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Expand your horizons, open your heart and ignite your spirit as you explore the lush, green paradise of Sao Miguel Island in the Azores
From the beautiful volcanic beaches of the Atlantic Ocean to geothermal baths and spectacular crater lakes, this wellness adventure blends yoga and meditation with hiking, cultural activities, sight-seeing and a whale watching expedition, to create a uniquely crafted conscious travel experience - all in the magnificent island of Sao Miguel in The Azores Portugal.
Recharge and restore with yoga, meditation and breathwork
Embark on a unique sensorial journey through the ancestral power of the famous Furnas thermal spring waters
Breathe in the vast pristine landscapes and wander through historic, charming fishing villages
Wonder at awe-inspiring, breathtaking views from scenic overlooks
Hike through lush, green vegetation, bubbling brooks, and moderate inclines
Dine on Cozido ~ a unique local dish steam cooked in geothermal fumaroles
Connect with like-hearted, conscious travelers who share a love of wellness and nature
THE PLACE
The Azores is the perfect place to reconnect with you inner-wisdom, while soaking in the pristine natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Take a journey through lush, unspoiled Azores, with vivid landscapes, green pastures and crystal blue waters, that will expand your horizons and lead you deeper into your heart. This is an opportunity to be fully liberated from everyday distractions, so you can release the blocked energies of the past few years, and reignite your passion, strengthen your physical health & vitality and connect with the healing properties of nature.
Sometimes referred to as the lost civilization of Atlantis, the islands of The Azores maintain an Old-World European charm with architecture and villages dating back to the 1450s. Sao Miguel island is special with its own distinctive charm and offers breathtaking coastlines, spectacular cliffs, quiet valleys and enchanting crater lakes.
Whether you prefer to rest and recharge through meditation, massage or yoga, a leisurely walk along the unspoiled trails and coastlines, a more challenging hike up Pico Mountain; or, for the more adventurous; canyoning, surfing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, or snorkeling into hidden grottos…there is something for everyone in the Azores.
ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL SANTA BARBARA ECO-RESORT
Eco-Chic Luxury Resort on the Atlantic Coast
Not just another hotel, but a dream given form by João Reis, an entrepreneur and enthusiastic surfer, who realized a vision on the northern coast of São Miguel. It began from a passion: a passion for the dark, sandy beach that bears its name; for the mysterious blue waters of the Atlantic; and mystic green pastures and forested-mountains of Ribeira Grande.
The compound is dominated by a huge saltwater pool with submerged stone lounges and a manicured patio that provide views of the ocean that promise to relax and delight. Nearby, the wooden deck, which was built on top of the cliff overlooking the beach, is the perfect place to have a massage, while relaxing to the sound of the waves, wind and seabirds. Individual patios with thatch parasols provide personal spaces for meditation, leisure and peace.
FURNAS BOUTIQUE HOTEL & THERMAL SPA
Modern Design & Nature Inspired Whimsy
Secluded and serene, Furnas Boutique Hotel offers sharp and chic design with minimalist rooms and an extensive spa. After a day's exploring, enjoy delicious Azorean cuisine in the hotel's stylish restaurant.
The eastern town of Furnas is famous for it’s geothermal pools and therapeutic springs, and the Boutique Hotel’s wellness centre and thermal spa is the perfect location to relax and unwind. The hotel has indoor and outdoor thermal swimming pools, a shirodhara, hammam and hydro massage centre, sauna and gym.
Since opening in 2015, the hotel’s A Terra Fornaria restaurant has built up quite a reputation across the island. producing imaginative and simply-prepared dishes which allow the organic, locally-sourced ingredients to shine.
The interior décor of the restaurant and spa is the work of celebrated Portuguese designer Nini Andrade Silva – nature-inspired whimsical touches which echo Furnas’ natural beauty.
THE JOURNEY
8-Day Itinerary
Day1
Arrive Ponta Delgada – Sao Miguel Island
Ponta Delgada
Upon arrival at Ponta Delgada João Paulo II Airport (PDL), you’ll be met by a member of our team and transferred to your beachside, luxury accommodation at the Hotel Santa Barbara Eco-Resort. You’ll have time to settle in and take in the spectacular volcanic sand beach at the hotel's doorstep before meeting the group for a welcome ceremony, and dinner at a local Portuguese restaurant.
Day 2
Yoga | Tour To Lagoa Do Fogo
You’ll wake up with our first invigorating morning yoga practice by the sea, and have a leisurely breakfast before heading out to explore the surrounding area.
Our first stop is the small, charming village of Ribeira Seca, where you’ll visit an historic fountain and take in the local, baroque architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries. There will be free time for lunch on your own, before heading to Caldeira Velha park and then onto the breathtaking crater lake of Lagoa do Fogo with sweeping views of the entire island of Sao Miguel.
