Located on the central southern edge of the principal Azorean island of São Miguel, this adults-only boutique hotel is expensive, although future visitors should know that everything in the Azores is on the pricier side. Nevertheless, in our opinion, this one (and this one only - refer to our review of Santa Barbara Eco Resort for all the tea) is worth the spend. The stark interiors seem to mirror the dramatic, volcanic nature of the islands where bright white walls and soft furnishings in earthy tones are complemented with darker accents. Service is friendly and attentive, with staff making the effort to go the extra mile - the welcome bottle of wine and traditional Azorean pastries in the room is a nice touch. The hotel restaurant food is of a very high standard and the ingredients are fresh (the Azorean pineapple is the real star of the show). The infinity pool and massages were wonderful. However, points were deducted for vibes; whilst we appreciated the peace and quiet, for us, it was just a little bit too quiet.
Top Tip: Be sure to book a car as far in advance as possible - there is a shortage of hire cars on the islands and prices skyrocket in peak season.
Local Gems: Dinner at Otaka for a sensational Japanese tasting menu Take in the breathtaking Sete Cidades with a quad biking tour - we used Azores Outdoor Activities Visit the out of this world Caldeira Velha hot springs