Palheiro Village

Palheiro Village is part of the broader Palheiro Estate, which includes a popular golf club and the Casa Velha do Palheiro hotel. Built in 1801 as a hunting lodge by the first Count of Carvalhal, the property evolved into the golf resort that it is today under family ownership for more than 200 years. The village is the latest addition, which opened in 2009 as privately owned vacation units. Quiet and removed from the bustle of central Funchal, the individual buildings cling to the hillside with a classic regional look, with sunny pastel exteriors and balconies crowned by pergolas. The facilities are all technically walkable, but steep climbs across the vast grounds are involved, and surrounding roads are tough to navigate on foot. Most guests, who tend to be families and couples, rent cars to get around, even within the property. 

Palheiro Village is situated in one of Funchal's more remote locations, set high up on a winding, clifftop road on the eastern outskirts of the city. Access is by road only, and there's nothing within walking distance -- there aren't even sidewalks to navigate the area safely on foot. Public buses stop at several points along the property, and it's a 20-minute drive into Funchal by car. There, guests will find restaurants, bars, and sights, such as the 15th-century Se Cathedral, and Mercado Dos Lavradores marketplace, which sells fresh produce and fish. Nearby beaches include Praia Formosa (15 minutes away by car), and Gorgulho Beach along the Lido promenade (20 minutes away by car). The property's own Palheiro Golf Course is less than a 10-minute drive away (depending on the location of the villa or apartment). Maderia Airport is just 15 minutes away by car.  

All one- to four-bedroom villas and apartments are privately owned so the decor varies widely, but they feel more like modern, high-end homes than hotel rooms. All have contemporary decor, and furnished balconies or terraces, with either city or ocean views. Modern kitchens are fully equipped with microwaves, ovens, stovetops, toasters, and coffeemakers. Some units have breakfast bars. Free Wi-Fi comes standard, along with flat-screen TVs. Many have wood-burning fireplaces, and some of the larger villas have private pools or open to private gardens. Bathrooms have heated floors, bidets, and shower/tub combos, and larger villas have walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs. Traffic can be heard in lower apartments close to the road, but most units are well-removed from any commotion. The three-bedroom apartments and villas are higher up on the hill, closer to the outdoor pool. 

This property offers several amenities, but the main issue is that reaching them requires crossing uneven roads, or climbing a steep hill. The heated outdoor pool has a stone sundeck with loungers and a raised wooden deck with daybeds, and excellent views of the ocean can be seen from both. Guests of the village can also access the gardens and golf course, among other facilities, though fees may apply. The 18-hole, par 72 championship Palheiro Golf Course is a huge draw for golfers (guests get discounts). 

For drinking and dining, the clubhouse bar and restaurant has marina views from the terrace, and serves local specialties like onion soup with poached eggs. The glass-enclosed Casa de Cha cafe serves coffee, tea, and light meals. 

Wellness amenities include the Palheiro Spa, which has four treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, an attractive indoor pool, and a Turkish bath. There's also an eatery that focuses on healthful meals. There's also an adjacent fitness center with cardio, weight machines and free weights. 

Guest can use the facilities at the hotel's sister property, Casa Velha do Palheiro, which has a billiard room, a tennis court, and ping-pong, among other activities. The surrounding botanical gardens and a 200-year-old chapel make for popular spaces to hold weddings and other events. There's also free on-site parking, and Wi-Fi throughout. A drawback is that housekeeping is only twice a week.