White Azores
SÃO MIGUEL / HOTEL / WATCHLIST
First opened in 2017, clifftop hotel White Azores was a pioneer in barefoot, luxurious travel in Portugal’s Azores archipelago, one of the most magical island collectives in the world. Recently re-opened after closing for a winter of much-anticipated renovations by designer Daniela Franceschini of Quiet Studios, the previously all whitewashed floors, driftwood & macrame have been exchanged for a deeper sense of place & connection.
The monochrome palette is a clever contrast against the deep blue hues of the surrounding landscape; shades of white, the namesake of this hideaway, are merged with slate grey & black, seen in design details like the black infinity pool which not only fits with the new volcanic aura but also makes the heated water warmer. Materials are natural with a holistic edge; shower tiles are made of basalt while furniture & finishings are made on the island using a native wood called cryptomeria which is rumoured to have healing properties.
Set amongst a backdrop of the Atlantic & the mountainscapes of São Miguel yet sheltered from the elements, Franceschini & White’s owners João & Catarina Reis have poured their souls into ensuring that the hotel is now connected on a deeper level than ever before to the volcanic island. Together they have cultivated a strong point of view through artisanal details & a soft style that oozes calm & quietude. Island perfection.
Room Service
Location: São Miguel Island, Azores.
Price: From 250€ per night.
Sleeps: There are only 10 bedrooms so you can revel in the silence & isolated atmosphere of the place, dipping in & out of company when you need it.
Highlights: The service is write-home-about top, but relaxed, personalized & friendly.
Wellness: There’s no spa as such but the wellness area is located in a beautiful freestanding pavilion at the far end of the grounds, from here your company is solely the sound of the ocean as the resident therapist works his magic. Book in for signature therapies (volcanic hot stone treatment, herb-infused relaxation massage) or alternative body treatments. Yoga classes & personal training are also available.
Food Culture: A triumph of local flavour, farm-to-table fare grown in the volcanic soils beyond the property with views as colourful as the dishes that grace the tables. The menu focuses on produce from the hotel’s extensive farm along with locally fresh-caught fish & prime Azorean beef. Think Azorean hake with pil-pil herb sauce or grilled periwinkles & vegetables from the farm.
Designed by Daniela Franceschini.
Photography by Francisco Nogueira.
The Neighbourhood: The historic centre of Ponta Delgada is nearby & the hotel is a short drive away from the airport & the nearest beaches. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted with an intricate, design-led map of the island’s best secret spots, handpicked by the owners. Excursions to most of them are also available to explore the awe-inspiring magnitude of São Miguel.
The Map
White Azores is located on São Miguel Island, one of the Azores’ nine Atlantic islands, only a two-hour flight from Lisbon. Fly to São Miguel Island & use the ferry system to island-hop while you’re there.
Other Azores Stays…
Adega do Fogo / Home / Ilha do Pico
Lava Homes / Guesthouse / Ilha do Pico
Azores Wine Company / Hotel / Ilha do Pico