Last week I went back to Quinta de Santo Antonio to spend a couple of days' rest. This is one of the most charming places I know. The hotel is located in the hilly countryside next to the Spanish frontier and is part of a large farming estate. You have to drive 1 km on dirt road inside the property to get to the rococo mansion that houses the hotel. The XVIII century building is surrounded by a large italianate park with fish ponds, marble statues, and a small chapel. The food at the restaurant is excellent Portuguese cuisine with local specialties. Try the peasants' bread soup flavored with coriander, the "Açorda Alentejana", and the sweet plums in syrup from Elvas!

In the countryside a beautifuly renovated 19th century mansion is perfect. The air is so pure, the pool is lovely and there is plenty of beautiful gardens to walk around in. Marvelous fountains and statues make this hotel one of my favorite family getaways. The people are friendly and the food is amazing. Some of the best portuguese food that I have ever had and I am portuguese. And honestly it is all you want in a five star hotel but without the big bill. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Sincerily Manuel Abreu

Small friendly Hotel on main road just outside the village only 15 mins drive from Funchal-Santa Cruz airport set amongst woods at 660m above sea level. It has a very pleasant garden with fishponds and exotic plants and a patio area with seating to take the mountain air whilst having drinks from the bar. The Hotel has a nice restaurant serving local Madeiran fare and the staff are very friendly and helpful always ready with a genuine smile. The rooms are clean with TV and large en-suite facilities and there is a separate TV lounge with Pool table and other games. The only drawback is the locked front door which is opened from inside the Hotel following a ring on the bell - the reception is not permanently manned and on one occasion there was no-one available to open the door - it was necessary to wake other guests to gain access. The village of Santo da Serra has a small park with caged animals and picnic areas.There are a number of bars and small restauarants in the village and a couple of small supermarkets. On Sunday there is a market and the September Cider festival is worth a visit with open air barbeques where you cook your Espetada (big kebab on a laurel stick) washed down with the Cider of the festival - lovely stuff. I would certainly stay there again depsite the problem with the front door which is the only black mark. mike heard