São Miguel wears its volcanic origins gracefully. Crater rims are covered in deep green forest, still lakes fill ancient calderas and hydrangeas line country roads. Once you reach Furnas, the earth reveals its true nature. Steam rises from the ground, mineral-rich water bubbles up from below and volcanic heat is even used to slow-cook the island’s traditional cozido.

It makes exploring wonderfully unpredictable. Walk the rim of Sete Cidades with its lakes far below, follow forest trails to waterfalls or climb towards the wild landscapes around Lagoa do Fogo. Beyond all that green, the Atlantic is ever present, opening up days of swimming, coastal walks and time out on the water watching for whales.

Wellness comes straight from the landscape here. Sink into warm geothermal pools surrounded by vegetation, walk until your legs are satisfyingly tired or retreat to a spa with nature still close by. You don’t just look at the landscape here; you get right amongst it.