PortoBay Serra Golf

PortoBay_Serra_Golf
PortoBay Serra Golf

PortoBay Serra Golf

Stunning hillside location amid lush gardens 400m from Santo da Serra’s championship 27‑hole golf course Cosy country-house charm, perfect for slow-paced relaxation Certified Sustainable Hotel (GSTC-recognised standard) Daily afternoon tea in the lounge for that classic Madeiran ritual Free Wi-Fi throughout

Official rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooms 21 | Floors: 2 | Lifts: None
Board options Bed and Breakfast, Half Board
Child age guideline Up to 12 years (family-friendly but very tranquil in style)

Overview

 
Set among tall trees and manicured lawns in Santo Da Serra, PortoBay Serra Golf feels like a storybook country house with all the comfort of a boutique hotel. Overlooking one of Madeira’s most celebrated championship golf courses, it’s a peaceful base for golfers, walkers and anyone who wants to slow down, breathe in the mountain air and savour unhurried afternoons with tea by the fire or a dip in the heated indoor pool.

Think old-world Madeira charm with modern comforts: PortoBay Serra Golf pairs a turreted, fairytale façade with warm wood interiors, crackling fires in winter, fragrant gardens in summer and a front-row location for the Santo da Serra golf course. With only 21 rooms, the atmosphere is intimate and relaxed – more country retreat than resort – and the friendly team quickly remembers your favourites, whether it’s how you like your eggs or how you take your afternoon tea. For couples and keen golfers seeking Madeira’s natural charm away from the city, PortoBay Serra Golf delivers the perfect balance. It’s around 20 minutes from Funchal’s airport yet feels wonderfully tucked away in the hills. See more Portugal holidays.

Map & location


Santo Da Serra, Madeira, Portugal

PortoBay Serra Golf is tucked away in the verdant hills of Santo Da Serra, a peaceful village renowned for its cool mountain air, manicured greens and sweeping Atlantic views. From here you get the best of both Madeira worlds: crisp, refreshing mornings on the golf course or walking trails and easy day trips to the coast and Funchal.

Santo Da Serra is also a great base if you want to explore Madeira’s famous levada walks, botanical gardens and dramatic viewpoints without staying in the busier city. Evenings tend to be relaxed – think cosy lounges, a glass of Madeira wine and early tee-times the next morning.

  • Approx. transfer time from airport 20 minutes

Facilities

Pool & outdoors


While you’re up in the hills rather than on the seafront, PortoBay Serra Golf still offers a relaxing aquatic retreat:

Indoor Heated Pool
• Indoor freshwater pool, typically heated – ideal for a soothing swim whatever the season
• Peaceful setting with garden views, making it a cosy spot on cooler days
• Complimentary pool towels provided for guests

There is no direct beach access from the hotel due to its hillside location. For sea swims and promenades, Santa Cruz and other coastal spots are an easy drive away – perfect for a day trip combined with a levada walk or a visit to Funchal.

Spa, sports & wellness


Wellness & Fitness
• Small, air-conditioned gym with cardio equipment (minimum age 18; open roughly 08:00–18:00)
• Beauty treatments and simple spa-style therapies available for adults (18+; extra charges apply; times may vary seasonally)

Leisure & Relaxation
• Cosy lounge area with games room and a small library – great for card games, reading or a quiet drink
• Atmospheric indoor spaces that feel especially inviting in the cooler months

Golf & Outdoors
• Only 400m from the Santo da Serra golf course – a 27‑hole championship course with spectacular views
• Excellent base for hiking and levada walks in the surrounding hills and forests

Facilities, opening times and services may change slightly with occupancy and season, but the focus is always on calm, unhurried relaxation.

Activities


⛳ Golf at nearby Santo da Serra 27‑hole championship course (short stroll from hotel; local charges apply)
? Scenic walking and levada trails reachable by short drives from the hotel
?️ Light workouts in the small gym (cardio equipment; 18+; limited hours)
? Relaxed games and reading in the lounge/games room and library
?️ Garden time – the hotel’s own lawns and greenery are a peaceful spot for an afternoon wander
Activities are low-key and focused on nature, golf and relaxation rather than large-scale entertainment.

Guest services


?️ Reception with luggage storage and local information
☕ Equipment hire such as kettles available from reception (on request, subject to availability)
? Spa and beauty treatments for adults (18+, extra charge)
? Restaurant with highchairs for families with younger children
? Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
? Daily housekeeping with linen and towels changed on request (helping reduce environmental impact)

The atmosphere is deliberately personal and homely, with staff on hand to help arrange tee-times, local taxis, levada walks and restaurant recommendations in nearby villages or Funchal.

Food & drink

The hotel’s characterful dining room and lounge echo the feel of a traditional Madeiran manor house, with polished wood, crisp linens and thoughtful service.

Avó Micas Restaurant
The main restaurant, Avó Micas, serves a blend of international and Madeiran dishes. Expect buffet-style and à la carte options at breakfast and dinner, with seasonal, locally-inspired flavours and an emphasis on homely, comforting recipes – ideal after a day on the fairways or the walking trails. Highchairs are available for younger guests, and there’s a smart-casual dress code in the evenings (no beachwear; long trousers requested for gentlemen).

Lounge & Afternoon Tea
From 3pm to 6pm the lounge transforms into a relaxed salon serving classic afternoon tea – think fragrant teas, pastries and cakes – all overlooking the garden. It’s one of the most charming rituals at PortoBay Serra Golf and a real highlight if you enjoy slow, indulgent afternoons.

A small bar service is typically available in the lounge for pre-dinner drinks or a quiet nightcap.
Board inclusions can vary, and some items or special dinners may carry a supplement depending on your board basis.

