Terra Nostra Garden Hotel

Set in a beautiful 200-year-old garden that spans 31 acres, the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel offers a gorgeous, tranquil retreat in atmospheric surroundings. The upscale vibe coupled with a lush setting makes for a relaxing and refreshing getaway, and the property's focus on wellness means that many guests come here to recharge. Opened in 1935, the hotel is composed of two buildings: the original Art Deco Wing and the Garden Wing that was later added in the 1990s. Interiors are sleek and stylish, with an Art Deco and modernist feel to the chic spaces. Decor favors neutral hues as well as sleek wooden furnishings and wooden details like floors and wall panelling. Large windows overlooking the lushness outside can have a calming effect. The atmospheric interiors coupled with the stunning gardens makes for a memorable experience and encourages many guests to return.

The hotel is located in Furnas Valley on São Miguel Island, an area famous for its thermal baths. The property is set within the gorgeous Terra Nostra Botanical Park, which spans 31 acres of beautiful gardens that are dotted with ponds and streams, and feature a rich variety of plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees, including rare species. There's a geothermal pool in the gardens that's free for guests to use, plus guests can visit Poça da Dona Beija, another pool site that's a 10-minute walk away. The Lagoa das Furnas is another popular nearby destination that's also home to thermal pools, and it's about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. There are several restaurants within walking distance of the property, though a car is advised to explore the island further. Ponte Delgada Airport is about a 45-minute drive from the hotel.

Like the rest of the property, guest rooms feature a chic Art Deco style. A tasteful color palette of calming neutral hues is paired with sleek wooden furniture, including small desks and night stands. Suites add living room areas with seating. Framed botanical prints adorn the walls as a stylish nod to the garden setting, and some rooms have lovely sepia-toned photo murals that also depict botanical details. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, electronic safes, telephones, and free Wi-Fi. Sliding glass doors open onto private furnished balconies, which fill the spaces with natural light; most have lovely views over the gardens, but some overlook the street.

Bathrooms are sleek and modern, outfitted with walk-in rainfall showers and magnifying mirrors. Suites feature soaking tubs and separate walk-in rainfall showers. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided in all rooms. 

Beyond the magnificent Terra Nostra Botanical Park that the hotel is set in (guests get free admission), one of the highlights here is the garden's geothermic pool. Though it's yellowish color might be off-putting, guests enjoy soaking in the warm, healing waters (temperatures range from 95 to 104 degrees) that are rich in minerals. There are also two outdoor thermal water whirlpools, as well as a lovely indoor pool that's surrounded by chic padded loungers. Other wellness features include a fitness room, but it's small and only offers a handful of machines. There are sauna and steam baths, as well as a spa offering a range of treatments.

The on-site restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves Azorean fare, including a furnas cozido experience, a traditional meal that's cooked underground with natural volcanic heat from the hot springs. Breakfast is included in the room rates and hot items are made-to-order. There's also a bar. Some guests have noted that the restaurant is pricey for lunch and dinner.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there's a business center for guests' use. There are also some meeting and event space that's available to rent. Parking is free on-site.