Hotel Quinta da Serra — Hotel in Câmara de Lobos

I have never been to a 5 star resort/hotel before QdS (Quinta da Serra).

Maybe if I'd been to lots of them, I could look with a more critical eye; but I'm not sure I'd want to even then. We felt that the week we had here was perfect. Sublime. Way above and beyond anything we had hoped for.

I'm going to focus this review on highlighting things the hotel has put thought into managing: where I anticipate other places might overlook.

For instance, the lady (Carla) behind the front desk greeted me in English warmly when I first arrived. She walked from her desk, offered to help with the bags. When she saw I was trying to be all manly, and do it myself, she held the door to facilitate easy entry.

Once my companion had arrived, we were both offered freshly made 'herbal' tea, with ingredients made from the hotel's estate. It was delicious.

WE were early, yet the apology was given to US that our room wasn't ready yet. If we'd take our tea through to their delightful library (!), our room was being given priority by the maids so we could get in early.

Carla looked after our bags for us, saving us lugging them to the library and back. We waited about 15 minutes, and used the time to both pick up a book that we wanted to read during our stay.

Another nice touch: it's colder, up in the mountains: hence reception has a wood-burning fire on 24 hours. The smell was unethereal, and we'd often have to delay our journeys (in and out) at reception for just a few moments so as to stand, feel the warmth and breathe & smell the air.

Another nicety: the estate manager (Carlos, iirc) gives a superb, passionate and intimate tour of the grounds. He loves where he works! He picked off bits and pieces that were growing, as we walked around the grounds. This tour/walk made the stay at QdS much more special for us, because we felt we'd become part of something, soppy as that may sound on reflection. At breakfast, the next morning, we saw so many things, available to eat, that Carlos had described to us the afternoon before!

Oh and breakfast! Carla (reception) said people come to the mountains to walk, and leave us early in the day. We (QdS) only really have breakfast as an opportunity to spoil our guests and make them feel special. (All said in perfect English.) Well, spoil us they did. There was/were: sparkling wine is available (if desired); smoked salmon, hams, cheeses; diced fruits; an array of jams; cereals; pastries, cakes and local breads; an array of nuts, dried fruits and superfoods (in about 30 jars); lots of jams (about 20) a plethora of herb teas, made on the grounds, and available to mix yourself; an a-la-carte menu for hot breakfast items (eggs, bacon, omelettes); hot drinks brought to the table by well-dressed, well-mannered waiting staff I'm still not sure that's everything!

The rooms: wonderful. Nice, roomy space. Matching, tasteful furniture, cupboards and upholstery. Lovely balcony. Comfy beds. Plush seats. A good-sized bathroom, with a bidet, but 2 minor niggles: the bath was quite slippery. Our toilet flushed, but would sometimes (not always) keep pushing water out.

The maids are amazing: efficient, polite, friendly, respectful. We were impressed to come back the first night and find our room had had a "tuck in" or "turn in" - curtains drawn, biscuits put on bed, our night clothes, slippers, etc, put near our beds. Wow!

The swimming pool/gym/sauna/jacuzzi/massage area is a work of art, in and of itself. I'll post a picture of the swans... the pool says open till 9pm, but I was in there till 11pm, one night; and nobody came to tell me off.

We went in the quiet season (November), and not all areas were staffed automatically; but all areas had access to reception, and - when we wanted something - we were served within a few minutes max of our call.

The roads up are quite dicey, but a major (VFx) road is soon going to connect to within a couple hundred metres of here.

We'd love to go back here. In fact, we can't wait. Thank you,...

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Quinta da Serra, located in the picturesque village of Câmara de Lobos in Madeira, Portugal. This 5-star hotel offered a truly exceptional experience, blending luxury with the natural beauty of its surroundings. I can't recommend it enough for those seeking a tranquil and rejuvenating retreat.

Location: 5/5 Nestled amidst lush gardens and verdant hills, Hotel Quinta da Serra is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. The hotel's location is perfect for nature enthusiasts, as it's just a stone's throw away from many hiking trails and Levada walks. The quaint village of Câmara de Lobos is also nearby, where you can enjoy local culture and cuisine.

Accommodations: 5/5 The rooms at Hotel Quinta da Serra are thoughtfully designed, spacious, and impeccably clean. My room boasted a private balcony with a stunning view of the garden and the sea beyond. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and I appreciated the extra touches such as plush bathrobes and slippers, as well as complimentary bottled water.

Facilities and Amenities: 4.5/5 The hotel offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The heated indoor pool and spa facilities were a highlight, providing a perfect space for relaxation after a day of exploring the island. There is also a well-equipped gym for fitness enthusiasts. The only minor drawback was the limited parking space, but the staff was always happy to assist in finding a spot.

Dining: 5/5 The on-site restaurant, O Jardim, serves a delectable variety of both local and international cuisine, utilizing fresh and organic ingredients. The breakfast buffet was impressive, with a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, as well as a egg station. The outdoor terrace provided a beautiful setting for enjoying meals while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Staff and Service: 5/5 The staff at Hotel Quinta da Serra truly went above and beyond to make my stay memorable. From the warm welcome at check-in to the attentive service throughout my stay, they were always friendly and professional. The concierge was especially helpful in providing recommendations for activities and arranging transportation.

Overall, my stay at Hotel Quinta da Serra was nothing short of exceptional. The beautiful location, luxurious accommodations, excellent dining, and superb service made it a truly memorable experience. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking to indulge in a peaceful retreat surrounded by...

Very luxery hotel attached to a 18th century house that was build by Henry Veitch who was a agent of Her Royal Majesty of Great Britain and consul of Madeira. (Henry was born in 1782 and he died in 1857

We just discovered that Napoleon Bonaparte slept in this house with his Wife, when Napoleon was send to exile on the island of St. Helena the ship that he was on stopped at Madeira on request/invite of Henry.

The Interior of this hotel is very well designed, the rooms are quite big with high ceilings and look over the valley and the Atlantic Ocean. The bathroom is made of marble and is kept very clean. The hotel hallway reception and library look really amazing.

The swimming pool is connected with the Hotel by a long hallway/tunnel. There are elevators for all hotel areas/floors.

Room service is possible for a wide selection of drinks snacks and salads (see pictures)

Breakfast is just amazing with delicious bread fruit , bio herbs/tea , huge selection of seeds and nuts , Smoked Salmon , Yogurt, Aged Ham , French Brie , Cheese and much more. Just wished we had this ready at our home (:

Very nice to have a diner at the Restaurant at night with the fireplace lighted ,we look outside over the Valley while enjoying the main dish “Three way prepared “Black Pig” with a very nice red wine.

All around the hotel you find a BIO farm / garden with even a mausoleum with the remains of sir Henry Veitch. It is a joy to walk over the Hotel establishment area.

All staff members of the hotel are professional and very friendly. Here we had one of the best nights in...