Gardens Guest House Hostel — Hotel in São Vicente

Our stay at Gardens Guest House was pure perfection, a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 🌟 From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into a fairytale. The house sits in a breathtaking location, perfectly balanced between the Atlantic Ocean and two majestic mountain ranges, with the charming village of São Vicente unfolding below. Sunrise and sunset here are nothing short of magical, and at night the sky becomes a tapestry of stars, ideal for anyone wanting to reconnect with nature without giving up comfort. The grounds are immaculate and lovingly cared for, with lush gardens full of flowers and plants creating a natural sanctuary where you instantly relax. Even before stepping inside, you feel the calm and privacy of the place. Inside, everything continues this sense of peace and thoughtful detail. Our room was spotless, beautifully designed, and equipped with everything we could possibly need. Everywhere you go it’s clean, organized, and welcoming. The shared kitchen is bright, spacious, and fully equipped, making it easy to prepare meals. The outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the scenery is an absolute highlight: warm water, fresh air, and panoramic vistas. Inside, the mini-library and board games are a brilliant touch for unwinding without screens. Every corner of the house feels intentional and warm. The team at Gardens Guest House are exceptional. Every single person we met was warm, genuine, and went out of their way to make us feel at home. They shared local tips, ensured we had everything we needed, and their kindness elevated the whole experience. Location-wise, the guest house couldn’t be better placed. It’s only about ten minutes by car to the center of São Vicente and a scenic drive to other highlights of Madeira. It’s far enough from busy tourist areas to feel like a true retreat, yet close enough to reach restaurants, hikes, and sights. Considering the quality, location, and amenities, the value here is extraordinary and surprisingly affordable. You get million-euro views, hotel-level comfort, and authentic warmth at a price that’s almost unbelievable. Do book in advance, as this hidden gem fills up quickly. I’ve stayed in many guest houses around the world, but this one is in a league of its own. A perfect 10/10, I’ll recommend it to everyone I know and can’t wait...

Gardens Guest House is situated about 3km above the village of São Vicente and the ocean, which means you've got gorgeous views but still have easy accessibility. Take the bus down to the village or explore the small old roads that lead you down by foot. I preferred the latter! The Guest House itself is a little oasis, with a beautiful inner courtyard area and balconies overlooking the sea and vineyards. There is a fully equipped kitchen for guests who want to cook. The best part of the stay was the host Joaquim, who makes every effort to welcome his guests and help them navigate the area and explore both São Vicente and the neighboring areas. This is a great place to stay if you want to experience how life higher up in the mountains is while still being connected to it all! And one more excellent point, the Seixal natural pools and Porto Moniz are easy to reach by bus from here! As is Funchal if you want...

We absolutely loved our stay at Gardens Guest House! The place is a hidden gem tucked away in nature, with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and adorable sheep grazing nearby. The garden is lush and peaceful, and we immediately felt at home the moment we arrived.

The rooms are cozy and thoughtfully decorated, the shared spaces are super clean, and there’s even a little library and game room to unwind. We especially loved relaxing in the outdoor hot tub .

The location is perfect if you’re looking to disconnect and experience the local side of Madeira, just a short 30-minute drive from Funchal. It’s rare to find something this beautiful for around €50 per night - perfect for travelers on a budget without sacrificing charm or comfort.

Highly recommend booking early - it’s a popular spot and for...