Built as a hunting lodge in 1804 by the first Count of Carvalhal, Casa Velha do Palheiro has now been transformed into an elegant country house hotel.The hotel has classical good looks, with a peach-painted exterior, terracotta-tiled roof and French doors leading out to manicured gardens.The dining scene here is second-to-none.
In the restaurant you can tuck in to different gourmet menus, the clubhouse at the golf course teams a Madeiran menu with views of Funchal Bay, and the Tea House lines up fresh-baked cakes and pastries.
Elsewhere, you’ve got a boutique-style spa and a pool set in a sunny terrace.