PortoBay Serra Golf

We have had a great time in Madeira at the Porto Bay Serra Golf. This is a superb place to stay to enjoy the island at its best, meeting the local folk and being part of the community. If you enjoy golf and walking Santo de Serra is ideal place to head for, just a little cooler then the coast, but clear clean air. The hotel is inspirational in its design, almost colonial, painted a delightful duck egg blue, it has to be seen to appreciate to its beauty. From what we have been told, it was the original club house for the golf course only 15 minutes’ walk away. Golfers can house clubs and equipment in the stores at the hotel and book a free shuttle to the play the championship 27 hole course. The views are delightful looking out over the sea and mountains which surround the course, watch the occasional plane flying low to land at the airport. We enjoyed our stay in the small but exclusive hotel, 22 rooms with some rooms in the main house. The staff where so friendly and helpful which made us feel part of the family. We had half board and the choices were wonderful, three courses each day from an extensive menu, including the well-presented breakfast buffet. The rooms were well situated in the annex, bright and airy, each room nicely set out and the bathroom with some classy soaps and toiletries. Rooms were serviced each day by a lovely team happy to help. Great pool and gym facilities with towels provided, open each day from 8.00. You can drift into the well maintained gardens through the large patio doors from the pool area. Lots of secluded places to enjoy the sun and fresh air. There is an afternoon tea menu available to sit and relax. Our trip to the Serra Golf hotel ran over the New Year and ‘boy’ was this a great New Year’s Eve treat. The hotel put on a gala dinner with a menu to match any exclusive restaurant included in the half board package. To put the icing on the cake Marilia Dias, the manager arranged taxis to take guests to Funchal to watch the New Year firework display. The whole of the town was lit up with a 10 minute fabulous display, perfectly timed and spectacular setting with the cruise ships moored in the bay. We are a little bit worried about our review as this is a special find and don’t want to miss out in December for our next trip to this wonderful hotel. Once you have been to this hotel you will want to return, brilliant, thank you to all the staff.

My wife and I came here to celebrate a special birthday at the end of November and we were not disappointed. The hotel was easy to find, and only 15 minutes from the airport. On arrival the girl at the front desk was friendly and efficient and quickly gave us our room key, and confirmed our order for afternoon tea. Room 301 is in the old part of the house, and is a fantastic, large traditional room with a huge bed, nice seating, large bathroom and a big outside terrace. We had booked half board for convenience, and were not disappointed. The menu choice was excellent, with only a couple of dishes unavailable on half board, and the service first class. They even brought out a chocolate cake for my wife's birthday! Breakfasts were very good- a huge choice of fruits, cereals, bread, cooked food, meats and cheeses and cakes, served buffet style. We didn't even get to see the pool, gym or TV lounge due to our schedule but the formal lounge was comfortable and drinks very reasonably priced. Santa da Serra is a little remote, but with a hire car everything is within reach and there is some stunning scenery around the hotel and the area. One very small thing to be aware of- the kitchen is below the roof terrace, and the extractor fan chimney can be a little noisy- from 8am to 10am and 6pm to 9pm. Thank you for a memorable stay!

We stayed 3 days as part of a walking holiday. The room was a nice size with a spacious bathroom. The menu variety for half board was good with plenty of choice. No bar but it was easy to order drinks in the lounge area. Swimming pool very nice and the gym and downstairs sitting area nice if you were in a group to meet up. Small and friendly.