rachelpick
Google
Furnas Lake Forest Living is the perfect place to stay when you visit Sao Miguel—especially for travelers seeking a good balance of comfort and independence.||First, the location is absolutely to die for—convenience-wise, it’s right across from the lake and from Mata Jardim Jose do Canto, and a very short drive from the town of Furnas proper. Beauty-wise, you feel like you are being embraced by the forest when you stay here. The grounds are just so lovely and peaceful, even on the Azores’ more foggy days.||Second, the room I stayed in (Oak studio) was excellent. It even had a little kitchen, which I was not expecting and was a very welcome bonus. It feels more like staying in a small apartment than a hotel room—even though the extremely lovely and helpful staff are just around the corner and happy to bring you anything you need. For example, I always find the mattresses abroad to be hard and tough on my back, and the staff made up my bed with an extra mattress topper and blankets to increase the softness :)||Third, the food is incredible. The dinner was the best meal I had the whole time I was on the island, and the breakfasts offer a ton of variety. I would love a recipe for that banana jam! ||There were so many nice touches—like the little arrangements of greenery and flowers pruned from their grounds that they put in the rooms and all over the property, or the jars of green tea and butter cookies left in your room when you check in. ||After my stay at Furnas Lake, I spent two nights at Octant Furnas—a larger, “fancier” hotel with more amenities—and I honestly did not enjoy it half as much. The more resort-y vibe of Octant simply didn’t mesh nearly as well with the feeling of the Azores and of the island. ||Sao Miguel is a unique destination that requires a unique hotel. Furnas Lake’s eco-conscious focus, coupled with its exceptional hospitality, is the answer. I really felt like a special guest on someone’s beautiful estate, and in fact almost like an old friend. I hope to be back someday!