The Best Resorts in the Azores

Overlooking the black-sand beach of Santa Barbara – at the northern coast of the island of São Miguel – you are invited to enjoy a tranquil stay in complete harmony with the natural coastal landscape in one of the resort’s studios or villas. The grand saltwater pool invites you to relax, as do the thoughtfully crafted personal spaces for meditation, leisure, and peace.

Built atop a cliff that faces onto the Atlantic Ocean, this resort at São Miguel island boasts photo-worthy views. Wellness services at the in-house Thalissispa include a signature massage with hot Azorean stones. The Batalha golf course is a short distance from the resort, as are numerous walking trails and the city centre of Ponta Delgada.

Found amid lush gardens with views of the mighty Atlantic, this haven consists of six volcanic stone houses on the Azorean island of Pico. A variety of accommodation types – from suites and studios to standard hotel rooms – caters to every type of traveller. Work up an appetite exploring the unspoiled coastline, then head to the restaurant to tuck into dishes that combine modern cooking with the flavours of the Azores.

This resort is in the city of Horta on Faial Island, near the city centre and the marina. On the extensive grounds, you’ll find everything needed for an active wellness getaway – a gym, sauna, and Turkish bath, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, as well as volleyball and tennis courts. Ocean and mountain views from the restaurant provide the perfect backdrop for a rejuvenating stay.

In the historic centre of Ribeira Grande on São Miguel, the Quinta consists of three villas with a private garden – and a common area with a swimming pool, a wood oven and a great viewpoint for sunset-watching. Though you could pass many idyllic days surrounded by the plants and fruit trees, an array of activities awaits the more active traveller – such as horse riding, whale- and bird-watching, hiking, and surfing lessons.

At this sybaritic resort, follow a yoga class in the morning with a session in the rock-heated sauna or an indulgent massage. Spend the afternoon on the volcanic black sand beach next to the hotel, swimming and relaxing by the outdoor pool or scuba diving with professional instructors – there’s no shortage of experiences and amenities for you at this luxurious spot on the south coast of the island of São Miguel.

“Relaxed, cool and unpretentious” is how this resort describes its laid-back vibe. Located on the south coast of the island of São Miguel – located 8.6m (14km) from Ponta Delgada – it offers you private ocean access. The resort’s in-house tourism, car rental services and 24-hour reception take any unnecessary planning out of your hands. Just sit back and enjoy the sea and mountain views, best seen from the room balcony or the outdoor swimming pools.

Sustainable housing sits in harmony with the environment and the local population at this intentionally crafted eco-lodge on the island of Terceira – which also offers long stays for digital nomads. The six lodges and the rustic gathering house are connected through relaxation areas, a vegetable garden and a red pool surrounded by woods. Each space is decorated with original art pieces from female Azorean contemporary artists.

This four-star hotel on the island of São Miguel offers direct beach access and views over the Atlantic Ocean. If you don’t feel like swimming laps in the freshwater pool, you might want to wander around the expansive garden and visit a chapel from the 17th century. After all these activities, it’s time to book an appointment in the Magic Spa for a massage or a relaxing sauna session.