Terra Nostra Garden Hotel

Second time, with 2 smaller rooms this time instead of suite, but all the same exceptional experience! Top service and attitude, great and comfortable rooms with lovely balconies, excellent and locally infused breakfast, great diners with superb service, wide choice of local wines and local dishes, from classics to new ideas. All tasty, and new sushi restaurant was perfect too. The hotel reminds me Belmond properties, and I'm not clear why it is claimed as 4 star only - as it is much more superior than their sister flagship Grand Hotel Atlantico in Ponda Delgada, and certainly amongst most sought after places to stay at Sao Miguel. Will come back.

The whole experience was first class. We got an upgraded room which was spacious and comfortable, overlooking the magnificent botanical gardens. Every morning and evening we could walk across the little bridge to soak in the natural hot pools. The breakfast buffet was a highlight, the Gardener Bar served beautiful light meals, tea and cake etc, an evening meal in the restaurant is a fabulous culinary experience.

This hotel is simply amazing. We got offered an upgrade to a Suite. When we arrived to our room we had a basket of goodies waiting for us: 2 eye masks, a basket of fruit, water bottles, sweets. The hotel is simply beautiful. Every afternoon we were surprised by little gifts waiting for us in our room: chocolate bonbons or a brownie. The natural hot spring swimming pool open 24/7 is the best thing you can wish for. We loved to go for swims after dinner when it was cold at night and watch the stars. We had dinner twice in the hotel and the food was delicious. I would recommend the "cozido" soup, the lighter and more interesting version of the typical "cozido" – a meat dish cooked underground with the steam from the hot springs. We had a marvellous stay.

Everything was perfect. We booked this hotel as a treat at the end of our trip around the islands and it did not disappoint. When we arrived we were upgraded to a garden room with balcony which was wonderful. The bed was huge and very comfortable. The staff were so attentive. Breakfast was incredible. Every food you could possibly want. We even got a breakfast box to take to the airport as we had to check out very early on our last day. We loved the indoor pool when it was raining and obviously spent a lot of time in the gardens. This was a very relaxing few days before we had to fly home.

The hotel’s garden and thermal pools are very special, and guests can use them 24/7! We went for a dip at 6am and had it all to ourselves. An unforgettable experience. We got a room upgrade since we were celebrating a special occasion. The restaurant is an old school high quality food high number of well trained staff and very formal. We really enjoyed the dining experience. Check in was fast and friendly. Nothing was a problem for the staff. Parking was very convenient.