About this property
Villa Mouco sits perched high on the hillside overlooking Arco da Calheta enjoying breathtaking views over the rooftops and to the ocean beyond. This modern villa in a quiet residential area has three large balconies furnished with beautiful plants and palms from which to enjoy this incredible vista and make the most of the amazing skies particularly at sunrise and sunset. Villa Mouco offers spectacular accommodation for up to six guests for that very special holiday.
The dramatic entrance to Villa Mouco with its black and while chevron tiled terracing, jade green steps and flamboyant front door suggests that you have arrived somewhere special, and when you open that front door, you won’t be disappointed!
This flamboyant door opens directly into the large open plan lounge, dining area and kitchen where you are met with the quirky eclectic mix of the spectacular furnishings in the bright colours of the orient, a large turquoise sofa, a couple of golden chairs with matching footstools and a centrepiece bright red ancient Chinese style sofa, the wall furniture and lacquered chests in jade and red, the icing on this cake being the large Buddha figurines and pieces of Chinese art.
All of this almost takes away from the large glass doors opening onto the terrace which runs the full length of the property where you can enjoy the sights of the city of Calheta below or watch the paragliders from Madeira Paragliding nearby competing with soaring birds. The minimalist design of wonderful kitchen with its huge peninsula working area fails to give the true impression of its fabulousness, you really do have everything you could wish at your fingertips, whether to enjoy a feast at the enormous table or to enjoy a snack at the partially covered table on the terrace. One of the many fabulous features of the villa is its secrets, one of which is the snug hidden away behind the dining area, here you can chill out on the humongous soft sofa to watch tv or just take some time out, I’ll leave you to find the others.
The three bedrooms are on the level below here, all opening on to the terrace and the steps down to the pool. Each one is furnished to the most amazing standard and the décor is mind blowing, again with a strong Asian influence. Two of the rooms have kingsize 4 poster style beds, whilst the other has two single beds, all have black out blinds and fabulous en suite bathrooms with rain showers.
The large 10.m x 3.5mpool on the lower level is a fantastic minimalist space with only a few sun loungers and a swing bed and 3 bean bags around it, relax in this special place with a cool drink or enjoy your swim under the watchful eye of a large Buddha. Whilst you have showering facilities in your room there is the quirkiest of showers on poolside, children will absolutely love it.
The small town of Arco de Calheta is one of several small villages spreading out from the coast up into hillside surrounded by the sugar cane plantations which gave this area its main source of employment and income. It is well worth visiting Engenho da Calheta, a working sugar cane factory where you can see how Madeira rum is made and even try a sample if you aren’t the driver. There are several small shops and cafés locally, as you head towards Calheta itself the choice and size become more varied.
If you are interested in some walking while you are on holiday, nearby you have access to one of the most beautiful stretches of the Levada’s, a man made irrigation system built hundreds of years ago, these weave their way across the hillside for some 800 miles, how is this possible on such a small island. The 25 Fontes Levada is one of the most beautiful, to be sure it lives up to its name just count the number of fountains or little waterfalls that you pass as you go.
If you are looking for a little more action you could check out the Paragliding Centre, they offer tandem flights for the novice. Perfectly situated here on the east coast you catch the breeze whatever the wind direction, landing gently back on Calheta beach at the end of your unforgettable trip.
Calheta itself is a very friendly lively place, once reliant on fishing but perhaps today tourism is more profitable. Water sports are one of the main attractions here, you could sign up for an excursion with the diving school, the most popular trip explores the wreck of the Bowbelle, which ship sank off the coast of Ponta do Sol. If you would rather be on the water rather than in it there are a few options for wildlife cruises to see the dolphins and whales or even big game fishing if it’s the right season for it.
There are many restaurants and cafés to choose from, the local specialties are based around the islands own produce, several excellent sea food restaurants can be found around the harbour area. You should also try what has become the national drink, Poncha, created by fishermen to warm themselves after a night at sea, a too easy to drink cocktail of fermented sugar cane syrup, lemon and honey.
There are some beautiful small villages on the coast around here, Ponto do Sol, point of the sun, supposedly the sunniest place on the island has a picture postcard promenade lined by palm trees which runs the length of the village. Strangely they have a beach volleyball court on the beach here. Madalena do Mar offers excellent spots for swimming while Lugar de Biaxo’s waves make it a popular destination for surfers.
As you can see you could spend your whole holiday without moving from Calheta, however a trip to Funchal, the capitol of the island is a must. There is so much to see and do, the town square with its unique black and white chequered cobblestones made from lava rock, grand whitewashed buildings and beautiful parks and gardens is an ideal place to start your visit to this beautiful small city. Many of the grandiose buildings dating back to the island origins now house museums, art galleries and exhibitions. Don’t miss the Sacred Art Museum and its impressive collection of sculptures, paintings and gold items some dating from the 15th century. The museum is noted for its remarkable paintings by Flemish masters, which were commissioned by affluent merchants during the height of the sugar trade between Madeira and Antwerp.
Accommodation
The Villa
Villa Mouco is our Asian-Portuguese inspired getaway in Arco da Calheta. Enjoy unobstructed views from the picturesque Madeiran villages and the Atlantic Ocean. Our three-story property will provide you with the perfect envirionment to reconnect with nature and refocus on what really matters.
Lower Ground Floor
- Blue bedroom with King bed (180 x 200 cm), access to a terrace and ensuite shower room
- Green bedroom with two single beds (90 x 200) and access to a terrace
- Red bedroom with king bed (180 x 200) and access to a terrace
- Shower room with walk in shower
- Shower room with walk in shower
Ground Floor
- Large living room with comfortable sofas and access to a terrace with sea views
- Open plan dining area for 8 people
- Media room with comortable sofa, satellite TV and access to a terrace
- Fully equipped kitchen wuth central island, access to a terrace, refrigerator, microwave, oven, dishwasher, dishes/cutlery, kitchen utensils, coffee machine, toaster and kettle
- Shower room with walk in shower
Top Floor
- Roof terrace
- Outdoor dining
- Garden furniture
Exterior Grounds
- Private heated swimming pool (extra cost, see T&Cs) (10m x 3.5, max depth 1.9 m, min depth 1.2 m)
- Large terraced area
- Covered terrace
- Outdoor dining
- Various sun loungers
- Garden furniture
- Various parasols
- Private parking
- Barbecue
- Outdoor shower and toilet
Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi connection
- Air conditioning
- Bosé speaker system
- DVD player
- JBL portable speaker
- Flat Screen TV
- Cot Available
- High chair available
- Washing machine
- Tumble dryer
- Hair dryer
- Iron
Touristic Registration Number: 96002/AL