PortoBay Serra Golf

Porto Bay Serra Golf is a popular choice among golfers, walkers, and couples thanks to its proximity to a large golf course, easy access to UNESCO World Heritage hiking and biking trails, and its quiet, romantic vibe. The hotel itself was originally built in the 1920s with an Art Nouveau style and unique period features such as the frieze of floral tiles, wide curving staircases, white wooden-slatted windows, and its fish-scale roof. Restored in 1999, the hotel is considered a piece of local heritage. The garden grounds contain over 90 species and subspecies of plants, some that are unique to the island. This hotel is best suited for travelers looking to relax, explore on foot, or play a few rounds of golf against an exceptional background. 

Porto Bay Serra Golf is located halfway up a hill in Santo da Serra on Madeira Island. The hotel has an ideal location for anyone looking to explore the area, though, due to a lack of frequent public transit, guests will definitely need a car. The hotel is only 15 minutes by car from the airport and about 30 minutes from the city of Funchal. The 27-hole, seaside Santo da Serra Golf Course is just a four-minute drive or 15-minute walk, and there are several popular hiking, biking, and walking trails in the vicinity that draw folks on walking holidays. The Vila Porto Mare, where guests have free access to their multitude of facilities, is about a 35-minute drive southwest.

Porto Bay Serra Golf's 21 rooms have modest, elegant decor and furniture in white and neutral tones. The classic style includes wood or carpeted floors, wooden furniture, and linens in soft peach or tan. They all come with desks, sitting areas, bathrobes, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibars, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and safes for a fee. Bathrooms are spacious with synthetic marble countertops, shower/tub combos or showers, and heated towel racks, plus Rituals toiletries and hairdryers. Unlike many hotels in Portugal, there are no bidets. Mattresses in all rooms were replaced in the beginning of 2016 and include mattress toppers. Superior Rooms add espresso machines, while Suites provide a spacious seating area, kitchenette with two-burner hob and microwave, and personal fireplace, plus direct access to the gardens and pool area. Units have central heating, but no air-conditioning. 

The hotel's Avo Micas Restaurant serves a well-reviewed breakfast buffet full of hot and cold items, as well as an a la carte dinner menu of local dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients. There's no proper lunch menu (or bar), but snacks are served here between breakfast and dinner, or visitors can head to the sitting rooms for a rather unique fireside afternoon tea service featuring delicious homemade scones, cakes, and jams. Breakfast is not included. Room service is also available.

A wellness area includes spa treatment rooms, a small gym, and heated indoor solarium-style pool with frosted glass panels, hydromassage areas, and direct access to the garden. A popular pastime is walking the hiking trails in the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests also have exclusive access to the 27-hole Santo da Serra Golf Course where there are putting greens and driving ranges. On-site activities include the Natura Lounge game room with card table, chess/checkers table, and a large flat-screen TV. Parking and Wi-Fi are free. 

Guests at the PortoBay Serra Golf have access to all the public areas of the resort Vila Porto Mare in Fuchal, which includes five pools, large tropical gardens with over 500 unique species, a spa, and sport fields.