Casa Velha do Palheiro

Rooms keep the country-house feel but you still get the modern comforts you'll want after 18 holes, including cable TV, central heating and smart, traditional furnishings. The conversion respects the original architecture while delivering the comfort expected of a five-star property, with rooms offering views over the gardens, golf course or surrounding hills. The estate's location in the hills above Funchal provides a cooler, quieter alternative to seafront hotels, with the capital's restaurants, marina and old town just a short drive away.

Food is a real part of the experience here. The main Casa Velha restaurant is your 'dress up a touch' option and works brilliantly for a relaxed, candlelit dinner, especially if you've got a couple of non-golfers in the group. For post-round comfort, the Palheiro clubhouse is the easy win for a lighter bite and a drink overlooking the 18th. And if you're staying in the gardens during the day, the Garden Tea House is the spot for coffee and seriously good cakes. All three venues draw on local ingredients and the estate's own produce where possible.

Leisure facilities include a sauna, steam room, tennis courts, croquet lawn and badminton, plus a treatment menu covering aromatherapy and massage. The estate's walking trails wind through the Palheiro Gardens, a botanical collection that ranks among Madeira's finest, with rare plants, formal terraces and shaded woodland paths. If half the group fancies a day off golf, the gardens and the walking trails keep everyone happy, and Funchal is close enough for a proper evening out. For more adventurous pursuits, the Atlantic waters off Madeira are a magnet for sport fishing, with charter boats targeting Atlantic blue marlin. The island's wine heritage is accessible via visits to traditional lodges, including the Blandy Lodge, where Madeira wine is aged in oak casks using methods unchanged for generations.

The hotel suits golfers who value quality over quantity, with a single excellent course on the doorstep and a setting that encourages exploration of the island's landscapes, gardens and culture. Room types cater to couples and small groups, with suites offering additional space for those staying longer or combining golf with family travel. The estate's gardens, walking trails and proximity to Funchal make it a strong choice for mixed-ability groups or couples where one partner is less focused on golf.