Enotel Santo da Serra
The Santo da Serra has always been popular for its cooler climate and abundant vegetation. When the first settlers arrived on the island in 15th century, they made land in the naturally sheltered harbour of modern-day Machico. Predominantly farmers, they were quick to recognise the agricultural which lay inland, high on the serra. By the19th century, wealthy Madeiran and British merchants were looking for a more temperate location on the island – somewhere they could escape the heat of high-summer – they built country quintas here, drawn by the fresh air and the green hills. Santo da Serra still has that feeling of a country retreat, with winding lanes, orchards, pastures and great stands of exotic trees.
The Enotel Santo da Serra hotel continues that rural tradition – originally constructed as a private manor house, the building was completely renovated 2024, breathing new life into a classic building whilst still retaining its crucial connection with the surrounding countryside.
The rooms are comfortable and understated looking towards the gardens – our favourites are up one level and come with balconies. There’s a heated pool indoors, an outdoor pool, a Turkish bath and spa, and the on-site Sabor da Terra restaurant has a traditional Madeiran menu which showcases the island’s seasonal cuisine. Much of the Enotel Santo da Serras’ charm lies beyond the building – the grounds include a vegetable garden, an orchard, and a small farm; the produce from the gardens is used extensively in the Sabor da Terra’s kitchen.
Location-wise, it’s a short drive to the forest park at Ribeira Frio, and dropping down the winding forests lanes, you’ll come to Machico and the dramatic coastlines of the Ponta de Sao Lourenco peninsula. The bustle of Funchal is a similar distance to the west, but by evening you’ll be back in Santo da Serra – where the gardens fall quiet and the cool mist begins to settle over the mountains.
