Fodor's Expert Review Sensi Azores Nature & Spa

Tucked away on São Miguel’s less-trafficked west coast, this quiet boutique hotel in a lovingly restored farmhouse with endless ocean views and a peaceful garden courtyard makes a supremely restful place to stay. Soothing neutral-toned guest rooms are located either in the main building or the former stable, plus one separate villa; some have stone patios and private heated plunge pools. Breakfasts are brought to your table (no buffet here!), and MôMô Restaurant serves up seasonal Azorean cuisine for lunch and dinner. You may want to follow a swim in the heated indoor pool with a cold plunge in the unheated outdoor pool, before hitting the sauna and steam room. The hotel can arrange activities such as whale watching, horseback riding, guided hikes, or kayaking at nearby Lagoa das Sete Cidades.