Sensi Azores Nature and Spa: A Farmhouse Transformation -

The infinity pool at Sensi Azores Nature and Spa

BY JARED DILLINGHAM

SENSI AZORES NATURE AND SPA: SAO MIGUEL, PORTUGAL

Sensi Azores Nature and Spa is a one-of-a-kind resort on the west coast of São Miguel Island, off the coast of Portugal.

The owners lovingly and tastefully restored an old 19th Century Azorean farm into what is now a stunning retreat. I stayed in the stables! More on that … and the owners’ beautiful dogs later 🙂

Jared Dillingham with the dogs at Sensi Azores Nature and Spa

➡️ Click to Book: Sensi Azores Nature and Spa

Jared Dillingham at Sensi Azores Nature and Spa

Where is Sensi Azores Nature and Spa?

Sensi is surrounded by rural farmland on the western coast of São Miguel, which is the largest island in the Azores.

For reference, a flight from Lisbon to São Miguel’s airport in Ponta Delgada is a bit longer than two hours. Direct flights from Boston or New York’s JFK are around six hours across the Atlantic Ocean.

The Story Behind Sensi Azores

The owners of Sensi Azores, Theresa and Miguel Urbano, lived an urban life in Lisbon. Miguel was an attorney, and Theresa worked in public relations. They also spent several years living and working in parts of Asia.

After they became “empty nesters,” they decided to begin a new adventure in the Azores.

In 2018, they sold everything in the city and purchased an old Azorean farm property. They quickly started turning it into an upscale resort on São Miguel.

Their aging golden retriever, Guga, has especially enjoyed his transition from city apartment life to retirement on the sprawling grassy grounds of the property. Now 13, he’s still energetic enough to play with his much younger brother, Mico.

Owners Teresa and Miguel Urbano at Sensi Azores

For me, there’s no better welcoming committee to any property or business than a pair of big, friendly dogs!

Sensi Azores Nature and Spa opened in 2020, just three months before the pandemic.

Despite the unpredictably terrible timing, Sensi has bounced back from its challenging start.

The Rooms at Sensi Azores Nature and Spa

There are 20 rooms and one villa on the property, which is nestled between fields a few hundred yards from the Atlantic Ocean.

The four main buildings which make-up Sensi Azores Nature and Spa include:

Casa Grande (the main house) with four guest rooms, plus reception and the restaurant/lounge area
The Villa
The spa and wellness center
The row of guest rooms around the courtyard (16 in all)

The room options vary. Some have partial ocean views. Some have a private pool. Some have the option of connecting to adjacent rooms.

The Villa, which was once used as the farm’s kitchen complex, is the most luxurious. It’s separated from the main house and other rooms. The space allowed the original farm staff to cook and smoke up the place without affecting the living quarters across the yard.

The Villa at Sensi Azores Nature and Spa

Known as “Villa Deluxe,” it comes with a living room, kitchenette, a bedroom/bathroom, and private garden. You can spread out over 650 square feet.

The owners of Sensi were forbidden from altering the shape of the building, for historic preservation purposes.

Several guest rooms are in the main house on the property. They’re listed as: the Casa Grande Garden Room, the Casa Grande Top Rooms and the Atlantic Master Room.

Casa Grande Garden: 240 square feet
Casa Grande Top: 215 square feet
Atlantic Master: 430 square feet

The old farm stables are now home to several different guest rooms, known as: the Atlantic Exclusive Rooms, South Exclusive Rooms, Atlantic Rooms and Arch Rooms.

Atlantic Exclusive: 430 square feet
South Exclusive: 300 square feet
Atlantic: 270 square feet
Arch: 335 square feet

The rooms each have private patios, and several have small plunging pools, with views looking out onto the surrounding farmland. It’s incredible to think these stone walls once housed animals in stables!

Patio and plunge pool at Sensi Azores Nature and Spa

I love the tall ceilings and bright, spacious living spaces. You’ll notice some of the design is influenced by the owners’ years in Asia.

The bathrooms at Sensi Azores are bright and airy, too. Our dirty hiking clothes didn’t really fit into the decor!

In this photo, you can see the floor-to-ceiling window in the shower, which overlooks the patio, plunging pool, and farmland outside.

Room Rates at Sensi Azores

Prices fluctuate based on demand, day of the week, month of the year, etc, as is the case with any hotel.

Generally, guests will pay the highest room rates at Sensi Azores in July and August, when prices can get into the $500 per night range at peak demand.

During the shoulder season months of May and September, you can often find rates around $300 per night.

Nightly prices dip into the low $100s during the off-season in November and December. That’s an amazing deal!

