Ginetes, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
A restored Azorean farmhouse on São Miguel's protected Atlantic coast. Private plunge pools, volcanic terroir cuisine, and views to the Sete Cidades caldera.
Stone walls from the original farmhouse still frame every room. The former stable holds the Atlantic Deluxe suites. An old outdoor oven anchors the Villa's kitchenette. Eight room types spread across the property, each with a private heated plunge pool or deck facing the Atlantic. No neighbouring houses stand in any direction, only gardens, volcanic terrain, and the Sete Cidades mountain on the horizon.
SENSI calls itself a retreat in the middle of the Atlantic, and the isolation is real. The property sits in a protected area above Ginetes on São Miguel's western coast. Over 20 curated experiences connect guests to the island, from sailboat runs past Ilhéu dos Mosteiros to horseback rides through the western highlands. The farmhouse restoration preserved the original soul of the place. What changed is what happens inside it.
Sailboats depart from the coast for Ilhéu de Vila Franca and Ilhéu dos Mosteiros. A four-person charter starts at 420 euros. Horseback riding crosses the western landscapes of São Miguel, suitable for beginners and experienced riders. Quad tours follow off-road island paths from 70 euros. Catch-and-release sport fishing charters head into open Atlantic waters.
SENSI curates over 20 experiences across water, earth, and workshops. Activities run through local partners who know the island deeply. Families, adventure seekers, and sport enthusiasts each find routes matched to their pace. The hotel arranges everything from the front desk.
Explore additional experiences in the surrounding area.
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Straight-line distance from hotel: 3.5 km directThis protected habitat and species management area around Lagoa do Congro operates under the Parque Natural da Ilha de São Miguel. It is continuously protected and managed since its designation in 2008.
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Straight-line distance from hotel: 6.2 km directThis marine protected area is managed by Parque Natural da Ilha de São Miguel and aims to conserve habitats and species around Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo. It is open at all hours and holds a protect class 4.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 9.2 km directThe Reserva Natural da Lagoa do Fogo is a highly protected natural reserve managed by Parque Natural da Ilha de São Miguel since 2008. It allows access at any time and holds protection class 1b.
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Straight-line distance from hotel: 12 km directThe Monumento Natural da Caldeira Velha is a protected natural monument managed by Parque Natural da Ilha de São Miguel since 2008. It is open 24/7 with a protection class 3.
Route length: 2.1km loopEstimated time: 29minLoop routeParque da Grená is a park that requires an entry fee and has seasonally adjusted opening hours ranging from 09:30 to 17:30 or 18:30. It is also accessible online through its official website, offering a well-maintained natural space for visitors.
Route length: 12.4km routeEstimated time: 57minThis route is a cycling trail named [CIMA PR14] Barrosa * Ribeira Grande. It features an elevation ascent of 906 meters and covers a distance of 12.35 kilometers, forming part of the local cycle network.
Route length: 11.4km routeEstimated time: 53minThe [CIMA PR14] Barrosa * Lagoa is a cycling route with a total distance of 11.4 km. It features an ascent of 911 meters and is part of the local cycling network (lcn). The route is operated by CIMA and has an mtb scale of 268, indicating a specific difficulty or classification level.
Route length: 1.2km linearEstimated time: 16minLinear routePR32SMI is a hiking track characterized by a sett surface, which can be rough due to its bad smoothness rating. The track is classified as grade 4, indicating a low standard suitable for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Route length: 1.8km linearEstimated time: 23minLinear routeCaminho dos Lameiros is a compacted track road suitable for hiking. The highway tag indicates it is a designated track route in the area.
Route length: 2.2km linearEstimated time: 29minLinear routeCaminho dos Paus Brancos ou Serrado da Quebrada is a compacted track road. It is tagged as a highway track, making it suitable for hiking activities.
Vegetables grow in volcanic soil on local farms. Fish arrives daily from the Atlantic waters surrounding the Azores. The kitchen builds every plate around Azorean terroir, using organic and permaculture-inspired ingredients from island partners. Nothing is wasted.
Nicole Cabral leads the food and beverage programme. At the bar, José Maria Dias crafts cocktails and mocktails inspired by the sea and sunset. Atlantic Deluxe and South Deluxe guests can book private al fresco dinners on their decks, plates arriving as the light drops over the ocean. Each ingredient tells a story of the Azores.
The spa centres on a hamman, a dry sauna, and a heated indoor pool. Treatment rooms handle everything from Deep Balance full-body massage to Ayurvedic bodywork, Atlantic Ocean massage, body scrubs, and oil treatments. Therapists also come to guest rooms.
Atlantic Deluxe and South Deluxe suites each have a private heated plunge pool on the deck. An outdoor pool sits among the gardens. Relaxation and well-being are absolute priorities at SENSI. The setting does half the work, with open Atlantic views from every warm pool and the quiet of a property with no neighbours in sight.
SENSI's approach to sustainability lives in its kitchen. Local farmers and chefs work together to source organic, permaculture-inspired ingredients from São Miguel's volcanic soil. The daily fish catch comes from surrounding Atlantic waters. No ingredient is wasted.
Sport fishing excursions follow a strict catch-and-release policy. Everything caught returns to the sea. The culinary philosophy honours the Azorean terroir while prioritising the well-being of both the island's ecosystems and guests who eat from them.
SENSI Azores Nature & SPA offers 4 accommodation types.
Villa
Converted from a former outdoor kitchen and old oven, this standalone villa features a private garden, sea views from the bedroom and kitchen, and Sete Cidades mountain views from the living room and bathroom. Includes a fully equipped kitchenette and…
Atlantic Deluxe
Located in a building that was once a stable, these 3 individually distinct rooms share magnificent views of the countryside and sea. Each has its own private heated plunge pool and large private deck suitable for outdoor massages and al…
South Deluxe
Spacious rooms facing a wild garden to the south, each with a large private deck and heated plunge pool. Suitable for outdoor massages and al fresco private dinners.
Atlantic
Rooms with direct views of the countryside and sea, featuring private decks suitable for outdoor massages and al fresco private dinners.
Sleep surrounded by the Atlantic in a restored Azorean farmhouse. Private plunge pools, volcanic terroir dining, no neighbours.
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