Azores luxury hotels? We’ll admit the Azores, an archipelago of volcanic islands off the coast of Portugal, are not necessarily the first place travelers think of when searching for luxury hotels or stylish European vacation spots. Traditionally, luxury accommodation in Europe meant chic hotels in the south of France and glamorous villas along the Italian coastline. But now, luxury includes staying in understated, design forward digs located in gorgeous locations where nature is pristine and crowds are few. Keep reading for our list of the best Azores luxury hotels – all with incredible design and style but with none of the hype. You can also read more about luxury activities and restaurants.
CONTEMPORARY LUXURY HOTELS IN PONTA DELGADA CITY CENTER
Azor Hotel This sleek, luxurious hotel is located in the center of Ponta Delgada, the main city in the Azores. There are amazing harbor views and a fantastic on-site restaurant that hosts an over-the-top breakfast buffet. If it’s sunny, you can go for a dip in the rooftop pool and dry off at the bar or by lounging on the sun beds overlooking the city. There is a responsive and friendly 24-hour front desk and on-site babysitting. Stay here for urban luxury in the center of the Azores.
Grand Hotel Having recently undergone a full refurbishment, the Grand Hotel is cozy, filled with historical maritime pieces, and colored in hues of gold and olive green. The lobby is filled with historic maps, antique scuba diving equipment and ship flags. The rooms have stellar views of the Ponta Delgada harbor and the breakfast bar is legendary. The indoor pool is tranquil and a great spot to relax. The pool space is quiet and the walls are lined with wood (almost like a sauna).
THE BEST AZORES LUXURY HOTELS WITH NATURAL HOT SPRINGS
Furnas Boutique Hotel A hip design hotel in Furnas with stylishly decorated rooms and easy-going staff. The hotel has sleek thermal pools and divine spa services. The hotel is a short walk from the Furnas town center and our favorite Furnas hot springs, Dona Beija. For nightlife, there is a trendy on-site bar and delicious, contemporary restaurant. We recommend renting a car for your stay as the hotel is on the east side of the island, about a 40 minute drive from Ponta Delgada. Stay here for hip luxury in lush nature and best access to hot springs.
THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS WITH OCEAN VIEWS
White Azores One of our favorite ocean view hotels on the island, White Azores is all about minimalist luxury. The design is pared down, with tones of gray, white and warm wood accents. There is an infinity pool, fire pit and cozy restaurant on site. The outside deck has stunning ocean views and clean breeze. Many of the rooms have balconies. Stay here for zen and peaceful luxury. We recommend renting a car for your stay as White Azores is just outside the main city, a 10 minute drive from Ponta Delgada.
WHERE TO STAY IF YOU WANT LUXURY ON A BEACH
Santa Barbara Eco Resort One of the most dramatic hotels on the island, perched on a cliff above a sandy beach and cobalt blue ocean waves, perfect for surfing. There is an in-season beach cafe with fabulous, easy cocktails and a small surf school. An infinity pool overlooks the beach and there is an understated year-round restaurant with large glass windows next to the pool. Stay here for the best marine luxury experience in the Azores. Oh, and we recommend renting a car for your stay. The hotel is on the north side of the island, about a 15 minute drive from Ponta Delgada.
THE BEST AZORES HOTEL WITH BOTANICAL GARDENS
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel Set among acres of lush, manicured gardens and quiet ponds, the Terra Nostra is the perfect spot for anyone who appreciates horticulture. Spend hours exploring the gardens or relax in the thermal pools. Guests have their choice of intimate, small pools hidden in the foliage or the grand pool, best for people watching. The hotel is filled with retro style furnishings and makes the best coffees and fresh pineapple juices. An idea spot for green thumbs.
THE BEST AZORES LUXURY HOTELS: HOTEL FOR RELAXING
Sul Villas & Spa Spacious and peaceful hotel overlooking the ocean in Lagoa (town just outside Ponta Delgada) with a sleek outdoor infinity pool and amazing views of the blue ocean. Big lawn overlooking the water perfect for yoga, stretching and meditation. We love the rooms with private jacuzzis and modern kitchenettes. Zen on-site spa offers aromatherapy and chromotherapy. And don’t miss their steam and sauna rooms!
THE BEST AZORES LUXURY APARTMENTS
Azores Luxury Rentals Newly renovated luxury apartments steps from the city center and amazing restaurants. Enjoy high ceilings, local handmade tiles and furniture, volcanic arches and an an amazing garden filled with avocado, fig, and guava trees. Full disclosure: these apartments are owned by Travel Honey co-founder. They are unrelated to Travel Honey, but see link for discount opportunities to Travel Honey offerings.
THE BEST LUXURY HOTEL FOR FAMILIES IN THE AZORES
Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa Sleek and understated (family friendly!) resort perched overlooking the ocean with a gorgeous infinity pool and extensive spa facilities. Walk down to a rugged, rocky beach or jump in the car to explore the island as hotel is centrally located and a great base to explore the rest of island. Rooms are understated and peaceful. But most important, this hotel also has a kids playground, babysitting, board games/puzzles, indoor play area, family size guest rooms, and a big, flat grassy lawn for the kids to run around.
THE BEST LUXURY HOTEL FOR MAKING EVERYONE HAPPY
Hotel Verde Mar Located on the beach in Ribera Grande (just a 20 minute drive from Ponta Delgada) you’ll find one of Sao Miguel’s newest hotels. It’s sleek, easy, minimalist and five stars. Traveling as a couple or extended family or friends? This place will make everyone happy. It’s serene and comfortable. There’s a spacious outdoor pool, serene indoor pool, sauna, hot tub and gym. Beds are feather soft and rooms have warm, wooden decor. Staff are friendly and food is top notch.
So there you have it, our top Azores luxury hotels on the island of São Miguel. We recommend splitting your time between two or three of these hotels during your time on the island: do 2 to 3 nights at the Azor or Grand hotel in the main city, 2 nights by the beach (we love White Azores and Santa Barbara Eco Resort) and 1 to 2 nights inland, at the Furnas Boutique Hotel or Terra Nostra Garden Hotel. Prices at the hotels are very reasonable and vary by season. The Azores are the perfect spot for design forward luxury which is bohemian, authentic and barefoot, so move over St. Tropez 😉
Want more hotel and lodging recommendations? Then check out the Travel Honey Sao Miguel Hotel and Lodging Guide where we’ve reviewed 35+ other accommodations (luxury, lean and everything in between) on the island.