The Quinta Splendida Botanical Garden & Spa is an extraordinary
example of architectural beauty, the interior, modern, yet elegant, is
rich in antiques and paintings.
HistoryThe Village of Canici is situated on the boundary between the two old
districts of Funchal and Machino. In the old times thre used to be churches on
both sides, each with its own saint. When the buildings had to be replaced due
to old age and disrepair, it was decided to simply built one new church in the
middle of Canico. That is why the Canico church has two saints; St Antao and St
Antonio. It is said that the first sugar mill on the island was situated in
Canico and its water was supplied by the Levada of Azenha. Madeira had about 150
sugar mills. Nowadays only two are in use in Porto da Cruz and in Campanario.
they produce sugar for sugar cane brandy, an important ingredient for the famous
Poncha. Another part of the was the wine production. The manor House
was built in 18th century , the exact date is not known. It is said to have been
the property of the Jesuites. Above the doors bishop's hats were painted and one
side of the House -still vissible today- was decorated with a star, hence the
old name of the property Quinta Estrela.
Around 1868 the Qinta Estrela was bought by Fortunato Joaquim Figueira,
Baron of Conceicao, who fought for the King against the Miguelinistas and
having received land in the Americas, made his fortune made his fortune in the
winw trade. He extended the House and started plantation of the Botanical
Garden. Quinta Estrela was sold to Dr Alberto Figueira Jardim and subsequently
had several owners who neglected the property. In 1988 the present owner a Swiss
financier discovered the grounds and the House. He fell in love with the
place and bought it in order to fulfil
his vision of a very special Hotel.
The agricultural
grounds-the Resort has 25.000 sqm-were cleared and the Manor House completely
restored. Now the building houses five double Rooms and the Gourmet Restaurant
La Perla on the ground floor. On the agricultural
part the Studios and Apartments were constructed in low buildings, grouped
around a spacious Pool. Then everything was surrounded with an abundance of
flowers, palm trees and other plants. In September 1993 the Resort was
officially opened under the new name. Many sides also the Tourism Minister of
Madeira Joao Carlos Abreu, praised the Resort as one the most beautiful Hotels
in Madeira and it received the Golden Estrelicia from the government of Madeira
at the opening. Well-known personalities have visited the Hotel from its
opening. This Hotel also provided the background for several television
productions in Summer 1999, the Patio, a beautiful annexe of 28 Units with
modern and gracious interior and garden or sea view, was opened for the guests
and fans.