The afternoon will be spent back at the hotel with time for spa treatments, self-reflection and dinner on your own. Finally, experience a relaxing Yoga Nidra session before turning in for the night.
Day3
Yoga | Tour Sete Cidades
Crater Sete Cidades
Wake up with a heart-centered morning yoga practice and meditation followed by breakfast at the hotel.
Today we’ll explore the most western part of the island where the mountains and lagoon of the Seven Cities are located. A short stop will be made at the viewpoint of Vista do Rei, one of the most important panoramic views of the island. Photos will not do it justice while you look down into the famous lagoon, asleep inside a huge volcanic crater.
The tour continues with a visit to the village of the Sete Cidades, an authentic portrait of rural Micaelense - and then onto a visit to the pineapple plantation where you’ll learn the peculiar way this tropical fruit is grown in the Azores. Enjoy an optional tasting of the unique and famous pineapple liqueur before returning to the hotel.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax on the beach or indulge in spa treatments. After dinner on your own, we’ll meet back for a restorative Yoga Nidra session.
Day 4
Yoga | Whale and Dolphin Watching|Lunch at Vila Franco de Campo
This morning, you’ll have an early morning yoga practice before breakfast. Afterwards we’ll head to Ponta Delgada to meet our skipper. We’ll search for whales and dolphins while viewing this treasure of an island from the sea.
We’ll make a stop at the small paradise of Vila Franca do Campo for a group lunch and then back on board for a brief ride to the Ilhéu, where you may swim in the beautiful bay.
Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure with calming Yoga Nidra session before bed.
Day 5
Yoga | Jeep Tour To Furnas & Thermal Bath
Terra Nostra Park
Start your day with an awakening yoga session and breakfast by the sea. After checking out of the hotel, we’ll head to Furnas Valley, which is inserted in one of the three active central volcanoes of San Miguel island. At the heart of the town is a crater lake surrounded by smoking fumaroles, where you’ll witness the local “cozido” dish being cooked by the heat of the earth —- and then dine on this local favorite for lunch.
On the west bank of Furnas Lagoon is the Chapel of Our Lady of Victories, which offers an impressive example of the Neo-Gothic style, unique throughout the archipelago.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the volcano boilers and the village. The next stop is Terra Nostra Park, a bicentennial garden with unique species and a splendid geothermal pool, where you’ll be invited to take a soak in the healing waters.
After arrival at the Furnas Boutique Hotel Thermal & Spa you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the hotel amenities.
Day6
Yoga & Free Day for Wellness Treatments or Adventure Expeditions
After enjoying an invigorating morning yoga practice and breakfast, the day is yours to spend at leisure. If you decide to explore on your own or shop in town, the hotel can accommodate reserving a taxi for you.
Several expeditions are available for an extra cost: Swimming with Dolphins, Scuba Diving, Fishing, Mountain Biking, Golf, Fitness Courses, Kayaking, Surfing, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding and more.
Should you wish to stay on property, wellness activities are endless, including a spa and thermal springs with iron water, an outdoor thermal pool, an indoor dynamic thermal pool, active thermal circuits, massage, body and face treatments, reflexology, a “Floatbed,” a whirlpool, a sauna, a Turkish bath, and a fitness center.
We’ll meet back as a group after dinner for a calming Yoga Nidra session.
Day 7
Yoga| Hike and Picnic at Waterfalls
After yoga and breakfast, we’ll meet our guide for a hike through the countryside and several quaint fishing communities.
We head to the charming village of Faial da Terra. Discover the abandoned village of Sanguinho, as we go in search of waterfalls. We will take some time to rest and chat over a picnic lunch and perhaps take a swim in the cool spring water.
After our hiking excursion, head back to relax on the beach or at the spa, before our group dinner; an interactive, traditional Azorean cooking experience. Afterwards we’ll have a closing ceremony and time to reflect and share about our experiences.
Day8
Ponta Delgada
Today we’ll have our last yoga practice before leaving the Azores and time to integrate and process the journey.
Have breakfast at the hotel and some time to relax before your transport to the airport.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
7-Nights Luxury Accomodation
Opening & Closing Dinner & Ceremonies
Daily Yoga Practice
Yoga Nidra & Guided Meditation
Whale and Dolphin Watching Expedition
Jeep Tour to Furnas & Thermal Bath
Local Culinary Cooking Experience
Guided Hike
Entrance Fees and Tastings
Round Trip Airport Transfer
7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Also available for an extra fee: Canyoning • Swimming with Dolphins • Diving • Fishing• Mountain biking • Golf • Kayaking • Surfing • Paddle Surfing • Massage • Spa Treatments
Other Services:
Transfers and tours with English-Speaking driver & guide
Road tolls, Taxes, VAT
Not Included:
Meals not mentioned in the program
Tips for guide and driver- the value of the tip is up to the client
Personal expenses
International airfare, travel insurance, taxes and fees
