Our story, our family.
About us
Our Background
Quinta da Saraiva carries a rich family history dating back to the 18th century. The current house was built by the great-grandparents of the latest generation of siblings: Ester, Anália, Salete, Sidónio, Alzira, and Heliodoro, all of whom were born on the farm with the assistance of the midwife Senhora Agostinha.
To maintain the legacy and spirit of Saraiva, the descendants of Analia and José took over making Quinta da Saraiva a reality. Over the span of 3 years, grandson Juan Daniel Gonçalves Rodrigues brought the hospitality concept to life, inaugurating in November 2019. Quinta da Saraiva truly is a special place that is meant to be experienced by all.
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THE PROPERTY
Historically spanning three houses and vast lands, our estate remains a testament to Madeiran heritage, where the legacy of the large pond and traditional crops like sugar cane and grapes still lingers. Once a bustling farm lit by whale oil lamps, it was here that the Figueira family perfected timeless traditions, from festive pig feasts to the iconic ‘carne em vinho e alhos’. Today, we preserve this authentic spirit, blending the rustic charm of our agricultural past with the comfort of a modern retreat.
WORK & LIFE
Rooted in a legacy of solidarity, life at the estate has always been defined by mutual support and shared traditions. While the Figueira family maintained the highest standards of excellence, they were equally known for their open hearts—offering nourishing meals like our signature cabbage soup and helping those in need every weekend. This deep bond with the people of Câmara de Lobos remains the cornerstone of our hospitality, where every guest is welcomed as part of our extended family.
CELEBRATIONS
Honoring the vibrant spirit of Madeiran festivities, our home remains a place where community and heritage meet. From the handmade dresses of the June Arraial de São João to our cherished Christmas rituals, we preserve the soul of local celebrations. Central to these moments is our traditional Bolo de Mel, a family legacy crafted over a two-day ritual. We invite you to savor this timeless delicacy, where the rich aromas of cane honey and Madeira wine tell the story of generations.
EDUCATION
In the early 20th century, great-grandmother Ines ensured her children thrived by sending them to study at the local convent, carrying their dreams in small wicker baskets. This thirst for knowledge extended to annual family expeditions; renting a bus to explore the island was then a grand adventure, as significant as crossing oceans. It is this same legacy of curiosity and the enduring spirit of discovery that continues to shape the atmosphere of our home today.
SOCIETY
Life here was once defined by the quiet elegance of old-world traditions and stolen glances from our verandas. In an era of Sunday Masses and festive rituals, romance blossomed through subtle looks—just as Ester Figueira met her husband, Arnaldo. From the sacred ‘Mass of the Rooster’ to weekend gatherings, these moments of connection formed the soul of our estate, a feeling of community we still cherish today.
BEYOND MADEIRA
The story of Quinta da Saraiva reaches far beyond our shores, deeply intertwined with the vibrant spirit of Venezuela. As two Figueira siblings sought new horizons abroad, they kept their Madeiran heart alive, forming a bond that eventually brought Anália and José together to protect our estate’s legacy. This transatlantic history remains a cornerstone of our identity, bridging our local roots with a warm, global perspective.
QUINTA DA SARAIVA
Driven by a passion to honor our family’s spirit, the descendants of Anália and José dedicated three years to restoring this estate, led by their grandson Juan Daniel. Since our inauguration in 2019, our mission has been to share this authentic sanctuary with the world. We invite you to join our story and create unforgettable memories in this special place—a home designed to be shared, where the true essence of Madeira lives on with you and your loved ones.
Tradition, Culture and Care
Our Values
At Quinta da Saraiva, we celebrate tradition, family heritage, and the rich culture of Madeira. Our philosophy is rooted in hospitality, generosity, and respect for the land, cultivating local produce with care and preserving culinary and festive traditions. We value meaningful connections with our community, fostering an environment where guests feel like part of our extended family.
