Two-hundred and ninety years of management, now in part switched to developing a golf course and facility which belies its 15 years of age (it looks likes its been there for 100 years!), this is style and quality of each and every 'star' the hotel has been awarded. It is absolutely five star standard.

The hotel is situated in the middle of the golf course. I'd liken it to a modern 'Gone with the Wind' feel, very similar to the architecture and feel of South Carolina where I am a frequent visitor. It's a colonial country house that has been exquisitely furnished and is in superbly finished. - and of course, there are very fine attentive staff to tend to your every need (more staff than guests).

From the hotel, you can start your round on the course's 10th tee, a very tricky par four, followed by the 11th your first taste of hitting out towards the ocean. You then wind your way back up and down to the Hotel over some glorious golf holes designed by noted architect Cabel Robinson. The attention to detail is just wonderful and as I mentioned before, the course seems as if its been there for a hundred years as everything grows so quickly in this sub-tropical climate.

For the non-golfer, the estate offers much more, including the Palheiro Gardens which are open to the public, a Tea Room and a horticultural growing centre, a walks with Funchal and the ocean as a backdrop. The hotel also owns an ocean going motor-cruiser, available for hire to guests for fishing and trips out into the Atlantic.

Golf at Palheiro is available to any visitor to the Islands. However I would finish with describing my room, the food and a special treat left for me. Casa Velha do Palheiro has 32 rooms and five suites and each is individually furnished. From the finest cotton bed-linen to the layout - which is like something like out of 'Homes and Gardens' - it was so spacious and the attention to detail nothing short of perfection.

We took breakfast in the conservatory and what a breakfast it was, enjoyed in wicker furniture. Dinner was the finest 4* cuisine, presented in a 'nouveau' style. The hotel is very proud of its food. Known across the globe, Madeira wine has to be tried - and enjoyed. It is slightly 'port' in style and wonderful.

Airlines:

Easyjet

TAP

The Madeira Islands Tourism Web Site

www.madeiraislands.travel

Coming in the next few days:

Golf on Porto Santos - and with the European Tour.

Andi if you missed it -

Our preview of this visit to the Islands

Madeira

- Very much open for business

and

The Santo da Serra Golf Course