Every so often, a hotel comes along that perfectly blends beauty, personality and style in one eclectic package. On Portugal’s lush São Miguel Island, Senhora da Rosa, Tradition & Nature Hotel invites guests to experience a hotel unlike any other; one that celebrates the beauty and tradition of this magical place.
As an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, one can’t be blamed for neglecting the charms of Portugal’s Azores. The islands are characterized by their dramatic landscapes, sleepy fishing villages, and tropical flora. Amid this riot of beauty, Senhora da Rosa, Tradition & Nature Hotel fits in seamlessly.
Set on seven acres, this former farmhouse has been converted to a colorful and memorable boutique hotel. It brims with unique features such as a pineapple greenhouse (with a heated plunge pool), a lush forest, and interior design at one with nature. A green commitment informs many of the design decisions at the estate, with 60 per cent of power usage coming from 220 photovoltaic panels and 20 solar panels spread around the grounds. There are also three composting areas, heat pumps and rainwater tanks for watering the verdant grounds.
The estate features 35 generously sized guest accommodations, each with balconies overlooking the flowers and greenery. Nature is proudly displayed within each room, headlined by a wall-sized nature photograph by local Azorean photographers. It’s a look that’s both bold and contemporary, with family heirlooms in the common areas adding a charming, homespun feel. Try to secure one of the garden cabins, an accommodation experience modeled on the old cafuões (grain storehouses) of 19th-century farms.
Chef Duarte Rodrigues helms Senhora da Rosa’s dining experience, Magma. The fare celebrates the best of Azorean dining, building a menu on local produce, greens from the hotel’s extensive gardens, and other treats from island producers. The result is a love letter to the island’s cuisine, and plenty of must-try Azorean recipes. Enjoy amazing sunset views from Mirante Rooftop Bar, the perfect place to awaken your tastebuds while experiencing a live DJ during the summer months.
Musgo, the estate’s stunning spa, boasts everything one needs to switch off and unwind. Eighty per cent of treatments consist of essential oils made from seasonal ingredients found on the farm or island. The ample treatment rooms, steam bath, sauna, yoga and Pilates facilities provide the perfect venue for relaxation.
