Palheiro Golf is set to enhance the island of Madeira’s extensive golf and lifestyle offering after unveiling plans to build a new boutique hotel and state-of-the-art 16-bay driving range and academy.

The premium resort – one of three golf venues in the idyllic Portuguese archipelago alongside Clube de Golf Santo da Serra and Porto Santo Golfe – is set to redefine the customer experience it offers to golf members and guests with the two showcase projects.

A ten-minute drive from the island’s capital, Funchal, and nearly 1,640ft above sea level, Palheiro Golf enjoys dramatic views of Madeira’s mountainous skyline and the ocean, while its par-72, 6,656-yard (6,086m) course was designed by renowned golf architect Cabell Robinson and is situated within the magnificent Palheiro Nature Estate, which is more than 200 years old.

Already featuring the five-star Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro, which borders the golf course, Palheiro is planning to add to its accommodation options with the construction of a new four-star hotel. Currently in its early stages and subject to final approval from Funchal City Council, the development will feature 29 rooms and be located near the golf clubhouse when completed.

In addition, the resort has announced that construction work on a new driving range and academy is set to begin later this year.

A modern facility that will be open to the community and dedicated to nurturing new generations of golfers, the range will be fitted with the latest ball-tracking technology and feature eight outdoor bays as well as eight covered bays with a dedicated fitting zone. Complementing the amenities will be a new food and beverage area, making it a modern hub for both serious practice and social leisure.

Jonathan Fletcher, administrator of Palheiro Nature Estate, said: "We are excited to be moving forward with these new developments at Palheiro Nature Estate. While the hotel project is still in its infancy, it represents our commitment to enhancing the island's tourism offering.

“With regard to the new academy and driving range, our vision is to create a high-tech, welcoming environment that appeals to both seasoned golfers and those looking for a more relaxed, social experience. By integrating advanced tracking technology with premium service, we are setting a new standard for golf practice in Madeira.”

The improved facilities at Palheiro are the latest golf investment to be announced in Madeira after the fast-growing European golf destination recently confirmed plans to open 36 new holes in the coming years.

The holiday destination – named as the ‘World’s Leading Island Destination’ for the 11^th year in a row at the 2025 World Travel Awards – is already set to welcome a fourth golf venue when an 18-hole championship course designed by six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo opens at Ponta do Pargo in 2027. But, in addition to that, the Madeira government has unveiled plans to create two new nine-hole courses at Clube de Golf Santo da Serra and Porto Santo Golfe.

Located approximately 1,000km from the European mainland – and just 500km from the African continent – Madeira enjoys an amazingly mild climate, ranging from 25°c in the summer to 17°c in the winter, with very mild average temperatures and moderate humidity, making it the perfect year-round location for a golf break.

The best way for travelling golfers to experience the idyllic islands is with the Madeira Golf Passport, which includes three rounds of golf at either Clube de Golf Santo da Serra or Palheiro Golf from just €290 per person. The passport – which includes free transfers between course and hotel – can be upgraded to include additional rounds and a day at Porto Santo Golfe.

For more information on Madeira visit Everything you’re into. - Visit Madeira

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Information for journalists

About Madeira. Belongs to all

• Madeira. Belongs to all is the consumer-facing brand of the Madeira Promotion Bureau, which aims to promote Madeira as a tourist destination to consumers and the travel trade.
• Madeira, otherwise known as ‘the islands of eternal spring’, is just a short, three-and-a-half-hour flight from London. It covers 740km² and has a population of only 260,000. On the same latitude as Morocco, the Atlantic archipelago has a sub-tropical climate, a rich volcanic soil and a unique eco-system. It is one of the only places in the planet where banana trees grow next to vineyards.
• Located approximately 1,000km from the European mainland – and just 500km from the African continent – Madeira enjoys an amazingly mild climate, ranging from 25°c in the summer to 17°c in the winter, with very mild average temperatures and moderate humidity.
• In 1999, Madeira's indigenous forest, the Laurissilva, was declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. The Madeira Natural Park is a protected area that covers around two-thirds of Madeira Island's territory, equivalent to 67 per cent of its surface.
• The Madeira Golf Passport costs €290 and offers three rounds of golf at either Clube de Golf do Santo da Serra or Palheiro Golf. Plus, the courses will supply free transfers to and from the hotel. Additional rounds, including a day at Porto Santo Golfe, can be included for an upcharge.
• For high-resolution imagery, please visit https://tinyurl.com/mr39hpu8
• For more information on Madeira, visit Everything you’re into. - Visit Madeira

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