Socalco Nature Hotel — Hotel in Calheta

We made a late booking and only had the possibility for two nights, as that was what they had.|Good things first, very nice location, very nice area, very friendly and English speaking staff in the reception, got treated and felt very welcome by the reception, got a tour of the hotel before getting to our room. |We were asked if we wanted to eat in the restaurant in the evening and accepted the 6 course tasting menu.|So far so good, we went to the restaurant in the evening and good things first, the food is superb, changes every day, local ingredients, combinations you haven't tried before, so good.|But, because there is a but, the restaurant staff is just completely off the rest of the hotel.|A few examples: None knew about the wines, this is a winery, they didn't even know the grapes or notes, had to look at the label!!!! One waiter was even bragging to a neighbor table that he didn't drink wine, great for you, not important for the guests. We were spoken to as "guys" and spent quite some time to see if he could get friends with the guests, we are not friends you are here to do your job, we pay you for that.|First night the food came quite fast, a little too fast for us. Three bottles of water were added to the bill, although they are included in the wine pairing. The solving of this was so amateurish, but was settled.|Next morning we arrived for breakfast, it says a la carte, but there was no card, nor any information of the menu, bread, cheese, ham, cake, fruit and some muslin all arrived at the same time together with some very watery juice. Later we found out they also served eggs, so we ordered that, then we had to ask for salt and pepper. This is a reputable restaurant, they were very fast in asking if we wanted to dine again in the evening, not even asking if everything was good. We said we would think of it, however agreed to the staff in the reception, and asked for one of 5 tables in the front, and were told, they would do their best.|Yes, you guessed right, the table was not reserved right, so we did not get the first option, which is how things are in. a restaurant, but there was no communication to us, and most likely not to the restaurant.|Arrived in the afternoon to the pool, and had to go to the restaurant to get some service, things were served together with the bill, thank you. Hotel, you could earn a good piece of extra money here, if you wanted to.|Arrived in the restaurant, this time three courses, and wanted wine by the glass, only their own wines were on glass, which we tried the day before, so we could just buy a bottle, poor service, just have one or two bottles from other places by the glass, this is a reputable restaurant, you would think. We ordered sparkling wine, and it arrived warm, however with a cooler, so after 30 minutes it was cold!|Fast with the starter, didn't manage to ask for a break so the main course was there 2. minutes after the starter was removed??? Do you really want us out so fast, we are guests at the hotel. Managed to ask for a break, and was quite clear "do not serve before we say yes", we want to empty the wine before getting sweets in the mouth, It worked, neighbor table were not so lucky.|Next morning for breakfast, we sat at a table and one of the front row tables got free, so we asked if we could move, which was granted.|This time we firmly asked for the menu besides the bread, and one waiter said eggs, I asked how are they cooked, answer how do you like it, then his coworker took over and told the 4 different egg styles they had, we ordered two different and moved table. We were offered juice and accepted, however neighbour table had the choice of two different juices.|And guess what, no eggs, so I had to go to the restaurant and ask for our eggs, on their way.... five minutes later the waiter came and asked what eggs we had ordered, and of course it was our fault as we moved table, not the poor process in the restaurant.|the "guys" waiter asked if we were dining tonight, and we told him that we were leaving, which was in his papers, if he had read them before coming to the table.|At the check-out we told about our experience, and of course they would tell the restaurant, and its new team. I don'r care if they were here since 2000 or came yesterday, I expect everything to work in a reputable restaurant.|We were not even offered anything to compensate, not even I'm sorry.|So three stars, five for the kitchen, four for the room, five for the surroundings zero for the restaurant staff..|What a shame to through it all on the floor, when you have a nice place to run. You can do much...

Me and my friend stayed here for 5 nights towards the end of January, so it was low season. I'm quite a picky person and this was the most wonderful hotel I've ever stayed in, I wont be hesitating to tell everyone I know about it and come back as soon as I can!

