Villa Achada Portugal

Perched on the hillside in the quiet village of Sitio Ladeira das Voltas on the south coast of the island, this stunning property with private pool, parking and three spacious bedrooms is an idyllic base for a holiday for six in Madeira. You will love this stylish property, although very new it sits perfectly with the houses that have been there for so many years, its whitewashed walls and red tiled roof meld into the terraced hillside. The accommodation is set over two levels with private parking one level below.
Inside, the villa is far from traditional, the ground floor open plan lounge and dining area is so welcoming with its neutral décor and lime green accessories picking the green from the foliage of the plants on the terrace, the large sofa is set looking out to the furnished terrace one way and over the village to the Atlantic Ocean the other. The beautiful dining area sits six around a very smart table and chairs, another of the eye catching features is the lovely wood burning stove you may wish to use if you were to take your holiday early or late in the season.  For ease of access the kitchen opens directly onto the BBQ and outside dining area, for the days you arrive home from market with an armful of ingredients for dinner.
The three large bedrooms are all on the upper level, the master bedroom is particularly stunning, simply furnished in neutral tones with access to the terrace for that first coffee of the morning or to watch Madeira go to sleep at the end of the day. The absolute WOW factor is the bathroom, a large bath, big enough for two, right in front of a window overlooking the bay, be assured none can see you, one of the perks of this terraced location.  The second double bedroom also has access to a terrace, and a magnificent whirlpool bath/shower, just not in front of the window.  There is a further bedroom furnished with two single beds.
The poolside terrace, accessible through the lounge, has the very best sunny aspect to encourage you to relax, read your favourite book or dry off after a swim.  The terrace is furnished with comfortable sofas, loungers and smaller side tables should you wish to sit at the terrace edge for the best of the views. The mosaic tiled pool can be heated by prior arrangement should you so wish.  
These most excellent facilities and the stunning view from the terrace make Villa Achada a first class base for your family holiday or a break away with friends in Madeira. Sitio Ladeira das Voltasis a small traditional village with several restaurants, cafes and shops sits on the hillside on the outskirts of Calheta surrounded by banana plantations and vineyards. This particular part of the coastline is formed like a natural amphitheatre and seems to have a microclimate all of its own, with lots of sunshine and warmer temperatures. It is also perfectly placed with easy access across the island as one of the main routes to the west is only a short distance away.  
Because of its volcanic origins only around one third of the land mass of Madeira is inhabited, and most of that is of course around the coast meaning you are never too far from the next village or small town. Calheta heading towards the north of the island is the main centre for sugar cane production, the exquisite Engenho da Calheta, one of the island’s two surviving sugar mills is now a museum, the mill uses locally produced sugar cane to make honey and a potent firewater known as aguardente from distilled cane syrup.
There is a man made beach here in Calheta but a much better experience can be had at Porto Moniz, a charming little town on the north west tip of the island, the main attraction here is the natural swimming pools, incredible lava rock tidal pools where you can swim, explore and snorkel.  If you are confident in the water on a calm day there is much to explore underwater on the seaward side of the natural pools.  Another thrill for the experienced swimmer is the 3m high diving board from the natural pools into the ocean.  
Walking in Madeira is a thoroughly unique experience, there are many trails marked along the Levadas which run along the mountainside.  These man made waterways were built as an irrigation system for the plantations nearer the coast.  There are some 860 miles of these, incredible on an island only 35 miles long, the walking is as spectacular as it is varied.
A trip to the Funchal, the capitol of the island is a must, a beautiful, vibrant city with a very laid back atmosphere. The Madeiran people are so proud of their small island whatever you do whether it be shopping, eating or visiting some of the fabulous church building you are assured of a very warm and courteous reception. One particularly special thing to do is to take the cable car from the old town up to the hillside village of Monte. From here the views are spectacular, and the trip back down will be the most fun you will have had all day. Climb into a wicker basket driven by two carreiros and scream to your hearts content as they hurtle you down through the cobbled streets in half the time it took to go up.     
Eating out all along this east coast is an absolute delight, the fish and fruit in particular so fresh, and the cooking style very adventurous, one of the (delicious) specialities being scabbard fish with banana! At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the
concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport transfers- Babysitting/childcare services
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!