➡️ Click to Book: Sensi Azores Nature and Spa

The Gardens at Sensi Azores

Sensi Azore’s gardens are tranquil and relaxing. A view of the Atlantic Ocean is never more than a few steps away. The stone and wood in the buildings blend organically into their surroundings.

The infinity pool is a main attraction. The water is kept in the mid-70s (Fahrenheit).

From the lounge chairs, the infinity edge seems to extend straight out into the ocean.

The courtyard at Sensi Azores Nature and Spa, which is surrounded by many of the rooms (formerly stables), has trees and a hammock to relax in.

Courtyard and old stables at Sensi Azores

Plus, many of the rooms around the courtyard have a beautiful dragon tree planted on their patios. The dragon tree is a protected species in the Azores.

Spa and Massage Services

Guests at Sensi Azores Nature and Spa can sign up for spa and massage treatments, either in-room or in one of the treatment rooms. Services include deep-tissue massages and hot stone massages.

The spa and wellness center includes a heated indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and massage rooms.

Indoor pool at Sensi Azores Nature and Spa

An indoor pool and sauna can be reserved for private timeslots each day. Use of the facilities come with the nightly rate.

Additional massage options include:

Hot Stone Massage: 135E
Future Mother Massage: 100E
Leg Massage: 80E
Deep Tissue Massage: 135E

A variety of facials are also available, for around 100E.

By the way, during the property’s days as a farm, the spa area was the staff’s living quarters, or the caretaker’s house. It’s quite a transformation!

Explore Sites Nearby

The western part of São Miguel is home to beautiful natural wonders, courtesy of the island’s volcanic origins.

Sete Cidades Lakes – 12km
Ferraria Hot Springs – 5km
Mosteiros – 10km

You’re a few minutes away from plunging into the natural thermal pool on a rocky beach, known as Ferraria. Just make sure to go when it’s not high tide!

Things to do at Sensi

The staff at Sensi Azores Nature and Spa can help organize any of these activities for you (weather-dependent):

Picnic basket
Hiking
Horseback riding
Fishing
Whale and dolphin watching
Biking
Canyoning
Surf lessons
Visit the handmade crockery factory

Sensi Azores Nature and Spa pool and garden

Food and Amenities at Sensi Azores

You don’t have to leave the property at all during your stay at Sensi, if your goal is complete relaxation.

Food at Sensi Azores

The restaurant and lounge are in the main house, and used for breakfast and dinner.

Restaurant at Sensi Azores Nature and Spa

The lounge has beautiful natural light all day, plus sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The bar is open each night until 11:00pm, and includes a menu with smaller meals and snacks to order from the kitchen.

The restaurant area is used for breakfast and dinner. Reservations are requested for dinner.

The breakfast is served from 8:00am to 11:00am.

It’s a multi-course continental breakfast, with coffees, fruits, local breads and cheeses.

An omelet was a nice addition to our breakfast.

The modern-day restaurant and lounge areas were where the farm family lived and gathered together years ago.

Jared Dillingham at Sensi Azores with owner Teresa Urbano

Restaurants Nearby

This is a rural part of the island, so restaurant choices are limited. Sunset Steve’s Bar on the beach in nearby Mosteiros is a tiny, well-known spot with no frills but nice views.

A few options nearby include:

Sao Nicolau – 13 min drive
Lagoa Azul – 14 min drive
Green Love – 14 min drive
O Americo – 12 min drive
Bar Casa do Povo – 13 min drive

Amenities

The undisputed best amenities offered at Sensi Azores Nature and Spa are the two beautiful golden retrievers who live on the property! I mean, come on:

Aside from the pups, guests can expect:

Daily housekeeping
Restaurant and bar/lounge
Indoor pool and outdoor pools
Breakfast
Private sauna and steam room (reserved for each room at different times)
Spa services and massages

Ginetes, Portugal

Ginetes is a small village nearby. It’s 17 kilometers west of the island’s capital, Ponta Delgada. The village is surrounded by lush green fields, rolling hills, and dramatic cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. It offers a tranquil and picturesque setting, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

One of the notable attractions near Ginetes is the Sete Cidades (Seven Cities), a volcanic crater that houses two stunning lakes: Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake). The lakes, known for their distinct colors, are a result of the high concentration of minerals in the water. Visitors can enjoy hiking or driving along the scenic viewpoints to admire the breathtaking vistas.

Additionally, Ginetes is surrounded by a rich agricultural landscape. The village is known for its green pastures and dairy farming. The local cheese, known as Queijo de São Miguel, is a popular specialty of the region.