There is a common saying in the culinary world: the less food travels, the better. At the Socalco Nature Calheta, this principle is taken seriously. A large part of the produce served at the Razão restaurant comes directly from the property. Other ingredients are sourced from nearby, within the municipality of Calheta, and almost all are from Madeira. Fresh, authentic, locally flavoured ingredients are given a distinct Madeiran identity by a dedicated team.
At the Socalco Nature Calheta, gastronomy is seen as a form of cultural expression. Traditional recipes and local secrets, passed down through generations, are revived and paired with the most modern culinary techniques.
This connection to the land and to its roots has been a defining principle from the very beginning for Chef Octávio Freitas (holder of one Michelin star), the owner and founder of Socalco Nature Calheta. A walk through the terraced landscape of Socalco Nature Calheta reveals cultivated vegetable gardens, fruit trees, lush vineyards, and charming accommodation cottages, all harmoniously integrated into the scenery. The chef’s own father is a familiar sight on the property, selecting which crops to plant and assisting in agricultural work, continuing the family's tradition of working the land.
Beyond the kitchen, Socalco Nature Calheta’s connection to the community extends further. This rural tourism project stimulates the local economy and generates employment, with most of the team made up of residents from the surrounding area.
In this same spirit, Socalco Nature Calheta is also home to the Octávio Freitas Winery, where distinctive DOP Madeira wines are produced. Once again, the connection to the land is evident – through the richness and volcanic acidity of the soil, the salinity from the nearby sea, the generous hours of sunshine, and the fact that grape production also comes from small neighbouring plots, further supporting the local economy.
At the Socalco Nature Calheta, the best of modern comfort is combined with a deep connection to local people and traditions. This commitment to local identity is a hallmark of the Socalco Nature Calheta. It is part of a concept with a unique character – something you feel in the genuine nature of the experience, in the tranquillity of breathing in the fresh country air, here with just a hint of the sea.
