The grounds of the picturesque Quinta da Serra Bio Hotel are referred to by the locals as the “Enchanted Garden.” Offering a serene silence, with nature all around, it’s a place where you can come and stay to relax and completely disconnect from busy modern life. However, the lush gardens of Quinta da Serra Bio Hotel are just one of many reasons guests choose to stay at this retreat on the island of Madeira. As a luxury hotel oasis, it prioritises the best in personalised service and guest experience and has an intriguing history that adds to its unique character.
The Quinta da Serra Bio Hotel is a feature stay on our Walking the Waterways and Villages of Madeira trip, so we were keen to get a behind-the-scenes insight into what you can expect when staying here. We spoke to Carla Santos, Head Receptionist of the hotel, to learn more. Below, we share the highlights of our discussion.
Madeira is known as the floating garden of the Atlantic, enticing guests to explore its trails amid its wealth of flora and fauna. And Quinta da Serra Bio Hotel is beautifully aligned with this aspect of the island. Found at an altitude of 820 metres in Jardim da Serra Village in the highlands of Câmara de Lobos, this 5* hotel is surrounded by vibrant gardens. Carla describes how here you’ll discover endemic plant species and rare trees typical of the Laurisilva of Madeira (a UNESCO-recognised natural park that features the largest surviving area of laurel forest, with some of the oldest and most ecologically significant trees on Earth). “Our gardens are also home to monumental trees, including the tallest eucalyptus registered in Madeira (Eucalyptus globulus),” Carla adds. Reaching an impressive 64 metres and with a diameter of 10 metres at its base, this eucalyptus stands as a proud representation of the care and respect that this hotel and the wider community place on preserving Madeira’s extraordinary environments.
In fact, Quinta da Serra is much more than just a luxury hotel. It’s an organic project with the goal of nurturing and enhancing the island’s natural resources. Carla describes how the hotel uses environmentally friendly technologies, such as solar panels and a wastewater treatment plant, to promote sustainable use of the island’s resources. Across the 14 hectares of the estate, you’ll find over 30,000 m2 of woodland, reforested after the land was destroyed by early settlers. Moreover, much of the estate’s agricultural land is dedicated to the organic production of vegetables, fruit, and Sercial vines (which are used to make Madeira wine). “It even hosts a special dinner around November to celebrate the variety of apples grown, which are used to make cider,” Carla adds. With the ethos of giving back to Mother Nature, Quinta da Serra allows you to really appreciate the gifts of the living world when staying here, which, in turn, creates a stay that will renew your vitality and value for what really matters in life.
Taking a closer look at the history of Quinta da Serra, Carla explains how it dates back to the first quarter of the 19th century and was commissioned by the British Consul Henry Veitch. From the outset, the estate’s commitment to nature was apparent, with the Consul himself introducing the first tea plants (Camellia sinensis) to the grounds. It is also known that Henry Veitch used to host Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine at the estate. Napoleon even presented the Consul with a pair of golden gloves in return for his outstanding hospitality! “Evidence of this early period can still be seen in the original building, which they refer to as the ‘Mother House’,” Carla highlights. “In the gardens, you’ll also find the Memorial Tomb, believed to be the burial site for Henry Veitch and his beloved dog.” Carla notes that other lesser-known historical monuments that predate the construction of the original site can also be found around the estate.
In 2014, Quinta da Serra was completely renovated. “The renovation aimed to combine the old ‘Quinta’ and manor house with modern facilities and décor, including paintings of the gardens and Madeira landscapes,” Carla explains. The hotel now offers a choice of 44 elegant, contemporary rooms and four luxury suites. The rooms provide a seamless blend of comfort and functionality, overlooking the hotel’s stunning surroundings to ensure a tranquil setting for your stay. Carla describes how her particular favourite is room 302. “Located on the 3rd floor, the views are beautiful, and you can hear the water running in our little pond.”
Our Walking the Waterways and Villages of Madeira trip includes 7 nights in this enchanting hotel, which provides a fantastic base for our selection of self-guided walks that explore the island’s highlights. One of the fabulous draws of Madeira is its varying landscapes, from breathtaking waterfalls to cultivated vine terraces and endless wildlife to bustling historical centres. On the trip, you can choose which walks to do and when at your leisure, having access to a hire car to get you to the start of each route.
Highlights include hiking to the Pico Grande, one of the highest peaks of Madeira, to capture panoramic views over Nun’s Valley, Ribeira Brava and Pico Ruivo, following one of the levadas (the island’s unique network of water channels) to witness the magnificent waterfall, Lagoa do Vento, and discovering the captivating culture in Madeira’s former capital, Machico. Carla also recommends taking in the famous viewpoint of Boca da Corrida. “It’s the starting point for a walk that crosses the island from north to south and offers the best views over Nun’s Valley.”
Heading back to Quinta da Serra, some R&R is definitely in order. To soothe aching legs, you can swim in the indoor heated pool, soak in the hot tub or relax in the sauna. There’s also a gym and a spa that offers a range of treatments, including massages, at an additional charge.
When you’re ready for dinner, eating at the hotel’s Green Valley Restaurant is a real treat. Its a la carte menu offers a variety of delicious dishes that include Madeiran specialities and reflect the hotel’s emphasis on organic produce. In fact, a lot of what Chef Lidia Freitas uses in the kitchen is produced from the organic farming on the estate, giving the hotel the bronze-standard Organic Cuisine Label. Carla highly recommends trying the ‘Slow-Cooked Black Pork Cheek with Truffled Violet Potatoes and Mushroom Gratin’ – simply melt in the mouth! And why not complete your evening, relaxing with a drink in the hotel’s bar? Found on the first floor of the old building, Henry’s Bar serves a range of drinks, including coffees and signature cocktails.
The Quinta da Serra Bio Hotel perfectly captures what the beautiful island of Madeira is all about. Staying here allows you to fully immerse yourself in all its natural delights and provides the ideal home for the week as you embark on your Headwater adventures.
To learn more about our self-guided walking trips on this unique and spellbinding island, please visit our Walking Holidays in Madeira page.
Our carefully planned walking and cycling holidays in locations all around the world let you explore at your own pace, with time to take in the local culture, history and nature along your route. Hand-picked family-run accommodation provides welcoming comfort at the end of each day, with every hotel and guest-house being chosen for its friendly atmosphere, delicious food featuring regional specialities, and unique character.