Rooms
Twin Room for Sole Use


Sleeps: Minimum 1 | Maximum 1
Perfect for solo travellers, these rooms offer a comfortable twin-bedded layout for single occupancy.
Key features include:
• Flat-screen TV
• Free Wi-Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Hairdryer
• Coffee-making facilities and kettle (kettle may also be available on request)
• Minibar (local charges apply)
• Bathroom with bath and shower attachment
• Air conditioning
• Daily room cleaning, with linen and towels changed on request

Twin Room


Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 3
Ideal for couples or small parties of friends, the standard twin rooms have the same core facilities as the sole-use rooms, with the option of an extra bed for a third guest in some configurations.
Amenities include:
• Flat-screen TV
• Free Wi-Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Hairdryer
• Coffee-making facilities and kettle
• Minibar (local charges apply)
• Bathroom with bath and shower attachment
• Air conditioning
• Daily room cleaning, with linen and towels changed on request

Superior Twin Room for Sole Use


Sleeps: Minimum 1 | Maximum 1
Offering a little more space or an upgraded setting, superior sole-use rooms are well-suited to longer stays.
Facilities generally include:
• Flat-screen TV
• Free Wi-Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Hairdryer
• Coffee-making facilities and kettle
• Minibar (local charges may apply)
• Bathroom with bath and shower attachment
• Daily room cleaning, with linen and towels changed on request

Superior Twin Room


Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 3
These superior rooms add extra comfort for couples or friends – ideal if you’ll be spending more time unwinding in your room between rounds of golf or walks.
Amenities usually extend to:
• Flat-screen TV
• Free Wi-Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Hairdryer
• Coffee-making facilities and kettle
• Minibar (local charges may apply)
• Bathroom with bath and shower attachment
• Daily room cleaning, with linen and towels changed on request

Please note: specific layout, size, outlook or décor can vary between individual rooms in this historic-style property.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.

More info

Good to know before you go
• Location & scenery: Santo Da Serra is cooler and greener than the coast – perfect in summer and still pleasantly mild in winter, though you may want layers in the evenings.
• Style: This is a small, characterful property rather than a big resort – expect a peaceful, country-retreat ambiance, especially suited to golfers, walkers and couples.
• Accessibility: The building has just two floors and no lifts; this may be important if stairs are an issue.
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Language: Portuguese (English is widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas)
• Time difference from UK: None (GMT, like mainland UK)
• Average UK–Madeira flight time: Around 4 hours

Hotel information is subject to seasonal changes and occasional refurbishments. You’ll receive up-to-date details with your Travelisto holiday documents. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Spain advice.

Prices & book

Find your dates

Live availability and real-time offers. Low deposits, full ATOL protection.

=

FAQs
Who is PortoBay Serra Golf best suited to?
PortoBay Serra Golf is ideal for golfers, walkers and anyone who prefers a peaceful, countryside-style base rather than a busy seafront resort. With only 21 rooms and a warm, homely atmosphere, it particularly appeals to couples, solo travellers and small groups of friends looking for relaxation, good food and easy access to the Santo da Serra golf course.
How close is PortoBay Serra Golf to the Santo da Serra golf course?
The hotel is approximately 400 metres from the Santo da Serra golf course – a 27‑hole championship layout famous for its dramatic scenery. You can usually walk to the course in just a few minutes or arrange local transport or buggy services via the club.
What board options can I book at PortoBay Serra Golf?
You can typically choose between Bed and Breakfast and Half Board. Bed and Breakfast includes your morning meal, while Half Board normally covers breakfast and dinner in the main restaurant. Drinks and some speciality items are usually extra, and inclusions can vary slightly by season and offer, so always check the conditions when you book with Travelisto.
Does PortoBay Serra Golf have evening entertainment?
No large-scale entertainment is offered – this is a quiet, retreat-style property. Evenings centre on relaxed dining, a drink in the lounge and early nights for sunrise tee-times or walking. If you don’t need shows or live music every evening and prefer conversation, books and board games, the ambience will likely suit you very well.
Is there a dress code at PortoBay Serra Golf?
Yes, the hotel keeps a smart-casual dress code, particularly in the Avó Micas restaurant. Beachwear is not permitted at dinner and gentlemen are generally asked to wear long trousers in the evening. This complements the refined, country-house feel of the property.
Can families with children stay at PortoBay Serra Golf?
Yes, children are welcome and the restaurant provides highchairs, with child ages up to 12 years as a guideline. There is, however, no large kids’ club or waterpark, and the vibe is very calm, so it’s best suited to families who enjoy nature, walks, golf and downtime rather than high-energy entertainment.
What spa and wellness facilities are available?
PortoBay Serra Golf offers a heated indoor pool and a compact wellness area where adults (18+) can book beauty treatments and simple spa-style therapies for an additional charge. There is also a small air-conditioned gym with cardio equipment, open daily for guests looking to keep up their fitness routine.
Is the hotel suitable if I have limited mobility?
The hotel has only two floors but no lifts, and some areas are reached via stairs, which may be challenging for guests with reduced mobility. Paths in the garden are generally well maintained. If accessibility is important, speak with Travelisto before booking so we can discuss the most suitable room options and practicalities.
Does PortoBay Serra Golf offer Wi-Fi and in-room amenities?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Rooms include flat-screen TVs, coffee-making facilities, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryers, safes and minibars (extra charges may apply for minibar use). Housekeeping is daily, with towels and linen changed on request to support the hotel’s sustainability commitments.
What makes PortoBay Serra Golf a sustainable hotel?
PortoBay Serra Golf is labelled as a Certified Sustainable Hotel, meaning it met a GSTC-recognised standard at the time of assessment. This typically involves responsible resource management, community engagement and eco-conscious practices around energy, water and waste. Travelisto regularly reviews sustainability information so you can choose stays that better match your values.