Sustainable and self-sufficient in energy, discover the award-winning hotel in Madeira that is a global example
At the reception of the Sentido Galomar hotel, notice the Resysta material. It is made from rice husks, salt and mineral oil and is also used in room partitions and porches, furniture and coverings. In addition to being of natural origin, “it lasts longer than wood and avoids cutting down trees”, explains David Andrade, director of operations at the Galo Resort Hotels group.
The washbasin countertops are made of Krion, a natural compound that, in the presence of light, performs photocatalysis, renewing and purifying the air. And the antibacterial action works as self-cleaning, reducing the use of chemicals. The housekeeping uniforms are made of Tencel, a material “of botanical origin, breathable, soft and sustainably produced”, in line with the “from forest to fashion” concept. Whenever the guest places the dolls from the Green Buddies project at the door of their room, they eliminate cleaning and associated expenses. Made in a local institution where people with disabilities work, they can also be purchased at the hotel.
All electricity consumed during the day, including by elevators, is generated by around 570 photovoltaic panels. Part of the production is channeled to the Sentido Galosol hotel, from the same group, and “compensates” for the grid energy used at night, validating the pioneering “energy self-sufficiency” of the Sentido Galomar hotel.
The lighting is in LED and the guest, in addition to charging the electric car, can monitor resource consumption through systems installed in the rooms, which are also paperless . The gray water resulting from showers and washbasins goes into a tank, is treated and fills the toilet tanks. The water in the outdoor pool comes from the sea and is renewed, while irrigation is carried out with rainwater and water from a stream. In addition to flow reducers, the taps feature the Cold Start system, with a cold start, which “reduces hot water consumption and, in turn, gas consumption”.
Sentido Galomar Hotel
“The customer is aware of the value of sustainability and doesn’t mind paying a little more for a product that protects nature”, assures David Andrade, who is proud of the almost endless list of national and global awards and recognition.
In 2017, it was distinguished at the World Travel Awards as the best Portuguese green hotel (Leading Green Hotel de Portugal), a title it has already won five more times, the last time this year. It is also a unit certified with the Green Key seal. After a change of owners and new commitments to sustainability, the National Tourism Award recognized the hotel’s work by distinguishing the Madeiran unit in the “Sustainable Tourism” category in 2022. A year later it won the EcoTrophea 2023, the international award for environmental protection and social responsibility in tourism from the German Travel Association. In March of this year, Sentido Galomar Hotel received the Sustainability Award from the Boa Cama Boa Mesa 2024 Guide.
With 77 rooms (from €225) and suites, some overlooking the sea, or with skylights to see the stars, the hotel has been reinforcing its accommodation offer. In 2022 he presented the Sentido Suite and the Fitness Suite, which features an exercise bike, wooden backrest, foam roller, dumbbells, a kit with three elastic resistance tubes, premium latex tube, stability disc, fitball, abdominal wheel, mattress yoga and a suspension training system. The rate includes support from a PT in the room, exercise sequences on TV and a speaker to listen to the selected music. Sentido Suíte suggests “five sensory experiences associated with the five senses”: a QR code to listen to relaxing music, compresses to soak in rose water before going to sleep and place over your eyes to rest your vision, a 50% voucher for an Ayurvedic massage full body, fragrances based on essential oils and an ampoule with sesame oil to cleanse the palate.
Sentido Galomar Hotel
O Sentido Galomar Hotel (Rua Baden Powell, Caniço. Tel. 291930930) has the Ashoka Spa, with infrared sauna, saunas (bio and Finnish), hammam, naturist area and panoramic relaxation areas with sea views. Next to the main building, the The outdoor pool is a viewpoint to the infinite ocean.
The hotel also has a diving center, golf concierge and activity store outdoorsuch as walking tours. Among the perks are the bathing complex – Lido Galomar -, the certified diving center and direct access to the Garajau Natural Reserve, in the Madeiran municipality of Santa Cruz. It is in this area that two areas of glampingwhich can be booked as an additional accommodation experience. Overlooking the ocean, the renovation of the Atlantis restaurant, which uses local and seasonal products, was new in 2024, in this 5-star accommodation unit, intended for adults only and part of the Galo Resort hotel chain.
Diving in the Garajau Natural Reserve
Levada Agricultural House
Andre C. Macedo