THE ROOMS Me and my friend stayed in the 1 bedroom seaview room, and the 1 bed apartment. Both were pretty much the same, the only difference was that the apartment wasnt attached to any other rooms and a bit more seculded, whereas the 1 bedroom room was attached to other guest rooms, but still very private. Both had a fully equipped kitchenette, amazing lounge windows and the MOST stunning view. The rooms come with bodywash and shampoo (smelt amazing), coffee pods, teas, fresh towels daily, robes and 1l of water which is topped up everyday, but you can drink the tap water. The rooms were beautifully peaceful, listening to the animals and sea in the morning was the most tranquil experience.

TREATMENTS The hotel provides a few different classes, but me and my friend only had the SPA treatments. I had the most wonderful massage outside in the 'relaxation' cave area, the sunshine, sea breeze and peaceful music was an amazing experience.

PARKING/DRIVING Hiring a car is a bit of a must here if you want to experience the hikes. My friend drove, neither of us had any experience driving in another country but generally was fine when we stuck to main roads (and we're from england so its the other side of the road). The hill to park at the hotel is a bit daunting, BUT if you take the exit before at the roundabout and go up and over the hill (its a bit of a blind horizon going over the top so be prepared) instead of up, its easier to park and you have much more control of the car. But you do get used to it in the car and walking, so dont worry! And if you are too worried, theres plenty of spots at the bottom of the hill and you can just walk up.

RESTURANT-BREAKFAST Oh wow, the breakfast was amazing, id read some reviews about it not being a lot of food and was a little worried, but dont believe them, there was too much food if anything! Everyday theres a new fresh juice to try, but as well as having an amazing spread of fresh fruit, jams, cake, fresh bread, coffee, cheese and hams. You also get the option to have eggs (however youd like) and this is served with lettuce, mushrooms, bacon or avocado when we stayed.

RESTURANT-DINNER We dined here twice, and an even bigger wow, the most wholesome authentic experience from their garden to table and gorgeous wines. Everything tasted so fresh, but the photos speak for themselves.

And a special mention to our waiter Diago, who almost convinced us to move to the island! I can guarentee if you book here, youll have the MOST amazing time. No request is too big or small and all the staff made our...

Socalco Nature Hotel is truly a gem in Madeira. We loved so many things about our stay, starting with the sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the unique accommodations – we stayed in the Cave Room, which was unlike anything we've experienced before. The location is secluded and off the beaten path, offering a peaceful retreat while still being conveniently located within an hour’s drive to all parts of the island.

The award-winning farm-to-table Razão restaurant onsite was another highlight. The included breakfast was delicious, and the tasting menu for dinner provided a special and convenient option for an elevated dining experience. The hotel’s focus on sustainability, including an onsite organic farm, added to the charm. Service was consistently friendly and attentive, from the front desk team to housekeeping and the restaurant staff.

The only real challenge we faced was the parking situation. As an American used to wider roads, larger cars, and more manageable inclines, navigating the steep, narrow cliffside access road was stressful. Parking spaces are limited and located along an extremely steep incline. If the closer spots were full, turning to access the lower parking lot required multiple-point turns on the narrow road – a nerve-wracking task. To add to the challenge, the road is technically two-way, but two cars cannot pass each other comfortably, meaning one car must reverse to allow the other to proceed.

If I could do it over again, I’d return but make a few adjustments: I’d pack lighter, bring luggage with backpack straps, rent a smaller vehicle with higher clearance (preferably electric instead of diesel), and opt to park at the bottom of the hill each day rather than attempting to squeeze into the few remaining spaces closer to the property. These changes would have significantly reduced our stress and made navigating the property’s unique location much more enjoyable.

While parking challenges like this are common across Madeira and not unique to Socalco, a bit more communication upfront about the parking logistics could enhance the guest experience. Suggestions such as advising guests about the option to park at the bottom of the hill and walk up, or considering a valet parking service as a long-term improvement, would make the arrival process feel more seamless and stress-free.

Despite this, Socalco Nature Hotel is an extraordinary property that I would 100% recommend to confident drivers or those willing to navigate the unique parking situation. For those who prioritize tranquility, sustainability, and an intimate boutique experience, this is a wonderful choice and one...