4 Best Hotels in São Miguel, The Azores

Inside a country home built in the late 19th century, this solar-powered adults-only boutique property with a minimalist Scandinavian design aesthetic features Europe’s largest gin library and sushi omakase using fresh Atlantic fish. Owners Ali and Caroline turned a rundown house into a sustainable property, with three guest rooms and one apartment in the main house and four cottages with kitchenettes on the grounds. Another cottage houses the Gin Library, featuring more than 2,000 bottles of gin; it also contains a hidden speakeasy with an omakase dinner on select nights. The owners also started the Ocean Azores Foundation to support marine conservation; a portion of each night’s rate goes to the foundation.

The decor at this aptly named grand hotel overlooking the marina was inspired by the Insulana Navegação shipping company, which sailed between Lisbon, Madeira, the Azores, and the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries; elegant guest rooms and public areas featuring shipping photos and maps further evoke the nautical theme. Some of the comfortable rooms include balconies with water views; bathrooms feature wood details and brass fittings. The sophisticated bar serves lunch and dinner, while dinner is available in the Balcony restaurant. Guests have access to a small gym and a large-sized indoor swimming pool, and can stroll along the waterfront to the center of town.

Located about halfway between Ponta Delgada and Furnas, this expansive hotel close to the charming village of Vila Franca do Campo is chock-full of amenities, including tennis courts, a playground, and an outdoor pool area, to name a few. It sits right on one of the nicest beaches in São Miguel, Praia de Áqua d’Alta. A tad old-fashioned, the spacious guest rooms offer ocean or garden views; all include private balconies. The outdoor pool, though not heated, has a pool bar offering drinks, plus the restaurant includes an outdoor terrace where guests can dine all day long.

An interesting blend of a rustic farmhouse setting and contemporary furnishings, this unique boutique hotel created out of several 17th-century buildings hosts artists for five months out of the year, with the wonderful results displayed throughout the property. Three apartments and three slightly larger lofts are located in the former tea factory at the bottom of the hill, while two lofts are a short drive or hike up to the top of the hill, near the owner’s house; though all differ in design, many have beamed ceilings and fireplaces, and all have their own kitchens. For a small fee, a hearty breakfast in a basket is delivered directly to your room.