Need to know
Rooms
35, including two suites and two stand-alone lodges.
Check–Out
12 noon, but flexible, subject to availability. Earliest check-in, 2pm.
More details
Rates include breakfast in the Magma restaurant, with plenty of veggie and gluten-free options.
Also
This hotel is a true family affair: the owner, Joana Damião, is an experienced hotelier who returned home to renovate her family’s farm in São Miguel. Her mum (who is, conveniently, an interior designer) pieced together jade green walls, nostalgic design and family heirlooms – creating the hotel’s undoubted warm atmosphere.
At the hotel
Restaurant, tapas bar, cocktail bar, outdoor swimming pool, heated plunge pool, steam room, sauna, relaxation room, cardio machines, pilates studio. In rooms: WiFi, TV, hairdryer, beach and pool towels, tea- and coffee-making kit, locally-made bath products, minibar (in suites and lodges only)
Our favourite rooms
All rooms have a balcony overlooking the nature of the Azores – but interiors are easy on the eye too, thanks to a palette of greens, soft textures and antique furniture. If we had to choose, we’d book one of the two cedar-scented tranquillity lodges. These natural wood cabins are set on stilts, and reminiscent of the ancient Azorean cafuões used to store grains. The private terraces are romantic and secluded, protected from any unexpected Azores downpours by the lush banana trees hugging the cabins – and there’s even an alfresco bath to really switch off in.
Poolside
There are two pools: an elevated, salt-treated shallow pool on the spa rooftop; and a heated, leaf-lined plunge pool amongst the pineapple plantation. Both are open from 8am to 8pm.
Spa
The Musgo spa was designed to encourage disconnection with the outside world; and connection with your mind and body. Do so with a deep-tissue massage using seasonal, locally-produced essential oils; or a spell in the sauna and Turkish bath. There’s a relaxation room with floor-to-ceiling views of the greenery, a pilates studio (personal trainers and guided yoga classes are available too) and a cardio room with a bike, elliptical and treadmill.
Packing tips
Hand-eye coordination and a competitive spirit for a session on the padel court.
Also
There’s one accessible room in the main house, and all public areas are wheelchair friendly.
Children
Little ones are very welcome (in fact, the kids’ club and indoor playground is so well-stocked with toys, slides and games that it might have parents lingering longer than usual).
Best for
Any and all ages are welcome.
Recommended rooms
The apartment-style family suite is your best bet, with two bedrooms and a living room.
Crèche
The kids’ club is open every day of the week, with plenty to keep them busy including an indoor playground and schedule of outdoor activities. A parent or guardian must accompany little Smiths.
Meals
Highchairs and kids’ cutlery are available in the restaurant, and the kitchen is happy to adapt to the taste buds of your little ones.
Babysitting
Can be arranged from €6 per day, just check with reception 24 hours ahead of time.
No need to pack
Baby baths, toilet adaptors, car chairs and toys are all available at the hotel.
Sustainability efforts
The hotel has a close connection to and respect for the local land, and fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs flourish in the grounds. Photovoltaic and solar panels provide much of the energy needed for the hotel, and 80 per cent of the materials used to build the rooms and lodges were sourced locally. The eco-friendly and plastic-free bath products are made with raw materials by a local soap maker (you’ll catch whiffs of oranges, lemons, bananas or chestnuts, depending on the season).
