Most Unique Hotels in the Azores
The Azores archipelago is known for its natural beauty, adventure, flowers, birds, food & wine, and so much more! One aspect we really appreciate about the Azores is the broad spectrum of hotels and accommodations available on each island. From small B&Bs to boutique hotels to 4- and 5-star luxury properties, the Azores has something for everyone. Today, we're rounding up the most unique hotels in the Azores that we love for their uniqueness and charm.
São Miguel Island
We just love the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel in Furnas on the eastern side of São Miguel Island. Nestled in a small, charming village, this updated 4-star hotel & spa offers unlimited, 24/7 access to the adjacent Terra Nostra Park and geothermal hot springs. This 200-year-old park is one of the most beautiful gardens in all of Europe and features almost all the plants you can find throughout the Azores including over 600 varieties of camellias! Not to mention it features natural, geothermal hot springs, where you can soak anytime of the day - a must-do on everyone’s list for their trip to the Azores. Many of the hotel’s rooms offer balconies overlooking the gardens. The spa also has a number of services available to compliment your soak in the hot springs. As Furnas is a small town, a few nights at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel is perfect for some serious relaxing.
Another relaxing, remote spot on the island is the Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort, located on the north-central coast and a 10-minute drive from downtown Ribeira Grande. Built atop a bluff overlooking Santa Barbara Beach, the resort offers sweeping views of the Atlantic. The resort was specially designed to blend in with the scenery, so many visitors don’t even notice it’s there! The property has 14 studios, 7 one-bedroom villas, and 9 two-bedroom villas, making the Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort a very exclusive place to stay. Its serene setting and nature-focused design make the resort a popular destination for yoga enthusiasts or any visitors who wish to focus on relaxation.
These two properties are perfect for those who prefer to stay in a quieter area, but there are plenty of options if you wish to stay in the heart of Ponta Delgada as well. Another favorite is the Hotel do Colégio, a boutique hotel built into a former 19th century schoolhouse. Oozing Azorean charm and located in the heart of the old town, Hotel do Colégio is only steps from restaurants, shops, and Ponta Delgada’s main attractions.
Terceira Island
Have you ever spent the night in a 16th century fortress? Well here’s your chance! The Pousada Sao Sebastiao is a 3-star hotel built into a renovated fortress that sits at the top of a cliff in Angra do Heroísmo, the largest city on Terceira Island and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite its age, the hotel’s rooms all have modern design and furnishings and a few feature balconies with breathtaking sea views. This is a unique accommodation that will certainly take your breath away and help you to immerse yourself in the history of the island.
Faial Island
Another former 16th century fort can be found in Horta village on the island of Faial - the Pousada Forte da Horta. Originally a military location, and used through the middle of the 19th century, it was later classified as a national monument and converted into a hotel. The 28-room hotel has magnificent views of Horta’s famous marina and of the island of Pico across the bay. Many of its rooms have balconies with sea views and there is a beach within easy walking distance.
Pico Island
If you are an experienced traveler looking for something REALLY off-the-beaten-path, then Alma do Pico is for you. Located in Madalena on the small island of Pico, this property is nestled in a forest and consists of just 14 apartments, each with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. Alma do Pico was designed to exist in complete harmony with its natural surroundings and is the perfect choice for visitors who seek the serenity of nature, but also the creature-comforts of a hotel.
Whether you're looking for a unique hotel off the beaten path or in the heart of Ponta Delgada, there’s a hotel in the Azores that’s right for you. A stay a one of the most unique hotels in the Azores is bound to be a vacation you will always remember. Some of our most popular trips include our 5 Day Taste of the Azores, 6 Day Azores Adventure Seeker and 8 Day Best of Azores. Discover your next Quest to the Azores today!
