Furnas Lake Villas
sao miguel, the azores
THE PERSONALITIES
Nature lovers. Eco travellers. Lovers, families and friends looking for unique and remote corners of the world.
MOMENTS
Greenery, hot springs and lagoons. Craters and volcanoes. Panoramic views of the forest. Serenity and peace.
BEST VISITING MONTHS
June to September.
COST
WHY STAY
Furnas Lake Villas is a boutique retreat in São Miguel, the biggest island in the Portuguese Azores archipelago, surrounded by gardens, mountains, and forests in a volcanic basin that is Furnas.
The 13 modern villas are built with local Japanese cedar wood, and sit on low concrete pillars over a man-made pond. The minimal Scandinavian design is complimented with neutral colours, floor-to-ceiling windows, a self-catering kitchen, and a fireplace. Stay in one of four Oak Studios or one of eight Japanese Villas, covered with locally grown wood called ‘cryptomeria’ (meaning ´hidden parts´). Alternatively, choose the Chestnut House - a traditional house with a large private porch.
Furnas Lake Villas are the perfect base to start and end your Azores adventure. Enjoy the property’s many hiking trails, the lake, fruit gardens, and the swimming pool. Fall asleep to complete silence.
WHY WANDER
São Miguel is known for its lakes, volcanoes and rich marine life. Hike to Vista do Rei or Miradouro da Boca do Inferno viewpoints for a 360-degree nature experience. See the infamous twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, one green and one blue. Spot Rasa and Santiago lagoons, as well as Sete Cidades crater, formed 22,000 years ago. Bike along the lagoon or kayak across the lake. Hike inside a dormant volcano crater. Visit the Furnas hot springs (Caldeiras). Swim in Ponta da Ferraria, a geo-thermal natural spring, surrounded by lava rocks. If visiting between April and June, go whale watching. Hike through Ribeira dos Caldeirões - home to some of the best waterfalls on the island. At last, make sure to sunbath at Vila Franca Islet - famous for the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.
INDULGE IN
Try Cozido das Furnas - a meat and vegetable stew cooked in the ground by a hot spring.
GETTING THERE
Furnas Lake Villas is a 35 minute drive from the airport. Rent a car and get ready to explore.
*Photos property of Furnas Lake Villas