Just across the road from my dad’s apartment in Madeira is a haven of peace and serenity: the Jardins do Lago botanical gardens. The island is famous for its abundance of flowers, which bloom all year thanks to the subtropical climate. These particular gardens are also home to a very special resident called Colombo. This friendly giant tortoise has lived in the hotel gardens for 47 years!
When we’d had afternoon tea at the hotel earlier in the week we discovered that he loves bananas, so we took one with us. As you can see he really enjoyed it! In fact I don’t know who enjoyed the experience more – him or us! Actually, I’m pretty sure it was us…he must get bananas every day. Whereas for us, meeting Colombo the tortoise was one of the highlights of the holiday!
The gardens have fantastic views of the hillside around Funchal.
The hotel is known as a “quinta”, which is a Portuguese term for a large house in the country or on the outskirts of a town. The house was built in the 18th century and during the Napoleonic wars it was the residence of General Beresford, Commander of the British forces on the island. The gardens cover 2.5 hectares and contain more than 500 different species of plant.
There are plenty of mango trees in the gardens so I helped myself to a few fallen ones and had them for breakfast…yum 🙂
Outfit details: Zara shorts (old) | really old top | Asos headband (from last year) | Ribelle sandals (old) | Circus by Sam Edelman sunglasses | bangle from a charity shop
Last week’s favourites were…
Samantha of Fake Fabulous, Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots and Lisa of the Sequinist!
Such beautiful pictures! I love visiting botanical gardens and this one looks wonderful! And loving those shorts on you, such a fun print!
Thanks for hosting the linkup!
Ellibelle’s Corner
What a beautiful place! Those flowers are gorgeous and I adore the cute tortoise. Lovely shorts you are wearing. Thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Oh my word, I just fell in love with that tortoise! So amazing! And your outfit is adorable. How fun are those shorts!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Oh, one of these years we are going to plan a warm weather getaway in the Winter! I love the scenry here and the view is stunning. Your outfit is pretty, i love the print of your skirt! Your skin always looks glowing! I love animals, so I would have fun with Columbo too, he loved the banana 🙂
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydresedandstylish.com
Wow, Columbo is gorgeous! I could watch that animal for hours! Fantastic.
That’s one big tortoise! They are such gentle creatures aren’t they? Lovely holiday picks Emma xx
What a beautiful place! Colombo is too cute! Glad you had fun 🙂
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Colombo the tortoise is absolutely adorable! Tortoises are my favorite animal, I had a small one for 23 years.
OMG! Madeira is so gorgeous! What an island paradise. And the tortoise is totally worth it, as you say. As we approach winter, you make me want it to be summer all over again! Lol!
xx Darlene
What an unforgettable experience and trip! I love the amazing photos of the flowers too! Beautiful!
Love all the exotic flora—what a beautiful place!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
That’s some tortoise! I guess he’s only middle aged because they can live to be very old? Your skin looks amazing Emma!
Oh wow, but that was interesting – feeding that wonderful create. Looking super in your short suit too. Jacqui x
Loved these photographs Emma – especially of Columbo enjoying his fruit. I love to see nature and wildlife on holiday. It looks glorious weather unlike here.
I feel as if I haven’t seen any sunshine for around a month now. Love the boho print on your shorts.
Alison xx
great pictures! it souds a great places for enjoying a trips among these nature
Wonderful pictures Emma, That’s sounds great.