Villa Nayara is perched in Palheiro Village set on the hills above Funchal, offering a resort environment, with all the amenities and convenience this entails, while being moments from beautiful beaches and wild natural trails that Madeira is known for.

The Palheiro estate has an 18 hole golf course, a spa, gym and array of restaurants, while within ten minutes guests can be in the centre of Funchal, Madeira’s capital. Funchal is a historical city, known for its 16th century Gothic cathedral and bustling local life. The Farmers’ Market is a colourful affair, wether everything from exotic fruits to traditional delights such as bolo de mel (honey cake), jostling alongside craft shops, flower sellers in traditional costume and lively fishmongers’ stalls.

Just 9 kilometres from Funchal, a visit to the village of Camacha, will provide an intriguing insight to local wicker crafts and folklore. A highlight is the traditional dance of the region – the animated Bailinho da Madeira. Most restaurants offer live performances, along with local specialties like kebabs on bay sticks with fried maize.

Madeira is known for its dramatic scenery and botanic gardens, offering a hikers’ paradise, through sun dappled mimosa-clad landscapes and volcanic soil, fertile with brightly sprouting blossom.

Walkers have no shortage of choice, with a year-round temperate client, criss-crossing the island are hundreds of miles of trails, following the routes of the ancient ‘levadas’  (irrigation channels dug to bring rainwater to Madeira’s farmland on the drier parts of the island.) The densely forested mountainous interior is filled with jungle style treks, while the coastal paths are known for their wild flowers and pretty scenery. At the heart of Madeira is the volcanic landscape and the Unesco World Heritage site of the Laurisilva forest.

With so much on offer, from boat trips to the golden island of Porto Santo for wreck diving or the Christopher Columbus Museum to whale and dolphin spotting, to snorkelling to enjoying fine local wines and gastronomy, to enjoying the unparalleled flora and fauna the island is known for, Madeira is sure to leave lasting memories.

About Palheiro Village

A Brief History

The Palheiro Estate dates back to the early 1800’s, where the first Count of Carvalhal, João Esmeraldo, had visions of this 120-hectare plot being accessed by the upper Echelon’s to be used primarily as a hunting lodge & summer retreat.

The Hilltop Folly is considered to be the nucleus of Palheiro Estate and much of the original buildings are themed on a neo-classical design. During the next century, Palheiro experienced an expansion and more lodgings were erected. However, it was the gardens that received really special treatment, as many exports were introduced into its gardens, including – Liriodendrons, Metrosideros, Proteas and trees’.

The Estate was passed from generation-to-generation, which always saw an exciting induction of new aspects, but the identity never changed. In 1924, Alan Lethbridge recalls his time spent in Palheiro –

Through the lodge gates that takes one back to an English country house, up a more intimate drive boxed in with camellias of every known shade and behold, the house….it is said that in the days of Portuguese ownership the steward was told to go and count the camellia trees and on being asked how he got on, answered, “Sir, I have counted 9000 and I am tired, there are many more, so let us say that there are 10,000.

Modern Day Palheiro Estate

During the 1930’s Graham & Mildred Ernest made the gardens available for public use, which saw Palheiro gain widespread popularity. In 1993 the Golf Course and the Hotel & Palheiro Village were built by the current Chairman, Adam. His wife, Christina, tends to their impressive Botanical Gardens and son & daughter, Jonathan and Louisa, look after; the Golf Course, Hotel & Leisure activities and Palheiro Village.

The family continued to gather momentum and Palheiro has been accredited with several notable honours, including the five-star Casa Velha becoming a member of the respected Relais & Châteaux Association, in 2001.

Amenities & Facilities

Golf at Palheiro Village – Today, guests are welcome to use a host of amenities, which have all been made easily accessible not only within the Village, but also within Madeira. The inspired Casa Velha do Palheiro – a Relais & Châteaux property – the 18-hole, par 72 Championship Golf Course, considered to be one of Europe’s most beautiful golf courses, was designed by golf architect Cabell B. Robinson.

Outdoors at Palheiro Village – Guests have the opportunity to Hike, Run, Cycle & Bird Watch all within the 130-hectare Palheiro Nature Estate, which us 500 meters above sea level. Visitors will be introduced to a significant reforestation programme along with views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Desertas Islands, the bay of Funchal and the mountains of Madeira, which has created one of the most striking spectacles on the island.

Spa Treatment at Palheiro Village – Palheiro’s Spa includes an indoor & outdoor swimming pool, Finnish sauna and Turkish steam baths and treatments provided by professionally qualified staff, involving the use of Pevonia Botanica and Caci products. The treatments include body massages, face treatments, reflexology and finishing treatments.

Dining at Palheiro Village – Within the Estate you are lucky enough to have the use of The Clubhouse Restaurant, Casa de Chá – The Tea House and The Casa Velha Dining Room. All of these sites focus on one of the three core meals of the day and offer a different dining experience each time.

Fishing at Palheiro Village – Palheiro’s very own private sport-fishing vessel is moored at Funchal Marina. Balancal is for the private use of Palheiro’s guests, so if you’re into your Big Game Fishing, you’ll have every opportunity experience it in the Atlantic Ocean.

Prior to Booking

Please be aware that Madeira is an island nation that experiences weather patterns dictated by the North Atlantic Ocean. This sub-tropical rainforest type climate can result in the island experiencing erratic weather patterns. When thinking about booking your holiday to Madeira, please consult Foreign travel advice for more information.

Entry Requirements

Tourists who are British Citizens will not require a visa and upon arrival and Departure Tax is included in most flight costs. Please check Entry Requirements before departure.

Getting There

Madeira is served by Madeira International Airport Cristiano Ronaldo CR7, Funchal.

From the UK:
Direct flights are available from London on Air Portugal, British Airways, easyJet  and many others. Chartered flights are also available from several other UK airports.