Our mission is to offer our guests a genuine connection to Madeira’s traditions, nature, and way of life; all inspired by the Figueira family heritage.
Hospitality
Treating every guest with care, generosity, and personal attention in a relaxed yet graceful atmosphere.
Comfort
Offering quality and well-being through thoughtful details and a calm, unpretentious ambiance.
Authenticity
To continue honouring Madeiran culture through real experiences and family-led hospitality.
Sustainability
Continuously practice organic agriculture, reduction of waste, and preservation of Madeira’s natural resources for future generations.
Tradition with a twist
Embracing innovation and current changes while safeguarding the cultural legacy passed down through generations.
Family
Always remaining true to our roots by involving the Figueira family in daily life and fostering a sense of belonging for guests and staff alike.
Meet The Team
Behind your Unforgettable Stay
Meet the people who bring Quinta da Saraiva to life. Our team combines passion, expertise, and a genuine love for hospitality, ensuring every guest feels welcome and every stay is memorable. From family descendants to dedicated staff, each member plays a unique role at the Quinta.
Daniel Rodrigues
Daniel, founder and CEO of Quinta da Saraiva, is a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to guest satisfaction. A direct descendant of the family, he visits Madeira regularly to connect with the team, guests and continue improving the Quinta’s experience.
Sílvia Rodrigues
With over 20 years of experience in hospitality, our General Manager, Silvia Rodrigues, leads every operation at the Quinta . Her thoughtful approach, eye for detail, and sincere warmth make every guest feel like part of our extended family.
Nélia Silva
Our beloved housekeeper Nélia is, a true reflection of the Câmara de Lobos community. She ensures that your stay at Quinta da Saraiva is as comfortable as possible, and her “world-famous” jams and homemade cakes alone are worth visiting us!
Anália Figueira
Mrs. Anália, the lady of the house, is a proud Saraiva descendant who grew up on the estate before moving to Venezuela in the 1960s. With her blessing, her family lovingly transformed Quinta da Saraiva into a boutique stay. Today, she divides her time between Miami, Caracas, and Madeira, always keeping the spirit of the Quinta close to her heart. You may spot her sometime during the year enjoying the sun alongside our pool.
Graciela Figueira
Daughter of Anália, Graciela is Quinta da Saraiva’s creative director. She personally curated all decoration, design, and art that you will find on the property. When you ever see her at the Quinta, make sure to stop for a chat with her! She loves meeting new guests, sharing about her memories and speaks English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish.
Mina Faria
Meet Mina, originally from a nearby town called Ribeira Brava. She is part of our housekeeping team, and is known for her hardwork, motivation and warm smile. Mina is amazing at making guests feel at home and anything you need for your comfort, you can count on her.
Daniela Freitas
Daniela is an essential part of the Quinta da Saraiva family. With great attention to detail and a genuine care for our guests comfort, she ensures every room and space is spotless, welcoming, and feels like home. Her dedication and quiet excellence help create the relaxing experience our guests love. Daniela speaks English and Portuguese and was born and raised in Câmara de Lobos, but spent 13 years in London.
Diogo Freitas
Marco Gonçalves
Marco Gonçalves, our enthusiastic agricultural engineer, guides Quinta da Saraiva’s transition to fully organic production across our bananas, vineyards, orchardsorchard, herbs, and more. With decades of experience consulting on agricultural projects in Madeira, he’s happy to share his knowledge. Just ask him about local produce during his weekly visits!
Mónica Silva
Monica is our Social Media guru, sharing the stories and moments that make our property so special through all our digital platforms. You will probably find her around the Quinta with the staff creating her iconic humorous content. Monica would love to receive your pictures of your stay, so don’t be shy and reach out to her!
A Collection From the Heart
Our Art
Discover the presence of art at Quinta da Saraiva, featuring carefully selected paintings, unique sculptures , and touches of traditional Portuguese tiles that enrich every space.
