‘God created the world and on the seventh day rested… then, inspired… made Azores’
– Miguel Damião
The Retreat
Of the islands that make up the Azores archipelago, São Miguel is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. Its heavenly beaches and lush vegetation have earned it the nickname “the Hawaii of Europe.” Home to volcanoes, whales and thermal baths, the island teems with vivid waterfalls, birds and a labyrinth of lakes and canyons. Immerse yourself in Nature and feel its healing powers during a week of outdoor excursions, yoga classes, spa treatments and more.
Yoga
Yoga practice will be offered on all mornings before breakfast. Classes outdoors when weather permits. On some evenings, a gentle stretch and meditation class will will be offered. Appropriate for beginning and intermediate level students, classes emphasize the wisdom in honoring your strengths and limitations and to be grateful for all that your body can do. All classes are taught by Lisa Hampton.
Sete Cidades and Lagoa de Fogo
Lagoa Sete Cidades (Lake of the Seven Cities) is a captivating landscape consisting of two environmentally different lakes connected by a narrow straight, with one lake being green and the other blue. There is a sweet legend about the forbidden love of a green-eyed princess and the blue-eyed shepherd boy whose tears formed the twin lakes.
Lagoa de Fogo is in the crater of a dormant volcano with green volcanic walls filled with lush vegetation contrasting with the clear blue water of the lake, making it one of the most beautiful places in the Azores.
Furnas Valley
The entire Furnas Valley is a giant volcanic crater which last erupted in 1630. The volcano is now dormant but you can still feel it everywhere in the form of thermal pools, steam holes and hot springs. Today Furnas is a lush, charming and serene spot on the eastern side of the island.
Terra Nostra Garden and Thermal Park
With its exotic botanical gardens, geothermal heated pools and an award winning hotel nestled within, Terra Nostra Garden is the crown jewel of Furnas. This romantic-style garden was built in the 18th and 19th centuries with magnificent views and a variety of exotic vegetation. The hot springs are naturally at a steady temperature of 95-104°F. Visitors can wander the many footpaths, lawns, pools and fountains of the 12.5 hectares of gardens and forest.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Discover and admire the magnificent south coast of São Miguel watching whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The Azores is one of the largest whale sanctuaries in the world. Our private boat tour will be a highlight with a mixture of fun and adventure and in the company of a professional team of skippers and biologists. Enjoy lunch in Vila Franca do Campo and then a visit to the beautiful Nossa Senhora da Paz with views of the ‘Princess Ring.’
Ponta Delgada
As the capitol city of the Azores archipelago, Ponta Delgada may be small, but it’s very charming and feels like a mini version of Lisbon. Cobbled narrow streets lined with colorful houses, traditional-style churches, and unique tile patterns on the pavements and city squares are quintessentionally Portuguese.
São Miguel, Azores
Immerse yourself in Nature
Two Retreats Offered
| Date | June 14 – 21, 2025 (sold out – waitlist only) | ||
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| HOTELS | Senhora da Rosa, A Tradition and Nature Hotel Terra Nostra Garden Hotel | ||
| Cost (per person) | $4,150 shared deluxe/superior room + $800 single room | ||
 Senhora da Rosa Nature Hotel  Terra Nostra Garden Hotel | |||
All rooms have en-suite baths. Beds can be configured into twin beds or a queen/king. Senhora da Rosa Nature Hotel Terra Nostra Garden Hotel | |||
| Deposit | $900 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot (zelle, check, cash) | ||
| Balance | $900 due on January 14, 2025 and the balance is due March 14, 2025. If registering after March 14, full payment is due at that time. | ||
| Register | [email protected] | ||
| CanceLlation Policy | No refunds will be issued for the deposit. No refunds for the balance will be issued after January 14, 2025 unless your spot can be filled with someone from the waiting list. | ||
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| Optional Excursions |
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| Does Not Include |
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| Travel | Saturdays are travel days and there is no programming | ||
| Airports: Ponta Delgada is the closest airport | |||
| Travel Insurance | For your own protection, you must have adequate travel insurance. You are solely responsible for ensuring that you are adequately insured for the full duration of the retreat with respect to possible illness, injury, death, loss of baggage and personal items, cancellation and curtailment, or any other potential loss. You may consider plans from allianz, travelinsured.com, insuremytrip.com, or any other option provided by your credit card, airline or travel company. Also note that your health insurance may not provide coverage internationally. Check with your provider and consider additional coverage if necessary. | ||
| More Information | Registrants will receive more detailed information including itinerary, travel tips and much more. | ||
| “And if travel is like love, it is, in the end, mostly because it’s a heightened sense of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end.” ― Pico Iyer, Why We Travel |
The Hotels
Senhora da Rosa Tradition and Nature Hotel is a converted farmhouse that bears the fruits of its peaceful, private São Miguel location. There are eco-friendly Azores-made products in the bathrooms, a heated plunge pool in the pineapple greenhouse, rooms decked out with local crafts, and a restaurant characterised by warming, home-cooked dishes. You’re a short walk from the beach, a short drive from the mountains, and just a few steps to the forest.
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel is nestled in one of the World’s best “Green Retreats,” as deemed by Condé Nast Traveler – the 18th century Terra Nostra Garden. The most awarded hotel in the Azores, it opened in 1935 and has the same charming aura after a complete makeover inspired in Art Deco style sprinkled with contemporary elements. Relax in the peaceful oasis of their new wellness area with an indoor swimming pool and spa. The biggest perk is that you are on the sight of arguably the most beautiful Garden in the Azores and the most famous spa on the island.
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