Madeira was named “Portugal’s Best-Kept Secret” by Travel and Leisure magazine. It has been a leading island destination since 2015, yet the Câmara de Lobos region is often overlooked in favour of larger cities. Our experience at Quinta da Saraiva convinced us that small-town life on Madeira is the best way to experience the island.
We were invited to stay at the Quinta da Saraiva, a beautiful boutique hotel in Câmara de Lobos. One night in this hotel will make you wish you could stay forever. The gorgeous seaside village is great for historians and foodies alike. There are Baroque churches from the 17th and 18th centuries, beaches with crystal blue water, and plenty of things to keep you entertained and relaxed, whether you stay for one night or an entire week.
Our favourite special touch? The hotel’s efforts to be environmentally friendly appear everywhere you look: Goats to eat up food waste, on-site farms, and no mini plastic bottles containing shampoos and soaps.
The experience was incredible, and yours will be too. Let’s check out a few key highlights from our stay.
Relaxing, Top-Notch Hospitality at Quinta da Saraiva
Quinta da Saraiva is a historic hotel in Câmara de Lobos, a mountainous fishing village. Nestled within gorgeous vineyards and banana plantations, this family-owned resort comes with beautiful seaside views. Its location means it has both mountain and sea-facing rooms.
The hotel is one of three original homes from the Quinta da Saraiva region. The owners have worked hard to preserve the original features of the building, spanning back to the 16th century. I believe a historic hotel has more charm than a chain hotel, and this boutique exceeded my expectations.
The best part of the experience here was staying on the incredible estate. Quinta da Saraiva produces bananas, grapes, potatoes, tomatoes, onion, and other local crops. The resort staff uses these ingredients in their complimentary breakfasts. Fresh, home-grown ingredients make a fresh start to a relaxing day.
Historical Charm
Saraiva people came to the region to become farmers or labourers. Generations later, this rich culture still shows in the style of rooms and the beautiful region of Câmara de Lobos. The rooms are complete with traditional dark furniture and wallpaper. Embroidery from Madeira adorns the hotel’s walls.
Another aspect of our stay there that we absolutely adored was the genuine authenticity of the experience; the family tailored their perfect hospitality to reflect their family legacy.
A large water well that used to be a sightseeing spot sits on the property. This coastal island is the perfect location to get away and experience the real Madeira. It is even complete with a goat and chicken pen. Nothing compares to this resort if you are looking for a unique, authentic experience!
Book Your stay now at Quinta da Saraiva and add the code THISISMADEIRAISLAND to have €50 of discount*
Amenities
Each room is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, a Smart TV with international channels, and more. However, you will want to do much more than watch TV during your stay here! The deluxe suite can accommodate a large family, while any classic rooms are perfect for solo travellers, couples, or small groups. A deluxe room will feature a relaxing balcony space that offers seaside or pool views.
Here’s a breakdown of what every guest can expect to find in their room:
- Cable TV with international channels
- USB charging portals
- Individually controlled heat and air conditioning
- Direct-dial phones
- Safe
- Free Wi-Fi
- Service Directory
- Available food and beverage on-site
In addition to the traditional breakfast served each morning, I also enjoyed the Malmsey Bar. This bar is casual during the day but becomes a full-service bar by night.
My stay would have been incomplete without enjoying the heated saltwater pool and jacuzzi.
What to Do in Madeira
Although Quinta da Saraiva has a remote feel, it is only five minutes from downtown Câmara de Lobos. The village is known for its nature hikes. You can explore the city by scooter, tuk-tuk, or on foot. If you want to schedule a tour to explore the beauties of Madeira, check out what’s available by clicking here.
Just west of Câmara de Lobos is Cabo Girao, the highest cliff skywalk in Europe. We took the opportunity to see the sights from high above. At 580 meters, the only way to reach it is by car. It was a once-in-a-lifetime activity, which I highly recommend if you find yourself in the area.
- Madeira Wine Tasting: Madeira became famous for Madeira wine. How could we come to the region and not enjoy a wine tour? Quinta da Saraiva offers wine tastings at the resort, so you can stay within the estate to indulge in some delicious wine. The wine cellar and press are on-site, making accessing the region’s famous wine easy.
- Cocktail Workshops: We even got to enjoy a “Poncha” (punch) cocktail workshop led by the staff. Poncha is made using freshly squeezed oranges and sugarcane from Quinta da Saraiva’s plantations. It was neat to see how the hotel incorporated its own crops into making the Poncha.
- Poolside Meals: The hotel also offers a barbecue and traditional bread oven so that you can enjoy a great meal by the pool.
- Painting: Quinta da Saraiva offers the views and the materials needed to create a beautiful painting of Madeira’s mountainside.
- Guided Tour: We took advantage of the guided tour offered at the hotel. It was a great way to get to know the place.
Book Your stay now at Quinta da Saraiva and add the code THISISMADEIRAISLAND to have €50 of discount*
Though our stay in Quinta da Saraiva was short, we wished to spend more time at this family hotel. I could tell that Quinta da Saraiva means so much to them, and their traditional food and wine were a highlight of my stay. I got to know the staff at Quinta da Saraiva throughout my stay here. It was one of the most comfortable and welcoming getaways I have ever had. I cannot wait to return.
Book your stay at Quinta da Saraiva today! You’ll be glad you did.
Book Your stay now at Quinta da Saraiva and add the code THISISMADEIRAISLAND to have €50 of discount*
*For stays of minimum 4 nights
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