoy pre-round coffee before their game and later unwind over a post-round drink.

Lunch is an occasion for laughter and banter, a time to replay that cracking drive, that subtle putt or that awkward bunker with friends and teammates.

The à la carte menu lists an array of appetising starters like pan-fried prawns in piri-piri sauce, bang bang salad with saffron and ginger-marinated chicken, smoked salmon with asparagus, or tomato and onion soup with poached egg – a Madeiran speciality.

Pasta choices include delicious fresh gnocchi with spinach and Gorgonzola cheese sauce, while fish dishes include local black scabbardfish sautéed with chive and mushroom sauce. The grilled beef entrecôte with either Béarnaise or pepper sauce, or the chicken stroganoff with steamed rice exemplify the meats selection.

For something lighter, the quality range of sandwiches include healthy and nourishing options like baguette with marinated tuna, balsamic vinegar and olives, and bruschetta with tomato confit and Mozzarella cheese. Round off the meal with any one of the dozen or so dessert choices that include almond cassata with chocolate sauce, or regional passion fruit.

Alternatively, an early dinner at Vista Balancal is an equally conducive way to end a day on the golf course. In fact, why not indulge in an aperitif on the terrace before ordering? Actually, regardless of whether you’re a golfer or not, the Vista Balancal remains a noted fine dining venue where anyone can enjoy good food and fine wine in friendly and informal surroundings.

CASA DE CHA’ – THE TEA HOUSE 
The Casa de Chá, or Tea House, enjoys a privileged position in Palheiro Gardens, right next to Palheiro Golf and Casa Velha do Palheiro country house hotel. From tables set within the building and those on the terrace, guests are afforded pleasant views of the hotel gardens and the golf course.

Decorated with framed black and white photographs depicting Palheiro Estate in the 19th century, Casa de Chá offers teas and coffee, soup, sandwiches and salads, and a wonderful selection of homemade cakes, pastries and ice creams for visitors to the gardens as well as light snacks and refreshments for energy-burning golfers.

THE DINING ROOM 
The dining room at Madeira Island Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro overlooks the landscaped grounds and manicured lawn at the rear of the five-star property. Decorated in restful shades of peach and designed to embody the style and comfort of country living, the Casa Velha dining room reflects the classical elegance associated with the hotel.

Handsome mahogany tables set across a floor of smooth wood enhance the room’s rustic appeal. Lighter, wicker tables placed outside on the terrace offer a more spontaneous, al fresco impression. French windows curtained in lace and crowned with a floral trim afford fine views back across the gardens.

Polished silverware and Villeroy & Boch tableware in petite fleur motif exemplify the attention to detail. Sprays of fresh flowers add colour and fragrance. In the morning the mood is cheerful, relaxed and homely. Friendly waiting staff in uniforms of crisp white shirts, holly green tunics and black slacks serve tea or coffee, promptly and without fuss.

An impressive Continental buffet breakfast spread tempts with an array of freshly baked pastries, assorted jams and spreads, cold cuts, and fresh fruit and juice. An English-style cooked selection provides a heartier option.

And guests can also order from a unique menu of eggs cooked to order and served in various ways including fried, poached and scrambled. A more civilised way to start the day is difficult to imagine! The dining room is also the Casa Velha restaurant. As evening falls the lights are lowered and a more formal atmosphere pervades the room.

This is where to enjoy a romantic, candlelit dinner in intimate surroundings, where discretion and courtesy go hand in hand. A choice menu of the finest gourmet cuisine is matched by an enviable selection of Portuguese and international wines. Eating here is an essential part of the guest experience and complements any stay at Madeira Island Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro.

THE SPA 
At Ashoka we believe that the foundation for your holistic recovery is nature, with its 5 elements. Since we feel responsible for your well-being, we have aligned various massage techniques as well as energetic and beauty treatments with the forces of nature.

With fire to ignite your senses, the sea to open wide the expanses, the air and space to set your soul in flight, and the earth to give you a solid firmament, come and enjoy our comprehensive treatment programme for the well-being of your body and soul. Our goal is to bring you back into balance so that you are the person you want to be.

It is a special concern of ours to respond to your needs and wishes in a targeted manner. With the products from „Pharmos Natur“, you experience the unique, regenerative effect of select adaptogenic plants for healing and rejuvenation.

Their rich active ingredients, their intense light energy and their high vibration are contained in precious care products — with pure aloe vera instead of water — with no alcohol — with no classic preservatives.

Our skin absorbs its moisturising gel completely. The many active ingredients supply, repair and regenerate your cells. The ageing process can now be slowed down significantly. Radiant, wonderful skin. Freshness and vitality. Pure wellbeing in your whole being!

FITNESS
The Spa’s fitness room has been equipped to ensure guests can continue their usual fitness routine while on holiday. In addition to the Fitness Room, there’s also a floodlit all-weather tennis court (racquets and balls available at Hotel Reception), badminton court and jogging track around Palheiro Estate.

SAUNA
Temp.: 65 – 95 degrees Opening hours: 09h00-20h00 daily. Palheiro Spa respectfully requests that for your modesty and the comfort of others, you cover yourself up with a towel or bathing suit while using the sauna and steam room facilities.

WEDDINGS IN FUNCHAL (MADEIRA)
Palheiro Estate offers a myriad of different opportunities to celebrate weddings and other special occasions. Unforgettable scenery and discreet service will make your event unique.

Hen parties – lazy days pampering yourself and your friends at the Palheiro spa in preparation for the big day. Private dinners at the Vista Balancal restaurant with the amazing panoramic backdrop of Funchal. Cocktails on board the Motor Yacht Balancal whilst watching the dolphins.

