BAHIA PALACE

Fabulous hotel. It seemed it was pretty full but the whole experience was relaxing, never feeling busy or noisy. We could not find any faults with location, access, facilities, staff or food. Especially thankful for attentiveness and kindness when child came down with stomach flu, and we were consequently in the hotel room for much longer than planned - again always confortable and quiet for child to recover, while we were also promptly supported by the staff with whatever we needed. Very thankful for the amazing stewardship of the great place that is Azores that we experienced in the hotel and with the hotel staff, and we will surely be back.

This is a very nice hotel/resort. The staff is amazing. A great place for families, as you have the pool, spacious grounds, a billiards table & the Agua d' Alto beach right next door. Agua d' Alto (beach) is a surfing location, so it is very convenient for surfers (when the waves are working - which was unfortunately only 1 day while I was there). You are only about 10-15 minutes from Populo (another surf break) and about 25 minutes to the surfing beaches on the North Shore. So, for surfers, this is a good place to stay (I had three nice days up North & one at Agua d' Alto). The Agua d' Alto beach can also be flat, and the undertow isn't very strong, so it is a nice bathing beach if the surf is down. There is ziplining on the smaller beach next to Agua d' Alto, which was fun. The access to the highway is very close by, so it is easy to get out and about to explore the island (road-tripping in Sao Miguel is a must). Breakfast and dinner were included in my package, and they were very good. As a vegetarian, I found there were always options but would've liked a few more (not a game-changer for me, as there was always pasta, rice-based dishes, and salad). The rooms were nice. Everything was quiet at night, so it was easy to go to sleep (and I go to sleep early). The mattress was a little bit hard, but not a game-changer either. All in all, it was an excellent experience and worth the money (especially for families). I would 100% return to this hotel in the future.

If I had to summarize it in one word: magnificent! Sleeping with the door open to the sound of the waves, there is nothing more to add ❤️ Special mention to the hotel staff, reception, restaurant; everyone is extremely kind. Wonderful stay Van Goidsenhoven family