Top 6 hotels in the Azores: secret places to stay
The Azores are a true treasure trove of natural beauty with fantastic volcanic landscapes and even UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Pico vineyards and the old town of Angra do Heroismo. Hiking, sailing, paragliding, surfing, horseback riding, and cycling are many of the leisure activities that allow you to explore an extraordinary region with crater lakes, incredible caves, hot springs, and pristine beaches. The remote Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, still free from mass tourism, can surprise you and give you an unforgettable vacation. All you have to do is choose one of the best hotels in the Azores and set off on an adventure.
Calderia Guesthouse and Surfcamp, São Jorge
Located in the Faja da Caldeira de Santo Cristo Natural Park on the shores of the majestic Atlantic Ocean, Caldeira Guesthouse and Surfcamp offers only three cozy rooms. The apartments are monastery-style minimalist, with small bathrooms, tiled floors, and even no electricity. However, this approach allows you to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the area, focusing entirely on relaxation. In addition, this magnificent hotel in the Azores can be reached by taking a one-hour mini-hike, which only enhances the experience of the location.
A fully equipped communal kitchen is available for guests to use, and there is also a further outdoor cooking space with barbecue facilities and a small lounge area. It is possible to rent water sports equipment, such as surfboards, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, etc.
Sul Villas, San Miguel
Sul Villas, located in Lagoa on the island of San Miguel, is owned by former professional surfer Rodrigo Heredia. The hotel has 12 stylish rooms that are air-conditioned and equipped with a safe, TV, minibar, etc. Each room offers unobstructed panoramic views of the ocean. The interior design is inspired by the nearby village of Santa Cruz, with white walls and contrasting black basalt sinks.
Key amenities available to guests include:
- Jacuzzi;
- outdoor swimming pool;
- a cozy terrace;
- concierge services;
- airport shuttle service.
There is also an excellent Azores restaurant on site, specializing in Portuguese cuisine, and offering vegetarian and vegan dishes. Particularly noteworthy is the spa, which uses products from the Essentia Azorica brand, which produces essential oils from local ingredients.
Lava Homes, Pico
Lava Homes is among the best hotels in the Azores, Portugal. Located high on a hillside, the establishment boasts extraordinary views. Guests have the opportunity to stay in one of the 14 bright cottages made of volcanic rock and glass, with working fireplaces and fully equipped kitchens.
A special feature of Lava Homes is a dedicated yoga room. The glass-walled room allows you to exercise while enjoying views of São Jorge and the Atlantic.
La Maison By White
The list of the top 5 best hotels in the Azores includes this luxury villa in Lagoa. La Maison belongs to the White Exclusive Suites and Villas brand, so it has all its advantages – from impeccable service to stylish interiors decorated with macramé and wood. The hotel has only four bedrooms. The hotel has a Cardume restaurant specializing in international cuisine, a playground, a terrace, and barbecue equipment. Also popular is the outdoor swimming pool, which is open all year round, with sun loungers and umbrellas.
The establishment is two kilometers from Populus Beach and Ponta Delgada Airport is 13 km away.
Aldeia da Cuada, Flores
In the 1960s, the inhabitants of this small village emigrated, so the extraordinarily beautiful place, surrounded by high waterfalls falling from the mountain peaks, was left abandoned. Until the authentic cottages were carefully restored. Cozy rooms with whitewashed walls are furnished with vintage furniture and decorated with patchwork quilts. A delicious continental breakfast or buffet awaits guests in the mornings, and a free airport shuttle is provided.
Hiking enthusiasts can explore the many trails nearby or head to Faja Grande Beach, two kilometers away.
The Azores Wine Company, Pico
Thanks to the ambitious project of The Azores Wine Company, the prices of Pico wines have risen to the level of Champagne, Burgundy, and Napa Valley. This has also contributed to the revival of ancient grape varieties such as Terrantez do Pico. The area itself also includes a winery and a beautiful guest house, which was opened recently. The complex is only 1.5 kilometers from Pico Airport, so travelers will find it convenient to get here.
One of the best hotels in the Azores offers sea and garden views, and the apartments include a separate entrance, a fireplace, and an equipped dining area. Some of the rooms have full kitchens. We advise you not to miss a visit to the in-house modern restaurant by The Azores Wine Company, which offers gourmet dining.