Faja dos Padres - Madeira

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:

The main focus is on organic farming, and preservation of the historic site and its rich viticultural heritage.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:

At Faja dos Padres, a small collection of houses and villas from the 16th century nestled between towering cliffs and the sea, you have a wealth of opportunity to discover this secluded paradise. Come discover all of the history, viticulture, and organic products available from it's rich abundance. Stay in historically preserved villas that once served as summer retreats for Jesuit priests of centuries past, visit the birthplace of the world-famous Malvasia wine, and experience with all of your senses the myriad ecological efforts made by Faja dos Padres. From a full range of organic, tropical produce to locally produced wine with a four hundred year tradition to a setting usually only seen in postcards, Faja dos Padres promises to dazzle.

Acquired by Jesuits priests in 1595, guests have the opportunity to stay in quaint seaside villas in which a great effort has been made by Faja dos Padres to preserve this rich heritage. Preservation of the essential characteristics of these old farm and boat houses, as well as bungalows, was made with the villas' stone walls, ceiling structures, exterior vine trellises, and stone benches. Even old pathways along the property serve to retain the old feel of the land.

Where guests really have a chance to experience the unique and specific history of the region is through its Malvasian wine. Since the 17th century, the terms Faja dos Padres and Malvasian have been intertwined. Produced locally from the property's own grapes, Malvasia is the sweetest of Madeiran wines owing its prized flavor to an ideal 10 year storage period in wooden casks before being bottled. However, through the years, wine production in this area has suffered due to commercial and political factors, as well as viticultural plagues in the region, so much so that authentic Malvasia wine production fell by the wayside. In the last 20 years, Faja dos Padres has sought to start using real Malvasian grapes again and they invite you to taste the new vintage, one that originally conquered the globe centuries ago. A visit to Faja dos Padres helps to preserve this rich viticultural heritage and support locals seeking to propagate their local, traditional varieties of grapes.

While indulging yourself and being afforded the special chance to sample the local, prized vintage, why not further enhance your stay by sampling, and supporting, Faja dos Padres' extensive range of oragnic tropical produce? Using exclusively organic growing techniques, which are produced the traditional way, with minimal machine aid, a bounty of crops are grown on the region's historically small terrain parcels. In an effort to showcase local produce, spoil yourself with over 15 varieties of mangoes, bananas, grapes, avocados, as well as papayas, Surinam cherry, fig, and passion fruit; the area is immersed in tropical colors and aromas. A restaurant managed by Faja dos Padres serves this local produce, as well as vegetables, herbs, locally caught fish, and wine of the region.

Inside and out, Faja dos Padres is a part of the environment and Caring for their Destination. Waste is separated for recycling, and biological/sewage waste is treated locally. Treated water is re-used in their extensive agricultural practices. In the villas and facilities, low-energy bulbs are used to reduce Faja dos Padres energy consumption. And that expansive beach in front of your eyes isn't forgotten either; the facility organizes beach clean-ups every summer.