PALHEIRO GOLF – MADEIRA ISLAND
Set within the magnificent Palheiro Estate and lying adjacent to the five-star Madeira Island Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro – a Relais & Châteaux property – the 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course meanders through a pristine environment of maritime pine and botanical woodland embroidered with lush, sub-tropical vegetation.

At nearly 500 m (1640 ft) above sea level, the location is blessed with dramatic views of Madeira’s mountainous skyline and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Nestling below just 10 minutes away is Funchal, the island’s capital.

Designed by renowned golf architect Cabell B. Robinson, this picturesque layout with year-round appeal takes full advantage of Madeira’s hilly terrain, with abrupt ridges and deep valleys providing a compelling challenge for even the most seasoned golfer.

Thanks to the excellent quality of our course, Palheiro Golf regularly plays host to various corporate golf days. Management and staff have had many years’ experience in successfully assisting clients to conduct memorable golf events and our goal is to ensure that every detail receives attention prior to the day enabling the host and their guests to enjoy a trouble-free day.

Golfing activities can be tailored to any event, from individual golf lessons to structured group tuition and tournament organisation. On-course corporate branding coupled with golfing products and gifts displaying your company logo can also be organised to add impact to your corporate golf day.

PALHEIRO NATURE TRAILS 
Within the 130 hectare Palheiro Nature Estate we have created Nature trails for your pleasure. These can be enjoyed on bikes, for running, hiking, nordic walking or just a simple stroll in Nature. We ask you to please respect others’ enjoyment of the Estate and to be quiet near the golfers.

The landscape of Palheiro Nature Estate has changed since 2012, when fires destroyed a large amount of forest. Subsequently, with the help of government funding, we have begun a huge reforestation programme planting indigenous Madeira species such as Til (Ocoetea foetens), Barbusano (Apollonias barbujana) and Laurel (Laurus novocanariensis), as well as removing invasive trees that were introduced to the island – Mimosa (Acacia podalyriifolia) and Eucalyptus.

The result is a landscape offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Desertas islands, the bay of Funchal and the mountains of Madeira. On your walks keep an eye out for some of our wildlife such as the rare Trocaz Pigeon (Columba trocaz) and the Eurasian Sparrowhawk of Macaronesia (Accipiter nisus granti).

All our trails begin and end at the Palheiro Golf Clubhouse where you can enjoy spectacular sunsets and the wonderful views over the bay of Funchal.

FISHING IN MADEIRA
The Madeira Island Fisheries have a rich but relatively short history. Fisheries were discovered some 30 years ago and visiting anglers have traditionally targeted blue marlin, bigeye tuna and shark. Dr. Antonio Ribeiro was supposedly the first person to catch a blue marlin off Madeira bringing ashore a fish of 740 pounds in 1973.

His sons Roberto and Joe to this day religiously fish for blue marlin and carry on in their father’s footsteps. Madeira has over the past years produced some of the world’s largest blue marlin, which is also reflected by the results of the annual July 4th Blue Marlin World Cup. Madeira was World Cup winner in 1995, 1996, 1997 and narrowly missed the World Cup fish in 2000.

The marlin season in Madeira runs from May through to October, with a fish average of about 700 lbs. About one in every ten is that fish of a lifetime, a grander blue marlin. These huge creatures swim in its predominantly calm blue waters, with the run to reach these leviathans being practically non-existent.

In fact it is not uncommon to catch fish within 1 kilometre of leaving the marina! Add to this a delightful temperate climate in which to fish, and all of this set in a safe, civilised European environment you’ll see why there is no finer Atlantic Blue marlin fishery.

For these reasons some of the most famous names in fishing such as Stewart Campbell, Jerry Dunaway, James Roberts or Tracey Melton now regularly make their way to Madeira for the summers and those world record fish!

As Madeira’s warm blue waters change to a cooler green the fishing also undergoes a transformation. The marlin gradually leave, replaced by shoals of bigeye tuna and albacore. These pelagic migrants provide the angler with some truly world class tuna fishing from February to May.

Bigeye tuna of 150 lbs+ are regularly caught with fish in excess of 200 lbs being far from uncommon. Albacore whilst not reaching the weights of the bigeye tuna do provide the angler with worthwhile sport on lighter tackle.

HIKING & LEVADA WALKS 
Madeira’s many levada walks are an amazing way to see the island, there are many to choose from all over the island and we can provide you with more information about the various hikes and levada walks available.

Below are some details about the “Levada dos Tornos” which is one of our favourite walks and the levada which is closest to the Palheiro Estate as well as a few short walks.

BIRDWATCHING IN MADEIRA 
nature-owlThere are more than 20 species at Palheiro; a good example of all to be found on the island. There is an especially active colony of birds of prey that feed and breed around the golf course.

To promote the presence of the birds and make it easier to observe them, feeding stations and breeding boxes have been installed around the Estate. For the same reason, other types of shelters and food stops have been constructed so the owls and bats can be seen when the sun goes down.

TENNIS & BADMINTON
Casa Velha do Palheiro has its own all-weather artificial-grass tennis court. Surrounded by mature trees, this is a joyous place to enjoy a game or hone your skills with one of our on-call professionals.

CROQUET
The quintessentially British game of croquet has been played on the lawns at Palheiro Nature Estate since the 1800’s and with good reason. This game is the great leveller and a superb challenge of strategy for all ages and skill levels.

Recommended with a Pimm’s or a gin & tonic it is a wonderful way to spend a lazy afternoon in Nature, at Palheiro. Croquet can be played on the lawns directly in front of the hotel. Balls, mallets, etc. available at Casa Velha do Palheiro Reception. Complimentary for guests.

Website: www.palheironatureestate.com

Rooms: 33

Price: from 160 EUR per night