Azores: São Miguel
Portugal
Choosing nature over skyscrapers have never felt this good. In all of us there is a desire for slowing down just for a week and replace our daily yoga routine with a real retreat; fresh air, forests, ocean and hiking. Only a place where peace and sustainability comes from within can give you the ultimate luxury of a real retreat. Wondering where to find all these at once? Let us guide you! Until recently, not many of us were able to pin immediately right on the map when hearing the word “Azores”. Yet the growing number of air routes and the cheaper fairs made it a lot easier to reach this pure Eden, we call it. Still far away from crowded tourism it is hard to imagine a place better suited to nature and adventure seekers, yet for those who are in need of a break and wish to immerse in the sustainable way of living. Though the island is not at all one-track, you'll find the only tea plantation of Europe, pineapple ranches, and great remarks of contemporary architecture too besides the wonders of nature.
Azores: Pink house
Portugal
Pink color is indeed having its heyday as do rural destinations. How about combining the two? Only a few kilometers away from the capital of the oh-so-coveted island, São Miguel, Azores you’ll be able to enjoy both at the very same time. Built in 2017, the Pink House is juxtaposing traditional architecture with the contemporary vision of Mezzo Atelier in a way that it reflects nothing but smooth harmony. Joana Oliveira who happened to be one of the founders of the Atelier and whose family owns Pink House as well envisioned a wide open space with full of natural light that spread over two floors. The architectural project has also involved local artisans into the production process of custom-made furniture and objects. Therefore the ethereal scope is filled with local artisan pieces, and a delicate mix of modern and mid-century furnishing. The whole place is balancing the fine line between the traditional and the modern. Upon our stay we have experienced the warmest welcome in a cozy atmosphere that felt like (a dream) home. The upper floor is the so-called social space that includes the kitchen as well and has the full height of the roof so it feels rather airy. From the kitchen there is access to a terrace situated on top of the smaller ground floor house. By the way kitchen, our breakfast was literally delivered in style; a flowery basket filled with home-made goods and seasonal fruits from the wonderful garden. We could enjoy the beauty and calmness of the gardens, orchards, lawns and inner woods throughout our stay. There is around two-hectares of land to explore, including a huge swimming pool. Peak season travelers have the upper edge! Whether you are opting for the main house (accommodates five to seven people) or the studio (accommodates three) you are going to have one of you best quarters experience ever. In the meanwhile, read our interview with Joana about her creative vision in terms of redesigning an old barn and adapting it into the Pink House; one of the coolest nest we have ever visited.
Azores: White Exclusive Suites & Villas
Portugal
Are you dreaming of a real retreat accompanied with laidback luxury? We might have found the ultimate rural getaway for you. Stepping feet in the magnificent work of Mother Nature - the land of the thousand-shades-of-green, São Miguel, Azores - after a couple of hours in the air no one can wish for a greater nest than the White Exclusive Suites & Villas. Located on the south coast of the island of São Miguel (only a fifteen-minutes-drive from the airport) right by the Atlantic Ocean, the White used to be two 18th-century summer houses. History has it that it belonged to a winery at the time. The resort has been flawlessly renovated to a house of nine suites and one villa, yet you’ll still be able to see the old house parts incorporated in the new design. The whitewashed modern look of the White is mixing typical Azorean architecture with a Greek influence. Opened last summer, the manor has all the retreat facilities one craves to indulge in. Ready to take a look around?