5 of the Best Hotels in São Miguel Island

Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort offers modern eco-villas on the north coast of São Miguel Island. Each carefully decorated villa has a complete kitchenette, living room, balcony, and bathroom. Guests can enjoy direct access to the beach, a beach bar, a swimming pool, and a wellness centre, surrounded by island views and tropical vibes.

SENSI is an absolute delight of a boutique hotel, comprising a villa and rooms with privileged views of the garden, countryside and/or sea. There’s a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, an indoor pool, a hammam and a beautiful garden. This spa hotel provides the perfect base to discover all the natural wonders of São Miguel.

Created by siblings Inês and João, Moinho da Areia is a boutique guesthouse in São Miguel, originally built as a watermill in 1867. Moinho da Areia has been thoughtfully transformed into a charming small hotel with five unique suites. Perched directly on Monte Verde Beach, its interiors incorporate two of its historic millstones, exclusive art pieces curated by Joana Subtil, and handcrafted decor created in collaboration with local artisans and artists.

Octant Furnas is a spa hotel in the picturesque valley of Vale das Furnas on São Miguel Island. It features a touch of retro decor, a unique sensorial spa journey, and nature activities. Enjoy round-the-clock thermal pools, two restaurants, and various room types, including Terrace Pool Rooms, with a private deck and swimming pool.

João and Catarina Reis created a serene retreat exclusively for adults aged 14 years and above, blending traditional Azorean architecture with modern design. The hotel boasts nine suites and two exclusive villas, both with private pools, featuring sleek and contemporary decor, kitchenettes, and horizon views (except for the villa La Maison). Guests can relax in the heated saltwater pool or spacious outdoor areas. The on-site Cardume restaurant sources the freshest ingredients locally for an unforgettable dining experience.

We love the look of this restored old barn turned into design boutique accommodation, a seven-minute drive from the historical centre of São Miguel. The property comprises two units: a three-bedroom house and a studio with garden views, both featuring well-equipped kitchens. There’s a communal seasonal outdoor pool, daily cleaning, and a delicious seasonal breakfast served each morning.

Herdade do Ananás is a small hotel set on a pineapple plantation on São Miguel island. Enjoy elegant rooms, vintage furniture, breakfast with local produce, a fire circle, a spa in a pineapple greenhouse, complimentary bicycles, a farm-to-table restaurant and an organic vegetable garden. The hotel highly values sustainability, with eco-friendly practices like autonomous irrigation, rainwater collection, and reused furniture.

Quinta dos Peixes Falantes is a rural retreat nestled on the idyllic north coast of São Miguel Island. The estate offers two beautifully furnished studios and two cosy one-bedroom houses surrounded by a garden with a swimming pool. Breakfast is not included in the price, but it can be served upon request.